U.S. patent application number 13/846937 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for burner assembly with crescent shuttered airplate.
This patent application is currently assigned to PROFIRE ENERGY, INC. The applicant listed for this patent is PROFIRE ENERGY, INC. Invention is credited to MELVIN HAL PARKS.
Application Number | 20130280664 13/846937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49380426 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130280664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARKS; MELVIN HAL |
October 24, 2013 |
BURNER ASSEMBLY WITH CRESCENT SHUTTERED AIRPLATE
Abstract
A burner assembly for an oil or gas dehydration system is
provided which allows for standard pilot access through the burner
assembly. The burner assembly includes an airplate system having a
crescent shaped shutter plate.
Inventors: |
PARKS; MELVIN HAL; (PLEASANT
GROVE, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PROFIRE ENERGY, INC |
Lindon |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PROFIRE ENERGY, INC
LINDON
UT
|
Family ID: |
49380426 |
Appl. No.: |
13/846937 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61635297 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/285 ;
29/890.02; 431/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 9/00 20130101; Y10T
29/49348 20150115; F23D 14/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/285 ;
431/354; 29/890.02 |
International
Class: |
F23D 14/22 20060101
F23D014/22; F23Q 9/00 20060101 F23Q009/00 |
Claims
1. A burner assembly providing for adjustable airflow and pilot
access comprising: an airplate assembly including a circular
airplate having a plurality of openings for passage of air and a
shutter plate having a plurality of openings for passage of air,
wherein the shutter plate is adjustably positioned adjacent to the
circular airplate so that a plurality of openings in the airplate
assembly created by an overlap of the plurality of openings in the
circular airplate and the plurality of openings in the shutter
plate may be adjusted to increase or decrease a dimension of said
plurality of openings in the airplate assembly by rotating the
shutter plate with respect to the circulate airplate; a burner
unit, including a main burner mixer, an inspirator tube, and a
burner nozzle, wherein the burner unit is positioned substantially
perpendicular to the airplate assembly and wherein the main burner
mixer is disposed on a first side of the airplate assembly and the
burner nozzle is disposed on a second side of the airplate assembly
and wherein the burner unit extends through the airplate assembly;
and a pilot assembly, including a pilot nozzle, wherein the pilot
assembly is positioned substantially parallel to the burner unit
and the pilot assembly extends through an opening in the airplate
assembly so that the pilot nozzle is disposed adjacent to the
burner nozzle; wherein the shutter plate is configured in a
substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to be
disposed through the airplate assembly at an angle substantially
parallel to the burner unit.
2. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter plate is
comprised of a heat resistant material.
3. The burner assembly of claim 2, wherein the heat resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and
ceramic.
4. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the airplate is
comprised of a heat resistant material.
5. The burner assembly of claim 4, wherein the heat resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and
ceramic.
6. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 250
degrees and about 265 degrees.
7. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 270
degrees and about 315 degrees.
8. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 185
degrees and about 245 degrees.
9. The burner assembly of claim 1, wherein the shutter plate
further comprises at least one finger-like member extending from at
least one end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter
plate.
10. An airplate system providing for adjustable airflow and pilot
access for a burner assembly comprising: a circular airplate having
a plurality of openings for passage of air; a shutter plate having
a plurality of openings for passage of air; and a hub plate
configured with an opening in the hub plate to permit disposing a
pilot assembly through the hub plate; wherein the shutter plate is
adjustably positioned adjacent to the circular airplate between the
hub plate and the airplate so that a plurality of airplate assembly
openings are created by an overlap of the plurality of openings in
the circular airplate and the plurality of openings in the shutter
plate and so that the plurality of airplate assembly openings may
be adjusted to increase or decrease a dimension of said plurality
of airplate openings by rotating the shutter plate with respect to
the circulate airplate; and wherein the shutter plate is configured
in a substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to
be disposed through the airplate assembly at a substantially
perpendicular angle to the airplate.
11. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 250
degrees and about 265 degrees.
12. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 270
degrees and about 315 degrees.
13. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the crescent shape of
the shutter plate is comprised of an arch of between about 185
degrees and about 245 degrees.
14. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the shutter plate is
comprised of a heat resistant material.
15. The airplate system of claim 14, wherein the heat resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and
ceramic.
16. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the airplate is
comprised of a heat resistant material.
17. The airplate system of claim 16, wherein the heat resistant
material is selected from the group consisting of steel, alloy, and
ceramic.
18. The airplate system of claim 10, further comprising a pilot
assembly wherein the pilot assembly is positioned substantially
perpendicular to the airplate and the pilot assembly extends
through an opening in the airplate assembly and through an opening
between a first end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the
shutter plate and a second end of the arch forming the crescent
shape of the shutter plate.
19. The airplate system of claim 10, wherein the shutter plate
further comprises at least one finger-like member extending from at
least one end of an arch forming the crescent shape of the shutter
plate.
20. A method of installing a burner assembly providing for
adjustable airflow and pilot access comprising: selecting an
airplate assembly including a circular airplate having a plurality
of openings for passage of air and a shutter plate having a
plurality of openings for passage of air, wherein the shutter plate
is adjustably positioned adjacent to the circular airplate so that
a plurality of openings in the airplate assembly created by an
overlap of the plurality of openings in the circular airplate and
the plurality of openings in the shutter plate may be adjusted to
increase or decrease a dimension of said plurality of openings in
the airplate assembly by rotating the shutter plate with respect to
the circulate airplate and wherein the shutter plate is configured
in a substantially crescent shape to permit the pilot assembly to
be disposed through the airplate assembly at an angle substantially
parallel to a burner unit; selecting a burner unit, including a
main burner mixer, an inspirator tube, and a burner nozzle;
selecting a pilot assembly, including a pilot mixer and a pilot
nozzle; disposing the burner unit substantially perpendicular to
the airplate assembly so that the main burner mixer is disposed on
a first side of the airplate assembly and the burner nozzle is
disposed on a second side of the airplate assembly and wherein the
burner unit extends through the airplate assembly; disposing the
pilot assembly substantially parallel to the burner unit so that
the pilot assembly extends through an opening in the airplate
assembly and so that the pilot nozzle is disposed adjacent to the
burner nozzle; and securing the airplate assembly, the burner unit,
and the pilot assembly in a flame arrestor housing.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/635,297, filed on Apr.
19, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to burner assemblies used in
firetubes. More specifically, the present invention relates to
burner assemblies having a shuttered airplate for controlling
airflow to a flame that heats air blown through a firetube, which
acts as a heating element to heat oil and gas within an oil or gas
vessel at an oil or gas well site.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oil and gas tanks, or vessels, are commonly placed at or
near oil and gas wells where the oil, gas or other hydrocarbons are
extracted from beneath the earth's surface. The hydrocarbons may be
stored or undergo preliminary refinement in a vessel near the well
site after being extracted from the oil or gas well. Hydrocarbons
exiting the well commonly include a component of water. The water
component is generally not desirable in the end product and must
eventually be removed as part of the refining process.
[0004] One method of removing water from oil or gas after
extraction from the wells is dehydration. This may be accomplished
by heating the hydrocarbons within vessels located at or near the
well site. The heating process may be accomplished using a firetube
protruding through the vessel through which hot air may be
blown.
[0005] Near one end of the firetube, where the tube enters the
vessel, is a burner assembly. At the other end of the firetube is
an exhaust stack. An airplate may be used to control airflow to a
combustion source or burner in the burner assembly where a flame
burns to heat air that is blown through the firetube. There is
generally at least one firetube and one burner assembly for each
oil or gas vessel.
[0006] The burner assembly and airplate are important components of
the oil/gas dehydration process because they may be used to manage
combustion efficiency of the flame used to heat air blown through
the heating element that extends into the oil or gas vessel.
[0007] The combustion efficiency is important for a number of
reasons. For example, as combustion efficiency increases, the cost
of heating the oil or gas in the vessels decreases. Also, during
the combustion process, byproducts such as carbon monoxide (CO),
nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2),
soot, and ash may be formed. These byproducts are regulated by the
EPA, which sets specific standards and regulations for the
emissions of these byproducts. The combustion efficiency may impact
the emission levels of such EPA regulated byproducts.
[0008] Combustion efficiency is optimal when all of the fuel and
all of the oxygen in the reaction chamber perfectly balance each
other out, e.g., when the Air-Fuel Ratio ("AFR") is optimal. The
AFR is affected by airflow into the combustion chamber, e.g.,
airflow to the flame. Since airflow into the combustion chamber may
be controlled at the burner assembly, the AFR may also be managed
at the burner assembly. In other words, combustion efficiency may
be managed by managing the AFR at the burner assembly.
[0009] The appropriate airflow for optimal combustion efficiency is
affected by the total airflow to a combustion source or chamber.
The airflow may affect several combustion efficiency factors,
including time, temperature, and air turbulence. If fuel is not
given sufficient time to burn, residual energy will remain in the
fuel. If the fuel is provided excessive time to burn, resulting
poor ADR creates long flames. Airflow may impact the amount of time
fuel has to burn. Increased air turbulence also improves combustion
efficiency as increased mixing of air and fuel within the
combustion chamber increases the interaction and thus reaction
between the air and the fuel.
[0010] Thus, increasing the air entering the combustion chamber
increases the fuel that is burned until it approaches complete
combustion. However, an excess amount of air entering the
combustion chamber causes heat losses which can reduce rate of
reaction and thus the amount of fuel being burned. Increased air
entering the combustion chamber may also reduce the ratio of CO
emissions.
[0011] By monitoring the temperature, CO levels, and other factors,
the amount of airflow needed for optimal combustion efficiency can
be gauged and then managed at the burner assembly using an airplate
to control the airflow and air turbulence.
[0012] By managing airflow at the burner assembly, airplates may
also help address other concerns within the firetube system. For
example, airflow within the firetube may affect gas pressure in the
exhaust stack, e.g., draft. This may be particularly important in a
natural draft system. Low draft pressures may cause build-up of
toxic gases (e.g., CO) or explosive gases. Such gas build-ups
within the system can pose a serious risk of injury or death. High
pressure drafts, on the other hand, may also be problematic by
creating excessive air turbulence in the system, which prevents
complete or efficient combustion. High draft pressures may also
damage the combustion chamber and heat exchanger material from
flame impingement. Thus, a burner and airplate assembly may be
important for managing draft pressure and reducing risks associated
with high and low pressure drafts.
[0013] Early burner assemblies commonly included a ventilated
disc-shaped airplate set into the firetube to control air flow.
Most early airplates were not adjustable. Later airplate models
provided for adjustable 360 degree disc-shaped shutter plates that
permitted airflow through the burner assembly to be modified. Most
contemporary burner assemblies continue to use a 360 degree
disc-shaped shutter for adjusting the burner assembly's airflow
settings.
[0014] While disc-shaped shutters of contemporary burner assemblies
have the advantage of being adjustable, they also have a number of
problems or disadvantages. One problem is that the 360 degree
disc-shaped shutters make it difficult to configure the burner
assembly to fit functionally within smaller diameter firetubes. The
challenges of configuring burner assemblies within smaller diameter
firetubes can make it economically less feasible to build smaller
oil or gas dehydration systems.
[0015] Another disadvantage of burner assemblies currently
available is that the 360 degree disc-shaped shutter plates
generally do not permit standard pilot access through the burner
assembly and airplate.
[0016] Furthermore, while burner assemblies with 360 degree
disc-shaped shutter plates may be adjustable, the range of airflow
settings may also be limited and difficult to adjust, which may
lead to increased inefficiencies in combustion and increased risks
of injury to personnel and the heat exchanger materials.
[0017] It is thus desirable to have a burner assembly having an
airplate system which permits economically configuring burner
assemblies for smaller diameter firetubes. It is also desirable to
have a burner assembly having an airplate system that allows
standard pilot access through the burner assembly and airplate. It
is also desirable to have a burner assembly having an airplate
system with improved adjustability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved burner assembly. It is another object of the present
invention to provide an improved airplate system having an
adjustable shutter plate. It is another object of the present
invention to provide an improved burner assembly and airplate
system that permits standard pilot access through the burner
assembly and airplate system.
[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a burner assembly
is provided that includes an airplate system configured to
economically permit placement within smaller diameter firetubes.
According to another aspect of the invention, a burner assembly is
provided having an airplate and system which allows for standard
pilot access through the burner assembly and the airplate system.
The airplate system components may be comprised of heat resistant
materials. The airplate system components may be comprised of
castable or machinable materials.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a burner
assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having an
adjustable shutter plate that is configured in a crescent shape.
("Crescent" as used herein refers to a shutter plate having a shape
or configuration that is substantially arched but consists of less
than a full 360 degree circle.) According to another aspect of the
invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate
system having an adjustable crescent shaped shutter plate wherein
the crescent-shaped shutter plate is configured adjacent to the
airplate in a manner to provide a greater range of
adjustability.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system having
an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein the crescent
shape of the shutter plate is between about 250 degrees and about
265 degrees. According to another aspect of the present invention,
a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate system
having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein the
crescent shape of the shutter plate is between about 270 degrees
and about 315 degrees. According to another aspect of the present
invention, a burner assembly is provided that includes an airplate
system having an adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate wherein
the crescent shape of the shutter plate is between about 185
degrees and about 245 degrees.
[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a combustion source such as a burner may be positioned adjacent to
the airplate and adjustable crescent-shaped shutter plate. The
burner assembly having an airplate system with an adjustable
crescent-shaped shutter plate may be installed in a firetube. In
accordance with another aspect of the invention, the burner
assembly and airplate system having an adjustable crescent-shaped
shutter plate may comprise part of an oil and gas dehydration
system.
[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, a method is
provided for installing a burner assembly configured with an
airplate system having a crescent shaped shutter plate for
adjusting airflow. In yet another aspect of the present invention,
a method is provided for adjusting the airflow in a burner
management system used for dehydration of hydrocarbons at an oil or
gas well site.
[0024] These and other aspects of the present invention are
realized in a burner assembly and airplate system as shown and
described in the following figures and related description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and
described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a cutaway perspective of oil or gas dehydration
system showing typical location of burner assembly within firetube
in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a burner
assembly and airplate system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an assembled view of an embodiment of a burner
assembly and airplate system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a partially assembled view of an embodiment of
a burner assembly and airplate system in accordance with the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an
airplate system in accordance with the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 6; shows an assembled view of an embodiment of an
airplate system in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by
the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various
aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is
not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the
invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are
presented to separately illustrate the various details of the
invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need
accomplish all advantages of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The invention and accompanying drawings will now be
discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of
various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the
scope of the appended claims.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 1, a cutaway view of a system for
dehydrating oil or gas is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a firetube 14
may extend into an oil or gas vessel 12 wherein the firetube 14 may
be configured in a U-shape. At a first end of the firetube, a
burner assembly 10 having an airplate system 56 (see FIGS. 5 and 6)
for controlling airflow may be positioned within a flame arrestor
housing of the firetube 14 on the outside of the vessel 12 near
where the firetube 14 enters the vessel 12. At a second end of the
firetube 14, where the firetube 14 exits the vessel 12, the
firetube 14 may be configured as an exhaust stack 16. Within the
vessel 12, the firetube 14 may be configured in a U-shape or a
series of U-shapes to increase exposure of the firetube 14, which
acts as a heating element, to hydrocarbons within the vessel
12.
[0035] A flame may be maintained at the burner assembly 10 for
heating air blown through the firetube 14. An airplate system 56
(see FIGS. 5 and 6) having an adjustable shutter plate 20 may be
used to manage airflow to the flame at the burner assembly 10 and
to manage airflow through the firetube 14.
[0036] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, exploded and assembled views
are respectively shown of a burner assembly 10 according to the
present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a burner assembly 10
in accordance with the present invention may include a burner
nozzle 30; a burner nipple 32; a hub plate assembly which may be
comprised of a hub plate 22, a coupling 24, and a pilot assembly
opening 50; an inspirator tube 34 or a compound injector tube 34; a
main burner mixer 52; a pilot assembly 54 (as also shown in FIG. 4)
which may be comprised of a pilot nozzle 36, a pilot nipple 38, a
pilot electrode 40, an electrode bushing 48, a pilot bracket 42
with threaded securing bolts 44, and pilot mixer 46; and an
airplate assembly 56 (as also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) which may be
comprised of an airplate 18, a crescent-shaped shutter plate 20,
the hub plate assembly, and airplate bolts 26a-g and flange nuts
28-a-g.
[0037] The airplate 18 and the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 of
the airplate assembly 56 have holes or slots for airflow, wherein
the shutter plate 20 may be positioned adjacent to airplate 18 and
be adjustably configured to permit more or less airflow through the
holes or slots in the airplate 18.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the airplate assembly 56 may be
assembled by positioning the crescent shaped shutter plate 20
between the airplate 18 and a first side of the hub plate assembly
and then securing the hub plate assembly to the airplate 18 so that
the crescent shaped shutter plate 20 is positioned between the
airplate 18 and a first side of the hub plate 22. The crescent
shaped shutter plate 20 may be adjustably held in position adjacent
to the airplate 18 using flange nuts 28a-g and airplate bolts 26a-g
which may be inserted through holes or recesses in the airplate 18
and the hub plate 22 and then tightened to adjustably secure the
crescent shaped shutter plate 20 between the airplate 18 and the
hub plate 22. The bolts may also be spot welded to the airplate. It
should be understood that the airplate assembly 56 components may
also be assembled using any methods or means available to one
skilled in the art.
[0039] By tightening and loosening the flange nuts, the shutter
plate 20 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the
holes or slots created by an overlap of the shutter plate 20 and
the airplate 18. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
means for positioning the shutter plate 20 adjacent to the airplate
18 will not be limited to flange nuts and bolts, but will include
any means known in the art for securing and adjusting the position
of the shutter plate 20 with respect to the airplate 18.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the airplate 18 may include an opening
in the center of the airplate 18 to permit access by the burner
nipple 32 through the airplate 18 so that the burner nipple may be
connected to the hub plate assembly. The airplate 18 may also
include a second opening disposed adjacent to the center opening of
the airplate to permit access by the pilot assembly 54 (see FIG. 4)
through the airplate 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the center opening and the adjacent second opening of
the airplate 18 may comprise a single keyhole-shaped opening in the
airplate 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, the hub plate assembly may
also include a pilot assembly opening 50 to permit access by the
pilot assembly 54 through the hub plate 22 and through the burner
assembly 10.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may
be substantially arch-shaped having a center opening to permit
access through the shutter plate 20 by a burner fuel conduit, such
as the burner nipple 32. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an opening between a first end of the arch that forms
the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 and a second end of the arch
that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may be coextensive
with the center opening of the shutter plate 20 so that said first
end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 and
said second end of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter
plate 20 are not joined at their end points. The opening between
the first and second ends of the arch that forms the
crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may permit access by the pilot
assembly 54 through the airplate assembly 56 and the burner
assembly 10 while also allowing the adjustability of a wide range
of airflow settings.
[0043] The first end or second end of the arch that forms the
crescent-shaped shutter plate 20 may also include a finger-like
extension. The finger-like extension may allow for greater
adjustability by providing additional shutter plate surface for
contact with flange nut for securing the shutter plate in a
setting.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
shutter plate 20 comprises a crescent shape of between about 250
degrees and about 265 degrees. According to another aspect of the
present invention, the crescent-shaped shutter plate comprises a
crescent shape of between about 270 degrees and about 314 degrees.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the
crescent-shaped shutter plate comprises a crescent shape of between
about 185 degrees and about 245 degrees. Of course, the number of
degrees defining the span of the arch forming the crescent-shaped
shutter plate is not limited by the preferred embodiment.
[0045] Having assembled the airplate assembly 56, the burner
assembly 10 may be further assembled by putting together a burner
unit or burner part of the burner assembly 10, which may include
threading a first end of the burner nipple 32 into an opening in
the center of the coupling 24 on the first side of the hub plate
22, threading a first end of the burner nozzle 30 onto a second end
of the burner nipple 32, and threading a first end of the
inspirator tube 34 into the opening in the center of the coupling
24 on a second side of the hub plate 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4,
the burner nipple 32, the coupling 24, the burner nozzle 30, the
inspirator tube 34, and main burner mixer 52, may each be
configured with threaded fittings to permit connecting them as
described herein. It should be understood that the airplate
assembly 56 components may also be assembled using any methods or
means available to one skilled in the art.
[0046] The main burner mixer 52 may be disposed on a second end of
the inspirator tube 34 by threading or welding it onto the second
end of the inspirator tube 34 or the main burner mixer 52 may form
an integrated component of the inspirator tube 23 as a singularly
cast body.
[0047] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the burner assembly provides for standard pilot access, wherein a
pilot for igniting the combustion source may be positioned adjacent
to the airplate 18 and/or adjacent to the burner nozzle 30. The
pilot assembly 54 may be assembled by threading the pilot nozzle 36
onto a first end of the pilot nipple 38; inserting a second end of
the pilot nipple 38 through a first opening in the pilot bracket 42
adjacent to the threaded securing bolts 44; threading the pilot
mixer 46 onto the second end of the pilot nipple 38, securing the
second end of pilot nipple 38 in the pilot bracket 42 by tightening
the threaded securing bolts 44; securing the pilot electrode 40 to
the pilot bracket 42 so that the pilot electrode is adjacent and
substantially parallel to the pilot nipple 38 and further
configuring the pilot electrode 40 so that a pilot ignition end 40a
of the pilot electrode 40 is adjacent to the pilot nozzle 36 by
extending an electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40
through a second opening in the pilot bracket 42 on a first side of
the pilot bracket 42 and then inserting the electrical source end
40b of the pilot electrode through an outer threaded end of the
electrode bushing 48 and threading the electrode bushing into a
second side of the pilot bracket 42 until tight.
[0048] The electrical source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40 may
also be secured in the pilot bracket 42 by extending the electrical
source end 40b of the pilot electrode 40 through the electrode
bushing 48 before extending the pilot electrode through the pilot
bracket 42 so that the electrode bushing may be threaded into the
second opening of the pilot bracket 42 on the first side of the
pilot bracket 42.
[0049] The pilot nozzle 36, pilot nipple 32, threaded securing
bolts 44, pilot mixer 46, pilot bracket 42, pilot electrode 40, and
electrode bushing 48, may each be configured with threading to
permit connecting their threaded fittings as described herein. It
should be understood that the pilot assembly 54 components may also
be assembled using any methods or means available to one skilled in
the art.
[0050] The pilot assembly 54 may be disposed in the burner assembly
10 by extending the pilot assembly through the pilot assembly
opening 50 in the hub plate 22, between the first and second ends
of the arch that forms the crescent-shaped shutter plate 20, and
through the pilot opening in the airplate 18, and configuring the
pilot assembly 54 so that the pilot assembly 54 is positioned
substantially parallel to the inspirator tube 34 and the burner
nipple 32 and so that the pilot nozzle 36 is held in a position
adjacent to burner nozzle 30 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] Increased adjustability of the airflow is thus provided
while concurrently providing for pilot assembly 54 access through
the burner assembly 10. The airflow through the airplate 18 may be
managed by adjusting the size of the holes or slots created by the
overlap of the holes or slots of the airplate 18 and the shutter
plate 20. The airflow space may be increased or decreased by
changing the position of the shutter plate 20 with respect to the
airplate 18. The shutter plate 20 may be adjusted by rotating the
shutter plate 20 clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the
airplate 18 so that the holes or slots increase or decrease in
size. The flange nuts 28a-g may be loosened to permit the shutter
plate 20 to be rotated or the flange nuts may be tightened to
secure the shutter plate 20 in a selected position.
[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
airplate 18 may be made of metal, steel, alloy, ceramic, or other
materials that can withstand high temperatures or are heat
resistant. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
shutter plate 20 may be made of metal, steel, alloy, ceramic, or
other materials that can withstand high temperatures or are heat
resistant. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
airplate 18 and shutter plate 20 may be made of a castable or
machinable material. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
the materials comprising the airplate and shutter plate are not be
limited to metal, steel, alloy, or ceramic, but will include any
materials known in the art to withstand the temperatures to which
the airplate or shutter plate may be exposed.
[0053] FIGS. 3 through 6 provide additional perspectives of
embodiments according to the present invention. As can be seen from
the Figures, the crescent shape of the shutter plate 20 provides
several advantages when assembling the burner assembly 10 and
airplate assembly 56 and in the functioning of the burner assembly
10 and airplate assembly 56 once assembled.
[0054] The crescent shape of the shutter plate 20 permits the
shutter plate 20 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with
respect to the airplate 18 without being substantially impeded by
the pilot assembly 54. The crescent shape of the shutter plate may
also allow for a wide range in the number of holes or slots
available for airflow through the airplate 18 while providing a
burner assembly configuration with adjustable airflow. Thus, the
crescent shaped shutter plate 20 allows the airplate assembly 56 to
be configured with an optimal balance between the available space
for airflow and the available range of adjustability of the airflow
space.
[0055] The burner assembly 10 may be installed in an oil or gas
dehydration system as shown in FIG. 1 by disposing the burner
assembly in a flame arrestor housing adjacent to the end of the
firetube where the firetube enters the vessel 12. The burner
assembly may be secured in the flame arrestor housing by securing
the main burner mixer to a first end of a threaded pipe hub using
threaded nipple or pipe fittings between the burner mixer and the
threaded pipe hub. The pipe hub may be secured to the flame
arrestor housing by welding the pipe hub to a side of the flame
arrestor housing. Fuel for operating the burner assembly may be
delivered to the burner assembly through fuel pipes connected to
the threaded pipe hub at a second end of the threaded pipe hub.
[0056] The present invention provides several additional benefits.
The present invention may provide a burner assembly 10 with
standard pilot access. The present invention may also allow for
improved management of airflow by the airplate assembly 56. The
present invention may also facilitate configuring a burner assembly
10 for smaller diameter firetubes.
[0057] There is thus disclosed an improved burner assembly 10
having an airplate assembly 56 with a crescent-shaped shutter plate
20. It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the
present invention without departing from the scope of the
claims.
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