Heater Recirculation Pattern Analysis and Burner Spacing Optimization

Paper from the AFRC 2015 conference titled Heater Recirculation Pattern Analysis and Burner Spacing Optimization

It has been conjectured that recirculation patterns in a given heater, which determine appropriate burner spacing, might be consistent across different types of burners. To date there have been no definitive publications to validate or disprove this theory. Utilizing statistical analysis in conjunction with Computational Fluid Dynamics, this theory can be virtually tested to provide general information to the industry. Analyzing these results allows for rigorous burner spacing optimization for specific burner products. This information can be employed in burner retrofit projects to provide superior results with minimal cost as well as within the heater design process to provide improved performance through optimal burner and heater coupling.