A Direct Comparison of Oxy-Fuel Burner Technology

A direct comparison was made between the first generation Cleanfire oxy-fuel burner technology and the state-of-the-art burner technology under true production glass melting conditions. The furnace under evaluation had been in operation for six years with the first generation cylindrical tube-in-tube oxy-fuel burners. In September 1997, the burners in this furnace were replaced with Cleanfire HR burners. These burners incorporate high radiation staged flat flame oxy-fuel technology. Aside from burner replacement, the physical and operating conditions of the furnace remained unchanged. The two burner systems were analyzed in terms of measurable differences in operating conditions that relate to and result from burner attributes and performance.