Nozzle Configured To Deliver Gas Into Incinerator

Abstract

A nozzle (1) is configured to deliver gas into an incinerator such as a waste incinerator (3). The nozzle includes a nozzle pipe (20) and a swirl generator (21). The swirl generator includes a plurality of angularly spaced vanes (24) that are attached to an inner surface (19) of the pipe. The vanes terminate radially inwardly at respective vane inner surfaces (36). A continuous central passage (25) extends axially between the vane inner surfaces. Utilization of the swirl nozzles in connection with an incinerator provide improved gas mixing and avoid having regions with insufficient air to achieve complete combustion.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising: a swirl nozzle configured to deliver gas into an incinerator including: a cylindrical pipe, wherein the pipe extends along an axis, includes an inner surface that bounds an interior area of the pipe, includes an outlet opening, a swirl generator, wherein the swirl generator is attached to the inner surface, is operative to cause gas that has been delivered from the outlet opening into the incinerator to flow rotationally relative to the axis.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator is disposed axially inward in the pipe from the outlet opening at least 5 mm.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inner surface has a diameter of from 40 mm to 80 mm.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least one gas engaging surface thereon, wherein the at least one gas engaging surface extends at a swirl angle relative to a plane that includes the axis, wherein the swirl angle is from 15° to 60°.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, and extends radially inward from the inner surface.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, and includes at least a portion that is selectively angularly movable relative to a plane that extends through the axis.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, and has a cross-sectional thickness in a direction perpendicular to the axis of from 1 mm to 6 mm.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, has an axial length along the axial direction of from 20 mm to 60 mm, includes a straight section, wherein the straight section is disposed furthest axially away from the outlet opening, extends parallel to the axis, and is comprised of from 30% to 70% of the axial length.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, and terminates radially inwardly at a vane inner surface that is disposed a radial distance away from the axis, wherein a continuous central passage extends along the axis between the vane inner surfaces.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the swirl generator includes a plurality of angularly spaced gas inlet channels, wherein each of the gas inlet channels extends radially inward and tangentially relative to the inner surface.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gas is delivered from the outlet at a speed below Mach 0.4.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust, a further swirl nozzle, wherein the swirl nozzle and the further swirl nozzle are arranged in side-by-side relation in the flue gas exhaust wall, are each operative to cause gas that has been delivered from the respective outlet openings of the swirl nozzles to flow in the flue gas exhaust in rotationally opposed directions.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust, a blast nozzle, wherein the blast nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas adjacent to the swirl nozzle.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle is configured to deliver at least one of air and flue gas at a rate of 100 to 1500 Nm.sup.3/h.

16. Apparatus comprising: a swirl nozzle configured to deliver gas into an incinerator, including: a cylindrical pipe, wherein the pipe extends along an axis, includes an outlet opening, includes an inner surface that bounds and interior area of the pipe, at least one swirl projection, wherein the at least one swirl projection is attached to the inner surface, extends in the interior area, is operative to cause gas that is been delivered from the outlet opening to flow rotationally relative to the axis.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least one swirl projection has at least one gas engaging surface thereon, wherein the at least one gas engaging surface extends at a swirl angle relative to a plane that includes the axis, wherein the swirl angle is from 15° to 60°.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least one swirl projection includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, terminates radially inwardly at a vane inner surface that is disposed a radial distance away from the axis, wherein a continuous central passage extends along the axis between the vane inner surfaces.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least one swirl projection includes at least four vanes, wherein each of the vanes is angularly disposed from each of the other vanes, extends radially inward from the inner surface, terminates radially inwardly at a vane inner surface that is disposed a radial distance away from the axis, has an axial length along the axial direction, includes a straight section, wherein the straight section is disposed furthest away from the outlet opening, extends parallel to the axis, and is comprised of from 30% to 70% of the axial length, wherein a continuous central passage extends along the axis between the vane inner surfaces along the entire axial length.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least one swirl projection bounds a plurality of angularly spaced gas inlet channels, wherein each of the gas inlet channels extends radially inward and tangentially relative to the inner surface.

21. The apparatus according to claim 16 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust.

22. The apparatus according to claim 16 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust, a further swirl nozzle, wherein the swirl nozzle and the further swirl nozzle are arranged in side-by-side relation in the flue gas exhaust wall, are each operative to cause gas that has been delivered from the respective outlet openings to flow in the flue gas exhaust in rotationally opposed directions.

23. The apparatus according to claim 16 and further comprising: a flue gas exhaust of the incinerator, wherein the flue gas exhaust includes a flue gas exhaust wall, wherein the swirl nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas into the flue gas exhaust, a blast nozzle, wherein the blast nozzle is arranged in the flue gas exhaust wall to deliver gas in the flue gas exhaust adjacent to the swirl nozzle.

24. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the inner surface has a diameter of from 40 mm to 80 mm, wherein gas is delivered from the outlet at a speed below Mach 0.4, and wherein the nozzle is configured to deliver at least one of air and flue gas at a rate of from 100 to 1500 Nm.sup.3/h.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of a swirl nozzle including a pipe with a swirl generator.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a front top right perspective view of the swirl nozzle that shows the internal area and swirl vanes.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a front top right perspective view of the exemplary swirl nozzle configured as a swirl insert in an outer pipe.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a graphic representation of gas flow from the nozzle outlet opening of an exemplary swirl nozzle that delivers gas at a front wall of incinerator.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of gas flow from a blast nozzle arranged in a similar location as the swirl nozzle shown in FIG. 4 and operated at the same volume flow and pressure.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows schematically an exemplary flue gas exhaust configuration of incinerator with four blast nozzles and with the blast nozzle at the bottom left as shown configured as a small blast nozzle.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows schematically the exemplary flue gas exhaust configuration similar to FIG. 6 but with a swirl nozzle of the exemplary arrangement as a small nozzle at the bottom right as shown.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows schematically the exemplary flue gas exhaust configuration similar to FIG. 6 but with a small blast nozzle at the top left as shown.

[0049] FIG. 9 shows schematically the exemplary flue gas exhaust configuration similar to FIG. 6 but with a swirl nozzle of the exemplary arrangement as a small nozzle at the top right as shown.

[0050] FIG. 10 shows in a left panel a front left perspective view of an outer pipe of a nozzle, in a central panel perspective views of swirl inserts each including the pipe and swirl generator thereof, and in a right panel a nozzle insert that includes an outer pipe with a welded swirl insert therein.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a back top right perspective view of an alternative swirl nozzle which is operative to provide swirl generation by radial and tangential in flow of gas in a conical region of the nozzle.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pipe with inward extending swirl projections including gas engaging surfaces that are configured as a nozzle or a gas feed line to a nozzle for delivering gas into an incinerator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there is shown therein a swirl nozzle generally indicated 1. The exemplary swirl nozzle is configured to be used as a swirl insert 26 in an outer pipe as later discussed. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is exemplary.

[0054] The exemplary swirl nozzle 1 includes a cylindrical pipe 20. The exemplary pipe 20 includes a cylindrical inner surface 19. The cylindrical inner surface bounds an interior area 18 of the nozzle. The nozzle pipe 20 extends along an axis 17 and terminates in a nozzle outlet opening 30. In the exemplary arrangement the cylindrical inner surface 19 has a diameter perpendicular to the axis 17 of from 40 mm to 80 mm.

[0055] Within the interior area 18 of the pipe 20 is a swirl generator 21. In the exemplary arrangement the swirl generator comprises a structure with at least one gas engaging surface that causes gas flowing through the nozzle toward the nozzle outlet opening 30 to flow rotationally about the axis 17 after being delivered from the outlet opening. In the exemplary arrangement the swirl generator includes six swirl vanes 24. The exemplary swirl vanes extend radially inward from the inner surface 19 and each terminate at a vane inner surface 36. Each vane inner surface is disposed a fixed distance radially away from the axis 17.

[0056] In the exemplary arrangement each of the swirl vanes 24 are angularly spaced away from each of the other swirl vanes. The exemplary swirl vanes 24 are equally angularly spaced about the inner surface 19. The vanes each extend an axial length along the axial direction within the pipe 20. Each of the vanes include a straight section 27 that is disposed furthest away from the nozzle outlet opening at an inflow end of the nozzle. The straight inflow section 27 of each vane extends parallel to and in centered relation with a plane that extends through and includes the axis 17. Near an end of each vane 24 and adjacent to the nozzle outlet opening, each vane includes a turned gas engaging surface 37 that is turned to be somewhat transverse to the plane through and which includes the axis with which the straight section 27 of the respective vane is aligned. The vane and the gas engaging surface of each swirl vane is turned at a swirl angle 28 relative to the plane. In exemplary arrangements the swirl angle extends between 20° and 45°. Of course this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

[0057] In the exemplary arrangement the swirl vanes extend along the axial direction parallel to the axis a total axial length distance of from 20 mm to 60 mm. In exemplary arrangements the straight sections comprise from 30% to 70% of the total axial length. The exemplary vanes have a thickness in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis 17 of from 1 to 6 mm. Of course it should be understood that this arrangement is exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

[0058] In the exemplary arrangement each of the swirl vanes 24 are axially set back from the nozzle outlet opening 30. In the exemplary arrangement the outer end faces 38 of the swirl vanes 24 are set back an axial distance of at least 5 mm. This is done in the exemplary arrangement to minimize the effects of corrosion which may occur as a result of contact with flue gas or other contaminants within the incinerator.

[0059] A continuous central passage 25 extends along the axis 17 between the vane inner surfaces 36 of the swirl vanes 24. As previously discussed, in some exemplary arrangements of the swirl nozzle the vane inner surfaces 36 may be positioned away from the inner surface 19 of the pipe 20 a radial distance that is continuous along the entire length of the vane. In other exemplary arrangements the radial height of the vane from the inner surface 19 to the vane inner surfaces 36 may vary along the axis depending on the flow properties desired. In exemplary arrangements the diameter of the continuous central passage 25 is at least 20% of the inside diameter of the inner surface 19 of the pipe 20. In some exemplary arrangements this corresponds to a diametric distance of from 10 mm to 30 mm. In some exemplary arrangements the continuous central passage 25 is 30% of the inside diameter of the inner surface. Of course these configurations are exemplary and in other arrangements other configurations may be used.

[0060] While in the exemplary arrangement of the nozzle 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the straight portions and angled portions of each vane are in fixed connection with the inner surface 19 of the pipe, in other arrangements other approaches may be utilized. For example as schematically represented in the central panel of FIG. 10, in other exemplary arrangements the angled portions of the vanes may be made angularly movable relative to a plane that extends through and includes the axis. This may be done by separating the root portion at the radially outer portion of each swirl vane from the inner surface to provide for rotational movement thereof. Such rotational movement may be achieved through a rotational adjustment mechanism schematically indicated 43. In exemplary arrangements the mounting of the angled portions of the vanes may enable selected vane movement and locking the vanes in selected angled positions so that the gas engaging surfaces thereof are at a suitable angle for producing the desired rotational gas flow about the axis after the gas has left the nozzle outlet opening 30. Of course numerous different approaches for achieving such adjustment capabilities may be used.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary arrangement in which the nozzle 1 is included in a nozzle pipe 28. This exemplary arrangement includes the swirl insert 26 housed within an outer pipe 23. The outer pipe 23 is housed within a nozzle pipe 28. Of course this arrangement is exemplary and it should be understood that other configurations may be utilized for purposes of housing the exemplary nozzle configurations.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a graphic representation of the gas flow produced by the exemplary swirl nozzle 1 when delivering gas 2 into an incinerator 3. The incinerator 3 is represented schematically as a flue gas exhaust 4. As shown the swirl nozzle delivers the gas into the incinerator with the gas delivered through the nozzle outlet opening initially rotationally moving within the flue gas exhaust about the axis. Of course as shown the gas flow is diverted and diffused in the flue gas exhaust flow upwardly is shown.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a graphic representation of gas flow delivered by blast nozzle 5 which operates to deliver the same volume flow of gas into the flue gas exhaust as the swirl nozzle shown in FIG. 4. The Figures show that the gas 2 which is delivered through the swirl nozzle in FIG. 4 remains adjacent to the front wall 6 of the flue gas exhaust and does not advance as far into the interior of the flue gas exhaust from the nozzle as the gas from the blast nozzle 5. As shown in FIG. 5 gas delivered from the blast nozzle advances further into the flue gas exhaust 4, and only diffuses at about the middle of the flue gas exhaust at which the gas delivered from the blast nozzle spreads out in a fan pattern upward due to flue gas exhaust flow.

[0064] FIGS. 6 through 9 graphically demonstrate a useful aspect that results from the use of the exemplary swirl nozzles described herein. In each of FIGS. 6 through 9 reference numerals 7 and 8 refer to large blast nozzles. These large blast nozzles are arranged on a rear wall 9 of the flue gas exhaust 4. In each of FIGS. 6 and 7, large blast nozzles 10 are arranged at the top of the front wall 6, with a large rear blast nozzle (not shown) below, all of which nozzles deliver gas 2 into the flue gas exhaust 4.

[0065] In these exemplary arrangements smaller nozzles are arranged horizontally beside the lower obscured large blast nozzles. These smaller nozzles are comprised in the arrangement of FIG. 6 as a small blast nozzle 11, and in the arrangement of FIG. 7 as a small swirl nozzle 12. In this exemplary arrangement a small nozzle 11, 12 differs from a large nozzle 8, 9 and 10, in that a small nozzle 11, 12 delivers a smaller volume flow of gas into the flue gas exhaust 4.

[0066] In the exemplary incinerator 3 as schematically shown, the primary combustion gas 16 is introduced through a grate from below the grate. In this exemplary arrangement as shown in FIG. 6, a region 14 with insufficient air forms in the vicinity of the front wall 6, and a region 15 with excess air forms in the vicinity of the rear wall 9. In contrast, in the arrangement of FIG. 7 which includes the installation of the small swirl nozzle 12, the flue gas exhaust 4 has a more uniform air distribution and improved mixing of the combustion gases and air to provide more complete combustion.

[0067] The effects that result are similar when smaller nozzles 13 and 39 are arranged horizontally beside the upper, obscured, large blast nozzles 10 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the smaller nozzle 13 comprises a small blast nozzle 13. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 9 the nozzle 39 comprises a small swirl nozzle. Large blast nozzles 16 and 40 are arranged below the small nozzles in each case. This configuration leads to the result that in FIG. 8 a region 14 with insufficient air forms on the front wall 6 while a region 15 with excess air forms in the vicinity of the rear wall 9. However, as shown in FIG. 9 the installation of the small swirl nozzle 39 and the delivery of gas therefrom into the flue gas exhaust 4 provides a more uniform air distribution and improved mixing of the combustion gases and air.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows the components of an exemplary nozzle assembly including the outer pipe 23. The nozzle 1 is configured as a swirl insert 26 including the cylindrical pipe 20 and the swirl generator 21 located therein in the arrangement previously discussed. In this exemplary arrangement the pipe 20 is welded to an inner side 22 of the outer pipe 23. The exemplary swirl insert 26 in this arrangement includes the pipe 20 with the swirl vanes 24 attached to the inner surface 19 thereof. As previously mentioned in some arrangements the angles of the swirl vanes adjacent to the nozzle outlet opening 30 may be made movably adjustable through use of the mechanism 43. Further the continuous central passage 25 is shown extending along the axis 17 in intermediate radial relation of the vane inner surfaces 36. As previously discussed, as the continuous central passage 25 does not include any structures therein the flow of the gas therethrough is substantially unimpeded to reduce the risk of infiltrating contaminants corroding the swirl generating structures and reducing pressure drop. Of course it should be understood that the structures of the swirl generator 21 shown are exemplary and in other arrangements other structures and configurations may be utilized.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows an alternative nozzle 30. The exemplary nozzle 30 includes a nozzle pipe 31. A nozzle pipe includes an inner surface 44. Inlet channels 32, 33 and 34 are angularly distributed about the circumference of the nozzle pipe. The exemplary inlet channels are distributed evenly over a circumference in a conical region 35 of the nozzle pipe 31. The inlet channels extend tangentially and radially relative to the inner surface 44 and are bounded by angled gas engaging surfaces. The exemplary inlet channels enable further gas to be supplied through the inlet channels in addition to the gas delivered in the nozzle pipe 31. This exemplary configuration is operative to cause rotational gas movement within the nozzle 30 and to cause rotational gas movement about a central axis of the nozzle after gas is delivered from the nozzle outlet. Thus in this exemplary nozzle arrangement the inlet channels 32, 33 and 34 along with the conical structure and gas engaging surfaces comprise a swirl generator which is attached to the inner surface of the nozzle pipe.

[0070] FIG. 12 shows a further alternative arrangement of a swirl nozzle including a nozzle pipe 41. The exemplary nozzle pipe includes an inner surface which includes radially inward extending spiral gas engaging surface. The exemplary spiral gas engaging surface is operative to impart rotational flow to the gas which passes through the interior of the nozzle pipe as well as gas which exits therefrom through a nozzle outlet opening. Further in some exemplary arrangements the nozzle pipe 41 may be utilized as a feed line to a nozzle of the types previously discussed, or may be used as a delivery nozzle which provides rotational gas flow.

[0071] Of course it should be understood that the configurations shown are exemplary and the principles described herein may be utilized in other swirl nozzle configurations.

[0072] Thus the exemplary arrangements achieve improved operation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, and attain useful results that are described herein.

[0073] In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the new and useful arrangements are not limited to the exact features that have been shown and described.

[0074] Further it should be understood that the features and/or relationships associated with one arrangement can be combined with the features and/or relationships from another arrangement. That is, various features and/or relationships from various arrangements described herein can be combined in further arrangements. The inventive scope of the disclosure is not limited only to the arrangements that have been shown and described.

[0075] Having described features, discoveries and principles of the exemplary arrangements, the manner in which they are constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new and useful features, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.