Patent ID: 6699030
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F23C,F23D,F23L,F23N,Y02E

Abstract:
A method for combusting hydrocarbonaceous fuel in a furnace comprising(A) providing a furnace which comprises a plurality of burners, means for supplying combustion air to each of said plurality of burners including a common source for the combustion air fed to said plurality of burners, and means for supplying hydrocarbonaceous fuel to each of said plurality of burners, wherein at least one of said plurality of burners is operating at a stoichiometric ratio based on the fuel and combustion air being supplied thereto that is above a predetermined optimum, and (B) reducing the flow rate of combustion air through said common source to said plurality of burners to the extent that (1) at least one of said plurality of burners is still operating at a stoichiometric ratio, based on the fuel and combustion air being supplied thereto taking into account said reduced flow rate, that is equal to or above said predetermined optimum, and that (2) at least one of said plurality of burners is operating at a stoichiometric ratio, based on the fuel and combustion air being supplied thereto taking into account said reduced flow rate, that is below a predetermined optimum for that burner, and separately feeding gaseous oxidant to at least one of said plurality of burners which is operating at a stoichiometric ratio that is below its predetermined optimum, in an amount of said oxidant such that the stoichiometric ratio of said burner based on the amount of said oxidant and on the reduced flow of combustion air thereto is closer to said predetermined optimum.