Control of Nitrogen Oxides Content in Torch Combustion Products Based on System Analysis Approach

At present, the torch-based combustion method is widely used in power equipment because it can ensure high efficiency combustion of fuel. However, this method has a significant drawback due to the fact that combustion process takes place in a relatively small volume and the amount of heat released in this volume is sufficient to oxidize the nitrogen contained in the air. As a result, during the combustion process harmful substances called nitrogen oxides are formed. This drives the need for using methods that can reduce the nitrogen oxides content in combustion products. This paper describes the phenomenological model of combustion based on the experimental dependence of the nitrogen oxides concentration in combustion products from the air excess factor in the combustion zone. This model helps support feasibility of regulation of nitrogen oxides content reduction while maintaining heat efficiency of the combustion equipment. That regulation is achieved through application of a pulsed fuel supply mode at which the air excess factor in the combustion zone changes periodically thus creating pulsating torch combustion. Experimental results confirming the feasibility of the proposed phenomenological model of the pulsating combustion and the proposed method for controlling nitrogen oxides content in combustion products are described.