Heater Recirculation Pattern Analysis and Burner Spacing Optimization

Most heaters are designed with the assumption that, given particular burner spacing, the heater performance is invariant with respect to burner type. However, there have been few published studies to rigorously test this theory. By combining statistical analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics, appropriate burner spacing with different burner models can be tested virtually to provide general information. Analysis of these results allows for rigorous burner spacing optimization within a given heater for specific burner types. This information can be employed in burner retrofit projects to provide superior results with minimal cost; and within the heater design process, to provide improved performance through optimal burner and heater coupling.