Date: 20 May 2003
The new technology, known as the Oxy-Therm LE FF (low emission flat flame) burner, is an advanced generation flat flame burner that offers improved performance and durability at a lower cost than other commercially available flat flame burners. Sam Peterson, vice president, glass market sector, BOC, says, "The addition of the Oxy-Therm LE FF burner to our product portfolio -- which already includes our innovative convective glass melting system -- gives glass manufacturers a greater range of options in their quest to increase furnace productivity and yield, and further strengthens BOC's leadership position in glass technology." BOC, which was the first to develop a flat flame oxy fuel burner for the glass industry, partnered with Maxon, the first to develop a staged oxy-fuel burner, to develop the Oxy-Therm LE FF burner.The partnership combined BOC's extensive experience in glass furnace combustion with Maxon's proven track record of developing oxy-fuel burners. The Oxy-Therm LE FF burner, which has been tested in glass furnaces, also has potential for use in the metals industry.
Rich Clasby, executive vice president, Maxon, says, "Maxon and BOC have a successful history of working together to sell systems by combining Maxon combustion expertise with BOC's expertise in the glass market and in glass furnace applications. The new Oxy-Therm LE FF will add to our capabilities for both the glass and metals markets."
The Oxy-Therm LE FF burner design uses Maxon's patented staging technology that creates low emissions and higher heat transfer. An added benefit is improved burner durability.
Scott Wegman, global technical solutions, BOC, says the first field trial -- in a soda-lime glass furnace -- was a big success. "The LE FF burner ran for eight months without any issues, and never required cleaning," he said.
In a second field trial, two burners were installed in a borosilicate glass furnace to replace two BOC Flat Jet II burners that had not been designed for the corrosive atmosphere. In addition to surviving in the harsh environment, the Oxy-Therm LE FF burners saved fuel and increased product quality, Wegman said.
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