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Updated: July 8th, 2008 05:26 PM GMT-05:00

Cutting Development Time

Cutting Development Time

Computer Simulation
Courtesy of Astec Industries
A computer simulation.
Computer Model
Courtesy of Astec Industries
Engineers created separate models of different sections of the burner in order to focus on one part of the design at a time. Several models were run in succession. The results of one were used as boundary conditions for the next.
Fan Simulation
Courtesy of Astec Industries
The goal of the fan simulation was to obtain an even velocity distribution over the output cross-section. This goal was accomplished by adding directional vanes.
Combustion Flame Shape
Courtesy of Astec Industries
Contours of mass fraction of CH4 showing combustion flame shape at the burner nose.

By Andrew Hobbs

The resulting Phoenix Talon burner is designed for the tough demands of today's efficient aggregate and hot mix asphalt operations. It makes use of premix gas burning technology and advanced air-atomized, nozzle mix oil burning technology to provide high efficiency and low emissions.

The operator has only to change the excess air level via the controls to operate in the lean-burn range, meeting emissions regulations that require no difference of configuration from the base unit. The use of a variable speed combustion air blower, instead of a traditional damper, results in lower power consumption and fewer parts to potentially break or get out of adjustment. The final product has been an unqualified success in the field.

For more information about CFD software, visit www.fluent.com. For more information about Astec, e-mail: ahobbs@astecinc.com.

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