Importance

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Abstract

Low NO.sub.x combustion is effected by a method wherein a fuel, e.g., natural gas, and a source of oxygen, e.g., air, are mixed and the mixture is combusted in at least two successive combustion zones filled with a porous matrix, the void spaces of which provide sites at which substantially all of the said combustion occurs; viz. a first zone wherein the mixture is fuel-rich, and a second zone wherein the mixture is fuel-lean. Preferably, the method utilizes an additional combustion zone which precedes or is upstream of the first zone and is filled with a said porous matrix, wherein the mixture is fuel-lean. Apparatus for low NO.sub.x combustion is also provided which includes an arrangement for mixing fuel and oxygen, and at least first and second combustion zones filled with a said porous matrix, and means for providing a fuel-oxygen mixture to said first zone which is fuel rich, and for adjusting the resulting combustion products flowed to the second zone with additional fuel and oxygen as to provide a fuel-lean mixture therein. Preferably the apparatus also includes a zone or stage filled with a said porous matrix which precedes or is upstream of the first zone, to which the fuel and oxygen are initially provided as to establish fuel-lean conditions therein.

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First Claim