Statistical Analysis of Flame Oscillation Characterization of Oxy-Fuel in Heavy Oil Boiler Using OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence

The present work investigated the flame structures and oscillations of oxy-fuel combustions in a heavy oil boiler using OH planar laser-induced fluorescence imaging. Combustion instabilities, such as flame oscillation and combustion fluctuation, can assess the performance of an industrial burner in the boiler. The peak position variation in OH concentration was associated with the change of the reaction zone that corresponded with the fluctuation of the heat-release zone in the combustion chamber, which provides a valuable reference for the design of the combustion chamber. The experimental results suggest that the phenomenon of stratified flame combustion is related to the characteristic of flame oscillation. The substitution of N2 with CO2 will not significantly influence the flame oscillation frequency but increases the number of flame surface. As O2 concentration increased in the O2/CO2 atmosphere, the phenomenon of stratified flame combustion disappeared, and the flame presented an island-like structure. The bimodal oscillation of the combustion center was demonstrated by means of the probability density method; CO2 played a role in the extension of the combustion center. The combustion fluctuation of inner regions was quantitatively described; CO2 could maintain interregional stabilization to some extent. Compared with traditional measurement methods, PLIF technology has great advantages in evaluating burner performance and optimizing the design of the combustion chamber.