The Utilisation of Natural Gas Burners and Processes

Abstract

Manufactured town gas as we now know it will, in the near future, be replaced by natural gas, and all gas burning plant will be designed accordingly. In view of this, and of the problems of conversion of existing gas fired plant to burn natural gas, the paper compares the properties of the two types of gas with particular reference to the relatively low reaction rate and narrow flammability range of natural gas. Methods of overcoming flame instability arising from these characteristics are discussed, and an indication given of the probable influence of natural gas on plant design. When properly used, natural gas is a satisfactory fuel, but it is much less tolerant than town gas of crude burner and plant design. In many cases the necessary elimination of crude equipment in favour of more sophisticated designs will lead to improved performance.