What is a Burner? Types of Burners and Their Working Principles

Burner is a device that facilitates the controlled combustion of fuel. These devices are used in various applications such as energy production, heating, and cooking, utilizing different types of fuels (gas, liquid, solid) to convert energy. 

Types of Burners and Their Working Principles

1. Gas Burners

Gas burners operate using gaseous fuels such as natural gas, propane, and butane. The fuel is mixed with air and delivered to the combustion chamber where combustion takes place. Advantages of gas burners include high combustion efficiency and low emission values. They are widely used in residential and commercial heating systems, industrial furnaces, and more.

2. Liquid Fuel Burners

Liquid fuel burners use fuels like diesel and fuel oil. The fuel is atomized into a fine spray and delivered to the combustion chamber where it mixes with air and burns. These burners are commonly used in central heating systems and industrial boilers. High energy density and easy storability are prominent features of liquid fuel burners.

3. Solid Fuel Burners

Solid fuel burners operate using fuels such as coal, wood, and biomass. In these burners, the fuel is directly burned in the combustion chamber. They are used in industrial plants, power stations, and large-scale heating systems. The main advantage of solid fuel burners is low fuel costs. However, they require careful planning for fuel storage and transportation.

4. Electric Burners

Electric burners convert electrical energy into heat energy. These burners do not perform combustion, thus producing no emissions, making them a clean energy source. Electric burners are especially preferred in applications with low heat requirements and in areas with high environmental concerns.

Working Principle of Burners

The basic working principle of burners is to mix the fuel with the required air in the correct ratio and ignite this mixture in the combustion chamber. This process involves the following steps:

  1. Fuel Supply: The fuel is delivered to the burner from a storage tank or directly from a gas line. In gas burners, fuel pressure is controlled by regulators, while in liquid and solid fuel burners, pumps and feed systems are used.

  2. Air Supply: The air required for combustion is supplied to the burner by fans or natural draft systems. The amount and speed of the air are precisely adjusted to enhance combustion efficiency.

  3. Mixing and Atomization: The fuel and air mix within the burner. In liquid fuel burners, the fuel is atomized into fine droplets, while in gas burners, the gas and air mix directly.

  4. Ignition: The mixture is ignited in the burner's combustion chamber. This process is carried out using methods such as electric spark, pilot flame, or hot surface ignition.

  5. Combustion and Heat Production: The fuel-air mixture burns in the combustion chamber, releasing heat energy. This heat is then transferred to heating systems, furnaces, or engines.

Applications

Burners have a wide range of applications due to their energy efficiency and safety. The main application areas include:

  • Residential and Commercial Heating: Used in boilers, central heating systems, and furnaces.

  • Industrial Furnaces and Dryers: Used in industrial applications such as metal processing, ceramics production, and food processing.

  • Energy Production: Used in steam boilers for electricity generation in thermal power plants.

  • Cooking and Baking: Used in restaurant and hotel kitchens, bakeries, and industrial kitchen equipment.

At Ekotek Isı Teknolojileri, with our years of experience and knowledge, we have expanded our production to include electric boilers in addition to solid and liquid/gas-fueled boilers. We continue to offer energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions with our burner and boiler systems.