Performance characteristics of a 20kW MILD combustion furnace

A systematic experimental campaign has been carried out to assess the effects of thermal input, heat extraction and air preheating on the establishment of MILD combustion. Results of in-furnace temperature measurements and exhaust gas concentrations for various operating conditions are presented. The co-flow burner geometry has demonstrated to be a promising configuration to achieve stable MILD combustion, whilst maintaining high modulation ratios. The heat extraction performance is not affected by the heat exchanger position, and combustion air temperature does not impose constraints on achieving the MILD regime.