Understanding, Maintaining, Using BURNERS For Natural Gas, Propane, Oil, Coal, Wood, Exotic fuels

The burner is the device which effectively converts a fuel into heat. It can be as simple as a grate in a firebox or as complicated as the pumps, atomizers, blowers, and combustion chamber of an oil burner. The key to efficient burning of any fuel is the burner. The proper choice of burner is the difference between success and failure in fuel combustion. As the heat content of a given fuel increases, so does the complexity of the burning system: Natural gas will burn, although inefficiently, coming out of the end of a pipe. On the other hand, diesel fuel must be vaporized under pressure, preheated, and mixed with the right amount of air-- all toward the goal of getting efficient heat release from something as simple as oil. Each fuel type requires its own unique burner system. Not only must a burner be understood, but it is necessary to know what it takes to keep each type working. Normal operation requires upkeep and as a burner system becomes more complex, so does its upkeep. As a Consumer, it's always nice to know what needs to be done to keep your heating system working. Ever get a snow-job from a service man? As a potential buyer of a furnace or kiln, you have the ability to make a more intelligent choice. You can't always depend on a salesman for all the facts. He is more likely to promote what he has to sell. Originally written for ceramists who should know what they are doing when they use a kiln, this book may be applied to burners, whatever their application.