Plasma Stabilized Combustion Over a Large Range of Throughput with Varying Fuel Compositions

Combustion ignition and stabilization from plasma discharge is a well understood phenomenon [1]. Gliding arc plasma is a well-known technique in plasma-assisted combustion [2], however industrial relevant scales have not yet been developed. Clearsign Combustion Corporation is currently working in the field of plasma-assisted combustion ignition using a gliding arc for application to industrial scale pilot system. Such a piloting system is meant for operations pertaining to large industrial burners. such as once through steam generators (OTSG), process heaters, and enclosed ground flares. Challenges with traditional pilot systems include ignition limits, reduction in operability windows including throughput, lack of compressed air for a premix burner, and fuel flexibility. Using a gliding arc with an educator a pilot was created that can reliably ignite burners in extreme conditions, under varying throughput, and varying fuel compositions such as refinery fuel blends without the need for compressed air.