These are the
graphic plans outlining research completed1981. Vortex geometries were
studied for high temperature refractory constuction. A small
scale model was built and tested. In brief the essential
combustor design addresses
the problems of burning solid fuels for many diverse applications.
Ceramic castable cements and ramming mixes were chosen because of their
adaptability
to form and function. While these materials represent advances in technology,
they do lack meaningful and desirable tensile strength. Curved surfaces
get the most out
of the available refractory strength which happens to be almost compressive-only
in nature. Thermal regeneration conserves the initial combustion heat
for
maximizing
the burn temperature. This is accomplished by high heat storage and radiant
reflection inward to the area of initial combustion.
--
It was reasoned
that this burner could work with any solid fuel from coal to incineration.
At point (R) in the illustration, it is suggested that an experimental,
turning surface would fully circle the base. The turning
plate-like surface would turn close to the spiral walls (R). This action,
it was postulated, could force ash particles to scrape against the spiral
walls (W). This scraping would result in a contiguous, slow sweeping
of the ash outwards from center. Because the process can be run refractory-hot,
it was reasoned that appropriate ingredients could be added to manufacture
cement on a micro scale. Yet much large scale operation might be feasible
also.
An overall objective
here was how to
make the most out of solid fuels and what useful byproduct could be made
at the same time. (A new, decentralized form of co-generation: micro scale
cement manufacture). How could one
get the advantages available today in a small decentralized- off
grid
burner
system.
Once had,
the user
could
get
the best burn out of what is locally available, especially waste products
which
inherently
need optimal combustion. Yet at the same time have complete, easily maintained,
minimal maintenance operation. The geometry displayed here was in fact built
and tested primarily to heat space and water with cord wood. It was
encased in insulation and had various "wood chambers" fitted above,
to feed even 8 ft
long
sticks of
wood. Too much liberty was taken with heavy pieces of wood which fell too
hard during high fire. It lasted some years while the grate portion
was gradually pounded away. The .spiraling walls (W) remained longer, offering
an extended high temperature zone for combustion.
Above: stages from clay modeling
to finished ceramic prototype assembly. The castables here used are
mixtures
of Fondu cement paste by Lonestar Mfg. and the two aggregates were 1)
corundum for the grate portion, and 2) potters grog, used for the curved
walls.
This first enersearch
research project was named the VFA for "vortex flame amplifier". The
CAD model (at the top of this page) was generated using a 3d modeling
software, (formZ) and a geometric form known as metaball. A small report
was produced
and
published
in
1981.
Below follow some
brief details concerning the experimental, fuel loading chambers.
The gravity-fed
chamber above the VFA was insufficiently vapor sealed and eventually
had to be removed.
The
next 2 pictures show the demolition of the prior ferrocement hearth. I would
like to add
the original 35mm pictures made of it's original construction, as time permits.
This ferrocement core was integrated with a hypocaust floor which had been
invaded by shrews whose many burrows leaked air into the hypocaust , (which
needs to be air-tight).
So much for building
piecemeal on low budgets ;-) Apparently a monolithic
concrete foundation is needed where gardens attract all manner of burrowers
;-) By
lack of experience,
this ferrocement application did not function well enough for a variety of
reasons. Quoting Aeschylus:
Even in our sleep
Pain which cannot forget
Falls drop by drop upon the heart
Until, in our own despair,
Against our will,
Comes wisdom
Through the awful grace of God.
The
demolition was heart breaking and difficult. It included a
chamber to gravity
feed 8ft long firewood into the Vortex
Flame Amplifier (burner).
The main walls of the chamber consisted
of (4 inch to 8cm) thick vermiculite mixed with cement and clay slurry. Interior
and exterior mesh sandwiched the mix. Portland cement was plastered outside
and Fondu-grog cement was plastered inside. Unwanted gases did penetrate
through this wall when the whole system was damped-shut.
It is well known that
when fires are not burning, much house heat can escape through the chimney.
Therefore I built an insulated damper which is pulled shut by a crank. Un
cranking opens it and the same equipment is still used today. It is located
at the
insulated ceiling level.
Insulated Firebox
Experimentation
Spiral
Donut Masonry Heater
Monolithic Pour, Tilt up Masonry Heater
2007
Informal Apprentice Workshop Offer, Click Here
Research & Development Through Free Exchange of Ideas
Other
pages in this series.
Comments are invited.
Consultancy or constructive cooperation is
offered. These research reports are in the public domain and are furnished "as
is". The author makes no warranty, express or implied, for any purpose.
The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this research.
Bo Atkinson, enersearch Tel : 207 342 5796 . . . (MaineUSA)
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