11Introduction
If the heat is not properly distributed, the intensied
radiant output from the ame can cause refractory
damage. Today’s OEC burners are designed for uniform
heat distribution to avoid overheating the refractory
surrounding the burner. The burners normally are
mounted in a refractory burner block, which is then
mounted into the combustion chamber. The burner
blocks are made of advanced refractory materials,
such as zirconia or alumina, and are designed for long,
maintenance-freeoperation.
If the burner position and ring rate in the furnace are
improperly chosen, refractory damage can result. For
example, if the ame from an OEC burner is allowed
to impinge directly on the wall of a furnace, most typi-
cal refractory materia ...