Plant Operation Practice Test

In the pressure atomizing burner, how is atomization accomplished?

1. High-speed air injection

2. Rotating low-pressure oil

3. Rotating high-pressure oil

4. Steam injection

The correct answer is: Rotating high-pressure oil

Atomization in a pressure atomizing burner is primarily accomplished by utilizing high-pressure oil. This process involves feeding fuel oil at high pressure through a nozzle, which then breaks the liquid fuel into fine droplets. The principle behind this method is that the high pressure creates sufficient force to disperse the liquid fuel into a mist, allowing it to mix effectively with air for combustion. Using high-pressure oil is advantageous because it ensures a more consistent and efficient atomization of the fuel, leading to better combustion performance, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational efficiency. This technique also enables the burner to achieve a stable flame, which is critical in industrial applications where precise control over the combustion process is necessary. In contrast, methods like high-speed air injection or steam injection can also be used for atomization but operate differently by relying on the energy from compressed air or steam to achieve similar results. These methods can be less efficient or result in less precise atomization compared to the pressure-driven approach. Rotating low-pressure oil is not effective for atomization since low pressure does not generate the necessary force to create fine droplets needed for optimal combustion.