Study of the turbulent inverse diffusion flame in recessed backstep and coaxial burners

A comparative study of the turbulent Inverse Diffusion Flame (IDF) in recessed coaxial and backstep burners is carried out, based on visible flame appearance, flame length, flame stability, centerline temperature distribution, centerline oxygen concentration, and NO$_x$ emissions. The backstep burner is observed to produce a compact flame shape with less luminosity at a higher air-fuel velocity ratio, as compared to the coaxial burner. Moreover, slightly better thermal characteristics and marginal reduction in NO$_x$ emissions are provided by the backstep IDF, as compared to the recessed coaxial IDF. Besides this, the centerline oxygen concentration is marginally increased in the backstep IDF due to higher entrainment of ambient air. Interestingly, a lower flame stability limit is seen in the backstep burner than in the coaxial IDF, which can be attributed to its enhanced fuel-air mixing.