Plant Operation Practice Test

The rotary cup burner automizes fuel oil using which mechanism?

1. A rotating drum

2. A spinning cup and high velocity air

3. High pressure steam

4. Gravity feed

The correct answer is: A spinning cup and high velocity air

The rotary cup burner automizes fuel oil using the mechanism of a spinning cup and high-velocity air. In this system, the fuel is introduced into a rotating cup that spins at high speeds. As the cup rotates, it flings the fuel outward, where it is then atomized into fine droplets. This process is enhanced by the simultaneous introduction of high-velocity air, which assists in breaking up the fuel into smaller particles, facilitating better mixing with air for combustion. This design is particularly effective because the combination of centrifugal force from the spinning cup and the high air velocity creates a thorough and even distribution of atomized fuel. This results in a more efficient and stable combustion process, which is essential in many industrial applications. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for those involved in plant operations, as it can greatly influence burner performance and overall operational efficiency.