What is one advantage of using a refractory (gas) burner?

Using a refractory (gas) burner has several advantages, one of which is that the air and gas mixture is thoroughly preheated. This preheating process enhances combustion efficiency, as the combustion air is brought closer to the ignition temperature before it mixes with the fuel gas. This leads to more complete combustion, reducing the amount of unburned fuel and minimizing the emission of pollutants.

Furthermore, preheating the mixture allows for higher flame stability and consistency in burner performance, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating conditions in industrial applications. Preheated mixtures can also contribute to better thermal efficiency, which helps reduce operating costs and improves overall system performance.

In contrast, a gas mixture that is unheated before entering the burner does not allow for enhanced combustion efficiency as seen with preheated mixtures. Operating at lower temperatures would typically not maximize combustion efficiency, and while using less fuel overall may be a goal, it is the thorough preheating of the air and gas mixture that directly contributes to better utilization of fuel and higher operational effectiveness in a refractory burner system.