Method and apparatus for feeding an extrudable fuel to a pressurized combustion chamber

摘要

A method for feeding an extrudable fuel into a pressurized combustion chamber includes extruding the fuel through a screw extruder and introducing the extruding fuel into the chamber through a passage at the end of the extruder. The passage has reduced cross-sectional area compared to that of the extruder, so that extruded fuel is compacted and provides a pressure seal for the chamber. The compacted fuel is atomized as it is introduced into the combustion chamber, so that the fuel is broken up into particles and dispersed into the chamber. Apparatus for carrying out the invention includes a screw extruder having a helically shaped screw of constant radius affixed to the outer surface of a rotatable shaft. A frusto-conically shaped member is attached to the end of the shaft and disposed through the end of the extruder so that an annular opening is defined between the outer surface of the member and the inner surface of the extruder body. The apparatus also includes an atomizing gas channel for directing an atomizing gas against compacted fuel as it is introduced into the combustion chamber.