High intensity, low NO.sub.x matrix burner

A matrix burner comprising:

• a porous gas distributing layer for distributing a fuel/air mixture;
• first two dimensional porous layer downstream from the distributing layer;
• a second two dimensional porous layer downstream from the first layer,
• the second porous layer having sufficient open area for transmitting radiation from the first layer;
• an open space between the first and second layers;
• a third porous layer in the space between the first and second two dimensional porous layers, the third layer having a open area greater then the open area of the second layer;
• and
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to the upstream face of the porous distributing layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front approximately at the first porous layer.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the porous material layer;
• a second two dimensional porous material layer having a larger porosity that the porosity of the first layer;
• a third two dimensional porous material layer downstream from the second layer, the second and third layers serving as structures for emitting radiant heat,
• a fourth porous layer downstream from the third porous layer and spaced apart from the second layer, and,
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer, downstream of and spaced apart from the first layer;
• a third porous material layer, downstream of and spaced apart from the second layer, the second and third layers serving as structures for emitting radiant heat;
• a fourth porous layer in the space between the third and second layers and spaced apart from each of the third and second layers;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• a flashback protective heat exchanger for removing heat from the first porous layer;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• a flashback protective heat exchanger integrated into the first porous layer for removing heat from the porous layer;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• a superemitting substance on at least a surface of the second porous layer;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• additional layers of porous material between the first and second layers for enhancing combustion stability and lowering NOx emission;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.

A matrix burner comprising:

• a first porous material layer;
• a second porous material layer, wherein the second porous material layer comprises a superemissive material including a rare earth metal oxide for emitting narrow band emissions;
• an open combustion zone space between the first and second layers;
• and,
• means for delivering a fuel/air mixture to one face of the first porous material layer at a sufficient velocity for maintaining a flame front in the open combustion zone space.