A simple but efficient Diesel burner?

[Inventus]

Hi,

I'm looking into making a simple steam-engine. For that purpose I need a Diesel burner which should be as efficient as possible, both with regard to oil-consumption and pollution, which I guess is to say that it should provide as complete and stoichiometric a combustion of the oil as possible, while remaining reasonably simple to construct and maintain. Also, it shouldn't be too difficult or complicated to ignite, as this intended to be done automatically (preferably without a load of control-electronics or similar complexities). If at all possible, I would also like to be able to regulate the burner, so as to regulate the steam-production (which will vary between "full" and "nothing" over short periods of time).

Ideally the combustion should take place at near-atmospheric pressure. I expect to use a blower to provide the necessary airflow, but would rather avoid a pressurized combustion chamber (although, if this is a great advantage, I will certainly consider it). Also keep in mind that the heat needs to be transferred to the water/steam in the boiler in an efficient manner, which might put some restraints on both the design and the flame-temperature of the burner. Finally the whole engine have to be rather compact, so a likewise compact burner design is preferable.

Any input on how such a burner could be constructed, and/or where such a device might be purchased (or scavenged) would be appreciated.


Thanks in advance,

Inventus.

 

[vadslram]

Home heating oil furnace?!
Heating oil is only a slightly different fraction of the same base and manufacturers have been working for years to make them more efficient.
The combustion chamber doesn't need pressure but the fuel needs to be as finely divided as possible for complete combustion so with the heavier stock (kero, diesel, jp5 etc) that means high pressure nozzles.