LAMINAR FLOW BURNER

An oxidant injector (1) for a burner comprises central conduit (2) and nozzle (3) attached thereto and extending axially past the central conduit (2). The central conduit communicates with a source of high oxygen oxidant and, in operation, this high oxygen oxidant is passed through central conduit (2) and through one or more passages (4) through nozzle (3) as main oxidant into combustion zone (5) wherein it mixes with and combusts with fuel which is preferably provided into the combustion zone concentrically around the oxidant provision means such as through fuel provision means (11). The fuel may be any fluid fuel such as methane, propane or natural gas. The central conduit and the nozzle may be made out of any suitable high temperature materials such as for example, inconel or stainless steel. The nozzle will generally have essentially a hemispherical shape. Secondary oxidant, which generally has the same composition as the main oxidant, is passed over the surface (6) of nozzle (3). Generally the secondary oxidant will comprise from 5 to 15 percent of the total oxidant employed, i.e. the sum of the main and secondary oxidants. The secondary oxidant is passed from central conduit (2) through passages or bleed lines (7) into nozzle indentation (8) from where it flows over the surface of nozzle (3). Any suitable number of passages (7) may be used in the practice of this invention. The secondary oxidant flowing over the surface of the nozzle serves as a shield or barrier between the heat in combustion zone (5) and the nozzle.