What is described as pulsation in combustion systems?

Pulsation in combustion systems refers to the phenomenon where the flame behaves in an unstable manner, often oscillating or fluctuating. This can manifest as the flame leaving the burner tip and subsequently returning, creating a pulsating effect. Such behavior is typically associated with issues in the combustion process, such as improper fuel-air mixture, burner design, or instability in combustion dynamics.

In contrast, a continuous flame without interruptions would indicate stable combustion, which does not exhibit pulsation. Excessive heat generation in the burner and the presence of soot in the combustion area relate to other combustion inefficiencies or problems, but they do not define pulsation specifically. Thus, the identification of pulsation accurately highlights the erratic motion of the flame in relation to the burner, distinguishing it from other combustion characteristics.