What characteristic typically defines a non-flame retention burner compared to a flame retention burner?

A non-flame retention burner is characterized by having a lower combustion efficiency in comparison to a flame retention burner. This difference is primarily due to the way that the combustion process is managed. A non-flame retention burner tends to have a less stable flame, which can lead to more unburned fuel being released into the exhaust.

In flame retention burners, the design focuses on maintaining the flame stability and intensity, allowing for more complete combustion of the fuel. This results in higher efficiency and reduced emissions. Consequently, the combustion process in flame retention burners ensures that more of the fuel is effectively burned, maximizing the heat output and minimizing waste. With less control over the flame in non-flame retention burners, there is a greater chance of inefficient fuel combustion, which explains why they are considered to have lower combustion efficiency.