ProEDesigner,
To calculate BTU's required : m*Cp*DT
BTU/HR = Mass Flow (lb/hr) * specific Heat * temperature change.
Not sure what you mean by the burning plate.
If I understand your 5:1 ratio it sounds like you are recirculating preheated air and reheating it - I would need more details however, 2 items come to mind - first what is the O2 content in the return or recirculated air and second what temperature is it?
Again without any details you will need a certain amount of air for the gas you are burning. Air contains 20.9% O2 so anything less would require more flow to meet proper mixtures.
Also increased temperature would require more flow - correction formula for temperature -
SCFM hot = scfm cold * (460 + Temperature F)/(460 + 60F)
If this is a small temperature difference then it will not require much more flow.
Hope this helps a little!