skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Emissions from syngas combustion

Journal Article · · Combustion Science and Technology
; ;  [1]
  1. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Inst. for Clean & Secure Energy

Gasification technology has matured to the point that previously-held hesitations regarding performance and availability have given way to acceptance of the technology for energy generation. Indeed, the past few years have seen a significant increase in the number of gasifiers installed for generation of power and heat, and the number of installations is expected to increase dramatically over the next several decades as demand for efficient and environmentally sound energy generation increases. It is valuable to consider the environmental impact of this new generation of energy production systems, specifically release of gaseous emissions from combustion of the synthesis gas produced by gasification. Emissions from syngas combustion in turbines, engines and boilers are discussed in this review. The types of emissions considered include the unburned fuel components and partially oxidized species, nitrogen and sulfur-containing gases, volatile organic compounds, and other trace elements. Combustion of synthesis gas, in general, produces lower emissions for heat and power generation than conventional liquid and solid fuels. The composition of the syngas strongly influences the level of emissions. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide in synthesis gases results in elevated combustion temperature that facilitates the thermal formation of NO and NO{sub 2}. In contrast, higher temperatures promote complete combustion and reduce the emission of organic volatiles, which are formed mainly from minor fractions of hydrocarbons in synthesis gases. Particulate matter, metallic compounds and other undesired pollutants are usually removed before firing synthesis gases for heat and power production. Therefore, integrated gasification and combined cycle systems are more environmentally friendly than conventional power generation systems.

OSTI ID:
21073676
Journal Information:
Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 180, Issue 6; ISSN 0010-2202
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English