NO{sub x} emissions testing and optimization for coal-fired utility boilers. Final report
- Electric Power Technologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
- Fossil Energy Research Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA (United States)
This guide offers experience-based test procedures to help utility managers and engineers cut the cost and effort of NO{sub x} emissions testing at coal-fired power plants while obtaining accurate measurements. Further, the guide helps utilities realize low-cost NO{sub x} reductions through combustion tuning-optimizing boiler operation for NO{sub x} as well as heat rate. For boilers marginally above emission limits, combustion tuning may eliminate the need for low-NO{sub x} hardware retrofits, saving $10-$20/kW. The guide outlines procedures to develop a NO{sub x} testing project`s scope, schedule, and budget according to utility objectives, staff experience, and available resources. Three measurement approaches are recommended, offering trade-offs between cost and accuracy. Tables within the guide outline sampling and analytical procedures for each of the three measurement approaches. The guide also provides systematic instructions for assessing the current operating condition of all equipment affecting NO{sub x} emissions and also reviews common combustion problems and their sources. The guide explains the approach and benefits for two proven combustion tuning methods: careful fuel and air balancing among burners to reduce excess O{sub 2} requirements and intentional fuel and air biasing among burner elevations. For each approach, the guide reviews the factors governing NO{sub x} reduction potential and offers a series of tests to identify optimum operating conditions within acceptable margins of boiler flexibility for dispatch and periodic upsets. Trade-offs between NO{sub x} and the variables affecting boiler flexibility are described to allow utilities to set appropriate margins. Field results are included for wall- (single and opposed) and tangential-fired boilers. By helping utilities maintain effective NO{sub x} reduction programs, this report can play a pivotal role in meeting NO{sub x} reduction goals at the least cost.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst. (EPRI), Palo Alto, CA (United States); Electric Power Technologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Fossil Energy Research Corp., Laguna Hills, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 123187
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-105109; TRN: 95:007985
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Oct 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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