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Comparative study of combustion in kerosene heaters

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00143a010· OSTI ID:5922727

The combustion characteristics of radiant, convective, and multistage kerosene heaters have been determined and compared. Two types of experiments were conducted. In the first of these, composition and temperature were measured as a function of axial position in the heater to determine the progress of combustion. In the second type, composition, fuel consumption rate, temperature, pressure, and exhaust stream mass flow rate were measured in an exhaust manifold to ascertain the effect of heater type and heater operating conditions on exhaust gas composition. Fuel consumption was sensitive to wick height, wick age, and volume of fuel in the tank. Heater design strongly influenced emission rates. The convective and multistage heaters produced the smallest amounts of CO (per kilojoule). The radiant heater produced the largest amounts of CO and the smallest amounts of NO/sub x/. The convective heater produced the largest amounts of NO/sub x/. Results were compared with chamber and other laboratory studies, and agreement among the various studies was found to be quite satisfactory. 12 references, 4 figures, 8 tables.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5922727
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 20:1; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English