Combustion principles and processes for NOx control in natural gas-fired utility boilers

Book · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1972

OSTI ID:6924150

Durrant, O W; Krippene, B C

Combustion principles and processes for the control of nitrogen oxides from natural gas-fired utility boilers are reviewed, with particular emphasis on two-stage combustion, recirculation of boiler outlet flue gas to the burner windbox, and burner design and arrangement. The control methods are based on the theory that anything limiting the peak flame temperature, the time available at peak temperature, or the amount of oxygen present at peak temperature in the active combustion zone will reduce the amount of nitric oxide formation. Recommendations are given for criteria to measure the performance of burners in terms of combustion quality and NOx limitation. The effect of two stage combustion, i.e., the introduction of a portion of the combustion air above the burners, is to extend the flame path into the upper regions of the furnace, with the combustion being completed before leaving the furnace. The success of introducing flue gas recirculation to the burners depends on the blending of the air and gas to achieve a uniform mixture to all burners. The success of such modifications is demonstrated on operating units and includes not only a significant reduction on NOx discharge but also a minimum of unburned combustibles and a stable, continuous combustion process.

• OSTI ID: 6924150
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
034000* -- Natural Gas-- Combustion
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200202 -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Waste Management-- Noxious Gas & Particulate Emissions
BOILERS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTION YIELD
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
DENITRIFICATION
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUE GAS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
NATURAL GAS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
RECOMMENDATIONS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTES
YIELDS