Plasma-assisted combustion technology for NOx reduction in industrial burners

Environ Sci Technol. 2013 Oct 1;47(19):10964-70. doi: 10.1021/es401513t. Epub 2013 Sep 13.

Abstract

Stronger regulations on nitrogen oxide (NOx) production have recently promoted the creation of a diverse array of technologies for NOx reduction, particularly within the combustion process, where reduction is least expensive. In this paper, we discuss a new combustion technology that can reduce NOx emissions within industrial burners to single-digit parts per million levels without employing exhaust gas recirculation or other NOx reduction mechanisms. This new technology uses a simple modification of commercial burners, such that they are able to perform plasma-assisted staged combustion without altering the outer configuration of the commercial reference burner. We embedded the first-stage combustor within the head of the commercial reference burner, where it operated as a reformer that could host a partial oxidation process, producing hydrogen-rich reformate or synthesis gas product. The resulting hydrogen-rich flow then ignited and stabilized the combustion flame apart from the burner rim. Ultimately, the enhanced mixing and removal of hot spots with a widened flame area acted as the main mechanisms of NOx reduction. Because this plasma burner acted as a low NOx burner and was able to reduce NOx by more than half compared to the commercial reference burner, this methodology offers important cost-effective possibilities for NOx reduction in industrial applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry
  • Air Pollution / prevention & control*
  • Carbon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Carbon Monoxide / analysis
  • Carbon Monoxide / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hydrogen / chemistry
  • Industrial Waste
  • Nitrogen Oxides / analysis*
  • Nitrogen Oxides / chemistry
  • Waste Management / instrumentation
  • Waste Management / methods*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Industrial Waste
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Hydrogen