Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emissions from a Small Methanol-Fired Boiler.
Abstract
Target emission levels for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) for Mobile Utility Support Equipment (MUSE) boilers were established at 30 and 400 ppm (at 3 percent O2), respectively. It was recommended that new MUSE boilers be acquired with natural-gas-firing, low NOx burners and that existing boilers be evaluated for burning methanol (natural gas was not a viable option) to achieve environmentally limited target emission levels. A methanol fuel storage and supply system was constructed, and tests were undertaken to evaluate boiler operations and the resulting exhaust emissions. Test results showed that target NOx emission levels could be met with methanol fuel using pressure- atomizing nozzles (the standard MUSE type), but that target CO emission levels would not be met. Upon changing to air-atomizing nozzles, both NOx and CO target emission levels were met over a useful boiler operating range. It is recommended that methanol be specified along with air atomizing nozzles for bringing the existing MUSE boilers into compliance with target NOx and CO emission levels. Data from the literature supported the interpretation that the use of volatile fuels (methanol, in this case) can lead to reduced rates of fuel/air mixing, lowered combustion efficiency, and increased CO emissions. The latter was correctable, here, by the change to air atomization. jg p.3
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300092
Entities
People
- Norman L. Helgeson
- Philip Stone
- Ron Tsumura
- W. D. Petrie
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center