Combustion System Requirements for Advanced Technologies

Research and development in industrial combustion processes is being conducted by burner manufacturers, combustion system users, and private research companies. Many of these activities have been supported by the government and non-profit organizations. Before initiating lengthy and possibly expensive combustion research , it is important for research sponsoring organizations to establish priorities to ensure that the results offer timely, significant market impact and substantial economic benefits to end users and manufacturers. Key criteria in ranking research opportunities woulq be the level of performance improvement of new equipment relative to competing technologies and the amount of cost reduction afforded by the use of the new technology. One approach in assessing the merits of various research topics is to review state-of-the-art technology, to evaluate market needs, and to estimate market potential and technical viability of new concepts. The papers presented in this session represent results of research planning activities at the Department of Energy, the Gas Research Institute and the International Flame Research Foundation.