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Show ABSTRACT The Effect of Fuel and Air Mixing on NOx Production in a Model Industrial, Natural Gas Fired Burner M. M. Miyasato D. K. Moyeda W.A.Sowa G. S. Samuelsen UCI Combustion Laboratory University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92717 A program has been initiated to better understand the processes of fuel-air mixing in natural gas fired industrial burners, with emphasis on the relationship between these mixing processes and the (1) fonnation of NO x, and (2) combustion efficiency. Initial parametric studies have been conducted at two scales: 50,000 Btu/hr and 100,000 Btu/hr. The results presented here reveal that an understanding of fuel-air mixing can, in fa~t, lead to a substantial reduction in NOx without an expense to combustion efficiency. To understand these processes and develop criteria for the optimization of the fuel-air mixing, a team of researchers has been assembled to provide the necessary resources and tools. The program will employ extensive parametric studies, modelling, and in-situ measurements for NO and N02. INTRODUCTION Due to the unique atmospheric conditions and high population density in the area, the South Coast Air Basin in southern California represents the most challenging urban air pollution problem in the United States. In 1989, for example, the South Coast Air Basin exceeded the federal standard for ozone more times than any other monitored area in the nation and was the only area to exceed the federal standard for nitrogen dioxide (Reference 1). To come into compliance with Federal clean air standards, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is implementing increasingly stringent regulations limiting the amount of emissions from stationary sources. Particular focus has been placed on emissions that contribute to urban photochemical oxidant, specifically the emission of nitric oxides (NOx). At the national level, the federal government has followed suit by passing the Clean Air Act amendments, which also call for reduced NOx emissions from stationary sources. It is evident that industrial burners will be driven by low NOx emission standards as well as high fuel efficiency requirements in order to remain competitive in 1990' s and beyond. In response to the need to reduce NOx emissions from industrial burners, the California Institute for Energy Efficiency (CIEE) and the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) are sponsoring a program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to investigate the processes associated with the production of NO x in industrial, natural gas ftred burners. The focus of the program is to explore |