The Effect of Fuel and Air Mixing on NOx Production in a Model Industrial Natural Gas Fired Burner

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) formation of NOx, 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 fact, 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.