Demonstration of Sub-9 PPM NOx Emissions Using the Radiation Stabilized Burner in an Industrial Package Boiler

In work presented previously, very low NOx emissions were demonstrated using Alzeta's Radiation Stabilized Burner (RSB) technology in an industrial boiler. Sub-9 ppm emissions of NOx were achieved simultaneously with low emissions of CO and unburned hydrocarbons in field tests conducted by Alzeta in a Thermally Enhanced Oil Recovery (TEOR) steamer. These tests demonstrated the ability to achieve the 9 ppm NOx emissions target both with and without flue gas recirculation (FGR), providing the end user with either a lowest first cost or a lowest operating cost 9 ppm solution. Based on these favorable test results, a 50,000 lb/hr industrial package boiler was installed at a customer site in mid-1999 that was equipped with an Alzeta burner guaranteed at the 9 ppm NOx emissions level. The successful installation and startup of this boiler are described below. The 9 ppm performance guarantee was provided by Alzeta using the RSB in a standard package boiler design with minimal modifications to the windbox or boiler controls. The benefit of the RSB approach to low NOx is believed to be the simplicity of the concept, which can lead to very low initial capital and startup costs for a 9 ppm system.