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Show Why Use OEC? Emissions Reduction and Energy Conservation Parameter % Reduction NOx CO CH4 Particulates Natural Gas Energy 84 96 61 28 25 3 The next step in the demonstration was to use oxygen generated by an energy efficient Vacuum Pressure Swing Absorption (VPSA) system which replaced the truck delivered liquid oxygen. VPSA is an advanced, more energy efficient variant of pressure swing absorption which provides nominal 100% oxygen. Most individual glass furnaces can be served efficiently by a VPSA system. There has been a major trend (one industry participant called it a "stampede") toward the oxy-fuel firing of glass furnaces. And Gallo is adding to it. They are planning to convert the remaining three gas-fired furnaces to oxy-fuel firing. With all four furnaces converted, demand will be sufficiently large so that oxygen can be most efficiently supplied from a cryogenic plant to be constructed on site. Future DOE thrusts for this technology involve the utilization of the waste heat generated. One project is already underway to utilize this waste heat effectively. DOE is sponsoring the research and development of a thermal swing absorption system. In a thermal swing system, a chemical or material will selectively sorb oxygen at a low temperature and release it at a higher temperature. Since heating will be with waste heat such as that from OEC, thermal swing has the potential to lower the cost and energy requirement of oxygen generation. This project, being undertaken by the University of New Hampshire has been guided by a literature assessment and an engineering design. Experimental evaluation has identified several candidates that can reversibly and effectively sorb and desorb oxygen. Experimentation to improve the characteristics of the promising substances identified thus far is continuing. Ferrous Scrap Preheater DOE is sponsoring the development of a system to preheat oily scrap steel before it is melted in an electric arc furnace (EAF). Typically, when oily scrap is placed in an EAF and heated, the oil bursts into flame, emitting copious quantities of black smoke. Understandably, oily scrap traditionally has a lower value than cleaner scrap. The ferrous scrap preheater which is being developed by-Surface Combustion under DOE contract captures the energy content of cutting oils which so often coat scrap steel. This oil is burned along with natural gas to preheat the scrap in an environmentally sound manner. The hot scrap requires less time and less electrical energy in the EAF. |