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Show Introduction U.S. industry burns eighteen percent of all fuels combusted in the U.S. for all purposes. Consequently, even a small improvement in efficiency can, on a nationwide basis, result in significant energy savings which translate into significant cost savings. Thus, it is not surprising that the U.S. Department of Energy has had in effect a program for developing energy efficient combustion equipment since 1977. The DOE Industrial Combustion Equipment Program is based on the needs and concerns of industry. The Program advances technology to the point of commercialization. Activities focus on the development of energy efficient combustion equipment for use in one or more high energy consuming manufacturing industries; these include metals, petroleum, glass and chemicals among others. Ideally, technologies developed will have applicability to more than one industry. This Program involves research, development and demonstration projects contracted with industry and academia. Each project culminates in a demonstration at an operating host site. The demonstration is designed to provide industry with credible data to accelerate the adoption of new technology combustion equipment. A commercial product that improves the efficiency and enhances the competitiveness of U. S. industry is expected to result from each project. The on-going implementation of clean air regulations is making environmental considerations a major factor in the adoption of the equipment developed by this D O E Program. Indeed, low emissions are expected to be the major incentive for adoption of these energy saving technologies by industry. Further, increasing the efficiency of industrial combustion equipment will reduce the greenhouse gases produced. Current projects being conducted by the Industrial Combustion Equipment Program include oxygen enriched (oxy-fuel) combustion, a ferrous scrap preheater, a workpiece temperature analyzer, supercritical water oxidation of industrial waste streams and an advanced porous radiant burner. These projects are funded jointly with industrial participants through cost share. Characteristics of a Success: Oxygen Enriched Combustion/Oxy-Fuel Firing The glass industry's move to the use of oxygen enriched combustion illustrates how DOE-sponsored demonstrations serve as a catalyst for industry adoption of an advanced technology. As used by the glass industry, nominal 1 0 0 % oxygen replaces air as the oxidant of natural gas fuel. Combustion using nominal 1 0 0 % oxygen is termed oxy-fuel firing. Praxair, formerly Union Carbide Industrial Gases, is the D OE contractor in this area. 1 I-2 |