Low NO_x Burners (LNB) 

Low NO_X burners and Low NO_X burner Upgrades are available for both industrial and utility boilers burning a wide variety of fuels and have proven to be a cost effective way to reduce NO_X emissions by 40% - 60%. Each system application is specifically designed to maximize NO_X reduction without sacrificing combustion performance or unit operation. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) combustion modeling is used to validate the design prior to fabrication of equipment. Lean combustion zones are created for deep staging. These zones inhibit the formation of NO_X from fuel bound nitrogen in coal and oil fired burners. In gas burners the peak flame temperature is reduced to limit thermal NO_X formation. NO_X reductions can range from 40%-60% depending on the fuel type.  

• Industrial and Utility Boilers
• 40-60% NO_x Reduction

How Fuel Tech's Ultra Low NO_X Coal Burners Reduce NO_X Emissions

Low NO_X burner upgrades are offered for existing coal, gas, or oil combustion systems to meet EPA NO_X emission requirements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) combustion modeling is used to validate the design prior to fabrication of equipment. Lean combustion zones are created for deep staging. These zones inhibit the formation of NO from fuel bound nitrogen in coal and oil fired burners. In gas burners the peak flame temperature is reduced to limit thermal NO_X formation. NO_X reductions can range from 30%-50% depending upon the burner and the fuel type.

Ultra Low NO_X Burner Upgrades 

Low NO_X burner upgrades are offered for existing coal, gas, or oil combustion systems to meet EPA NO_X emission requirements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) combustion modeling is used to validate the design prior to fabrication of equipment. Lean combustion zones are created for deep staging. These zones inhibit the formation of NO from fuel bound nitrogen in coal and oil fired burners. In gas burners the peak flame temperature is reduced to limit thermal NOXformation. NO_Xreductions can range from 30%-50% depending upon the burner and the fuel type.

Applications & Performance

• Coal, Gas, Oil
• 30-50% NO_X Reduction

Coal Burner Upgrade

A homogeneous coal and primary air stream penetrates the Internal Re-circulation Zone (IRZ) at the burner outlet. Coal devolitizes in a low O₂ zone to force the fuel-bound nitrogen to N₂ instead of NO. Secondary air mixes further downstream to complete burn out and limit impact on unburned carbon

The Hardware:

Typically three components: a Low NO_X Swirler, a Low NO_X Coal Nozzle and a Low NO_X Distribution Disk, are all that are needed to upgrade original OEM or Low NO_X Burners. Components are fabricated from wear resistant alloys for extended life.

Coal T-Fired Burner Upgrade

Fuel Tech’s Separated Over-Fire Air (SOFA) system for Tangentially-Fired boilers utilizes a high energy nozzle design that eliminates the need for yaw and tilt control. The system controls airflow from the secondary air ducts to evenly distribute flow through ports above the top elevation of burners.

The Hardware:

Typically three components, a Low NO_x fuel/air bucket, Coal Nozzle Insert and Distribution Disk, are all that are needed to upgrade original OEM or Low NO_x burners. Components are fabricated from wear-resistant alloys to provide extended life.

Gas Burner Upgrade

Thermal NO_Xincreases exponentially as a function of peak flame temperature. Lowering the peak flame temperature 190^°F can reduce NO_X 50%. Split flames are produced from the burner upgrade to stage combustion and reduce peak flame temperature.

The Hardware:

Typically, only two components are needed to upgrade a single zone burner to a low NO_X, high efficiency burner - a curve bladed swirler and gas pokers. Each is made from 310 SS for long life in a high temperature environment.

Oil Burner Upgrade

Oil spray from Fuel Tech’s Low NO_X atomizer devolitizes in a fuel rich zone at the burner outlet. This zone inhibits the conversion of fuel-bound nitrogen to NO_X. Oil droplets are controlled in a tight size range to ensure complete burnout and limit opacity.

The Hardware:

Typically only two components are needed to upgrade a single zone burner to a low NO_X, high efficiency burner - a curve bladed swirler and Low NO_X Atomizer. Each is made from 310 SS for long life in a high temperature environment.