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Curbing Emissions While Tuning Combustion Engines for Optimal Performance

Curbing Emissions While Tuning Combustion Engines for Optimal Performance

Curbing Emissions While Tuning Combustion Engines for Optimal Performance   Anyone who owns or operates a boiler and wants to generate more power from their combustion equipment faces several challenges, as they need to comply with numerous economic, environmental, legal, political and technical regulations pertaining to atmospheric emissions. In order to maximize boiler performance while still complying with government regulated emission standards, it is important to select a low-emission boiler of adequate size. Having the best equipment for the job is important, however, it needs to be calibrated and tuned correctly for optimal performance. Tuning the combustion equipment correctly will result in peak performance, while reducing fuel consumption and controlling atmospheric emissions. The four primary boiler emissions that are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA) include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO). Emission restrictions that apply to combustion boilers are outlined in the table below. While emission limitations are largely influenced by the size and type of boiler, other influencing factors include the type of fuel or fuel mixture that is used to operate the boiler, the combustion method, and the geographical location of the boiler installation. The U.S.Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored 'Guide to Low-Emission Boiler and Combustion Equipment Selection' outlines techniques that are effective in reducing NOx, PM and SO2 emissions. These are grouped into three categories according to the stage of the combustion process as outlined in the table below. [caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="847"]Emission Control technique Credit: Guide to Low-Emission Boiler and Combustion Equipment Selection, C. B. Oland, Oak Ridge National Laboratory[/caption]

Recommended Equipment to Improve Efficiency

There are several tools available to help boiler operators comply with regulatory standards without compromising on engine performance. Using an effective calibration tool and emissions analyzer can improve boiler efficiency as well as environmental performance.

Calibrating Engine Emissions

Operators can monitor and calibrate boiler engine emissions with the AMPRO 2000, a powerful, handheld emissions analyzer that simultaneously measures up to 7 gas components including CO, NOx and SO2.

Monitoring Emissions in the Stack

The OMS 420 is a compact probe that is installed inside the stack, where it serves as an emissions analyzer, continually monitoring emissions and providing in-situ real time analysis of Oxygen (O2) and combustibles (COe).

Tuning the Boiler Engine

The DM 9600 is a precision manometer used to accurately calculate the differential pressure when tuning the boiler engine. By using the tools above, boiler operators can run their engines at maximum efficiency, minimizing fuel consumption and controlling emissions. It finds the sweet spot in the engine and emission output, allowing them to operate at maximum efficiency while complying with environmental and legal regulations.
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