Return to search

Fuel sulfur effects on No(x) formation in turbulent diffusion flames

Interactions between certain fuel sulfur compounds and nitric oxide (NO) in turbulent gaseous and distillate oill diffusion flames were experimentally investigated utilizing a 75,000 Btu/hr laboratory combustor. Aerodynamics, air preheat conditions, and overall excess air conditions were varied to determine their role on any such interaction. Results indicated that addition of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to natural gas flames could enhance or inhibit NO emissions. Local flame stoichiometry and temperature, which were influenced by fuel injector type, determined which effect was observed and the extent to which it occurred. Thiophen (C₄H₄S) and pyridine (C₅H₅N) were added to #2 diesel oil to determine effects of fuel sulfur on conversion of chemically bound fuel nitrogen to No. No discernible effect was observed at "zero" air preheat conditions. No emissions were enhanced at high air preheat conditions. Addition of SO₂ to natural gas flames doped with ammonia (NH₃) produced a significant increase in conversion of NH₃ to NO at high air preheat conditions. Inhibition effects were explained in terms of homogeneous catalysis of recombination reactions by SO₂. Hydrogen abstraction reactions involving reduced sulfur species and other oxidation reactions involving SO₂, or a reduced form, were considered to explain the enhancement effect.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/348049
Date January 1976
CreatorsCorley, Timothy Lynn
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Page generated in 0.002 seconds