A Novel High-Heat Transfer Low-NO{sub x} Natural Gas Combustion System. Final Technical Report

Abstract

Executive SummaryThis report is submitted to the United States Department of Energy in fulfillment of the contractual requirement for a Final Technical Report covering Phases !, II, and III of the project titled, 'A Novel High-Heat Transfer Low-NO x Natural Gas Combustion System', under cooperative agreement number DE-FC02-95CE41185. The full project is divided into three Phases with go-no go decision points after Phases I and II. The 15-month Phase I of the project, titled Research and Development Definition, focused on acquiring the market needs, modeling, design, and test plan information needed to proceed with Phase II. Phase I was completed on time and within budget, and Phase I was highly successful. The 24-month Phase II, titled Research and Development, focused on design, fabrication, and testing of the high-heat transfer low-NO x natural gas combustion system on laboratory and pilot scale furnaces. All goals and objectives for Phases I and II have been achieved. The 36-month Phase III, titled Demonstration Testing and Planning for Adoption, focused on commercial demonstration of the high heat transfer lowNOx natural gas combustion system on an Owens Corning fiberglass furnace. All goals and objectives of Phase III have been met. The project was completed on budget.The project team assembled all elements necessary to develop and demonstrate this novel, innovative technology and to accelerate its commercialization. The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is a premier industry-supported energy systems and environmental technology development organization. The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) was the original prime contractor. During this course of this project, IGT combined with the Gas Research Institute (GRI) to form a larger not-for-profit corporation still focused on energy and environmental research and technology development. Combustion Tec (CTI), a division of Eclipse, is a major supplier of advanced natural gas combustion systems to the glass industry. Combustion Tec was an independent company at the start of this project and was purchased during the project period. Combustion Tec now serves as the glass industry combustion system supplier for Eclipse. Owens Corning (OC) is a leading glass industry manufacturer/end-user with a well-established reputation for the introduction of innovative technology. GTI and Combustion Tec have an established track record of successful teaming arrangements over the past fourteen years that has rapidly commercialized innovative technologies in the glass industry. Owens Corning participation ensures development is focused on end-user needs and commercialization barriers are minimized. The strong industrial participation in this project team and the active participation of industrial team members in all Phases and Tasks of the project demonstrates the commitment of industry to develop and commercialize this innovative energy-saving, low emission combustion system. The key component of the system is an innovative burner technology conceived by GTI. This novel burner capita...