ICSE Research - Institute for Clean and Secure Energy

ICSE Research

Fires and Explosions
Aerosol Formation
Combustion and Gasification

Combustion and Gasification

Combustion is the dominant source of both energy and air pollution. As gains made in emission reduction are offset by increases in population, per capita income, and urbanization, this will further increase the need for more efficient, less polluting combustion sources. ICSE researchers are working to improve combustion efficiency and develop viable control strategies of combustion-generated pollutants. Our combustion and gasification work falls into three main areas: black liquor gasification, fossil fuel and biomass combustion, and metal and toxic emissions. For additional information, see our experimental, analytical, and simulation capabilities for studying combustion processes.

Black liquor gasification
ICSE is constructing a pressurized fluidized bed black liquor steam reformer for long-term testing of black liquor gasification technology at its Industrial Combustion and Gasification Research Facility.

Fossil fuel and biomass combustion
ICSE researchers are working to improve combustion efficiency and reduce byproduct formation for a variety of combustion processes. Our work includes experimental and modeling studies of coal- and natural-gas-fired boilers, spreader stoker-fired combustors, diesel engines, glass-melting furnaces, and gas turbine engines. We currently have a number of projects that look at combustion efficiency, NO_x reduction, aerosol emissions, fuel additives, cofiring biomass with coal, and glass-melting furnances.
Metal and toxic emissions
ICSE is working on developing a better understanding of mercury formation and control in coal combustion processes. Specifically, we are interested in the effect of chlorine, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and ash particles on mercury oxidation and reaction chemistry. The oxidation state of mercury is critical because oxides of mercury can be removed with commonly available control technology, whereas elemental mercury is difficult to remove. Our work will help develop cost effective mercury control strategies for coal-fired power plants, as required by recent EPA legislation.

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	ICSE Research Fires and Explosions Aerosol Formation Combustion and Gasification Combustion and Gasification Combustion is the dominant source of both energy and air pollution. As gains made in emission reduction are offset by increases in population, per capita income, and urbanization, this will further increase the need for more efficient, less polluting combustion sources. ICSE researchers are working to improve combustion efficiency and develop viable control strategies of combustion-generated pollutants. Our combustion and gasification work falls into three main areas: black liquor gasification, fossil fuel and biomass combustion, and metal and toxic emissions. For additional information, see our experimental, analytical, and simulation capabilities for studying combustion processes. Black liquor gasification ICSE is constructing a pressurized fluidized bed black liquor steam reformer for long-term testing of black liquor gasification technology at its Industrial Combustion and Gasification Research Facility. Fossil fuel and biomass combustion ICSE researchers are working to improve combustion efficiency and reduce byproduct formation for a variety of combustion processes. Our work includes experimental and modeling studies of coal- and natural-gas-fired boilers, spreader stoker-fired combustors, diesel engines, glass-melting furnaces, and gas turbine engines. We currently have a number of projects that look at combustion efficiency, NO_x reduction, aerosol emissions, fuel additives, cofiring biomass with coal, and glass-melting furnances. Metal and toxic emissions ICSE is working on developing a better understanding of mercury formation and control in coal combustion processes. Specifically, we are interested in the effect of chlorine, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and ash particles on mercury oxidation and reaction chemistry. The oxidation state of mercury is critical because oxides of mercury can be removed with commonly available control technology, whereas elemental mercury is difficult to remove. Our work will help develop cost effective mercury control strategies for coal-fired power plants, as required by recent EPA legislation. << BACK