Research

Fires and explosions
Aerosol formation
Black liquor gasification
Fossil Fuel and Biomass Combustion
Air Toxics
Flares
process heaters and cracking furnaces
mixing tanks

Fossil Fuel and Biomass Combustion

 

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. 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. The work encompasses both experimental and modeling studies. For additional information, see our experimental, analytical, and simulation capabilities for studying combustion processes.

Our work focuses on the following areas:

Coal- and natural-gas-fired boilers
Key personnel: Eric Eddings, Philip Smith, Kevin Whitty

Spreader stoker-fired combustors
Key personnel: Eric Eddings and Ryan Okerlund

Diesel engines
Key personnel: Adel Sarofim, Kerry Kelly, and Dave Wagner

Glass-melting furnaces
Key personnel: Philip Smith

Gas turbine engines
Key personnel: Eric Eddings and David Wagner