To develop and scale improvements in low emissions combustion technology by using mathematical and physical modelling to guide small and full scale burner testing. Current mathematical models will be extended to incorporate the combustion process in the near-burner region including predictive techniques to locate the ignition zone and model the chemistry of pollutant formation.

This project has been developed as a result of a need to continue research into the emissions of nitrogen oxides from coal-fired boiler plant because of the concern regarding atmospheric pollution and global warming. The partners collaborating represent Manufacturer, Power Utility and University and they will develop, validate and use the combustion computer codes of Imperial College.

The computational code will be developed to include improvements in the way the finite difference grids are established in the near-burner region and the chemistry of nitrogen oxide formation will be added.

The code will be validated by reference to large and small scale combustion tests on a commercial sized dual register low NOx burner, this work will be supported by the use of an isothermal physical model for validation of the burner aerodynamics.

The code will be used to examine the potential for further reductions in NOx emissions by optimising the burner aerodynamics in the near-burner region taking into consideration the need to prevent increases in the emissions of smoke and carbon monoxide whilst maintaining a stable flame over a wide range of operational conditions. The burner will then be evaluated for overall performance in the large scale (88 MW) combustion test rig at NEI-International Combustion Ltd.

In support of the combustion trials and to provide data on reaction kinetics, coals from various European sources will be examined on a thermal gravimetric analyzer and drop tube furnace with particular reference to the retention of fuel nitrogen in char.