COMBUSTION OF SYNTHETIC FUELS

This volume provides an overview of current fundamental and applied combustion research studies that address the use of synthetic fuels. The main emphasis in these studies is on the combustion of liquid fuels, ranging from research on spray atomization to pilot-scale testing of the combustion of synthetic fuels. 

The physical and chemical properties of synthetic crudes are different from those of petroleum. Increased NO and soot production are the principal problems of the combustion of synthetic fuels, and control concepts for these two problems are in conflict. Fuel-rich combustion decreases NO but augments soot production, while fuel-lean combustion decreases (and can eliminate) soot production but augments NO emissions. Moreover, control procedures can affect combustion efficiency and heat-transfer distribution to the chamber surfaces. Table I, taken from Grumer (6), illustrates some specific relevant properties of synthetic liquid fuels and petroleum-based fuels. The principal differences between these fuels as related to their combustion behavior are summarized in Table II. 

From a heat-transfer point of view, the high soot concentrations resulting from the combustion of synthetic fuels will tend to cause both higher radiation heating and more severe fouling of heat-transfer surfaces. Depending on the soot concentration and temperature of the combustion gases, as much as 95 percent of the total heat transfer in a furnace or a gas turbine combustor may take place due to radiation Sarofim (10) The... 

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