Formation of Nitrogen Oxides during Fuel Combustion in Power Plants

2 Formation of Nitrogen Oxides during Fuel Combustion in Power Plants 

NO and NO2 are undesirable by-products of the combustion of fuels such as coal, natural gas, and fuel oil in boilers of power plants (Table 6.18.5). Nitrogen oxides are formed during combustion by three different kinds of reactions  

Although boiler manufactures have successfully reduced NO emissions by about 50% through modifications of the combustion process (less excess air, two-stage combustion in order to decrease the combustion temperature), a further reduction is in most cases still needed to meet the emission reduction targets (Table 6.18.4). 

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