Development of NOx control methods for glass-melting furnaces. Final report, August 1984-December 1986

This report discusses the results of combustion modification field tests for control of NO(x) emissions from glass-melting furnaces. The techniques were developed on a pilot-scale glass-tank simulator resulting in generalized correlations between NO(x) formation and port design and operating parameters. Two commercial-container glass-melting furnaces were tested - a 165 ton/day endport furnace and a 250 ton/day sideport furnace. Data from both commercial furnaces obeyed the generalized correlations for NO(x) formation as a function of air preheat temperature and excess air utilization. The endport furnace data confirmed the combustion geometry correlations, with a scale-up factor. By application of the emission control techniques to the endport furnace, it was possible to reduce the emissions to the range of 4.5 to 5.5 pounds of NO(x) per net ton of glass from the baseline levels of 7 to 8 pounds of NO(x) per ton of glass. Application of the NO(x) control techniques to the 4-port sideport furnace was, however, not effective in reducing the NO(x) production to low levels, primarily because furnace-design constraints prohibited the achievement of the necessary long, lazy flames. The report reviews the generalized correlations, discusses the techniques for using these generalizations for emissions reduction during operation, and indicates the directionmore » for furnace design that should minimize NO(x) production.« less