Emission Characteristics Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Combustion In A Premixed Swirl Burner

B. Z. Akinlalu; A. A. Asere

B. Z. Akinlalu Thermo-fluids and Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
A. A. Asere Thermo-fluids and Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Keywords: Swirl number, Equivalence ratio, Emissions, Swirl burner, Liquefied petroleum gas

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is widely used as a fuel in domestic and industrial heating appliances throughout the world because its combustion products are relatively clean. However, due to its direct association with people, its combustion pollutants are of great concern. To this end, a study was carried out to investigate the effects of swirl intensity and equivalence ratio on emission produced during combustion of liquefied petroleum gas under fuel-lean conditions in a premixed swirl burner. Experiments were carried out using liquefied petroleum gas whose composition is 75% butane, 25% propane and air as charge. Tests were done for vane angles between 35 and 60^o in steps of 5^o. Employing EGA4 gas Analyzer in measuring NO_x and CO_xemission level, it is shown that emission levels were strongly influenced by swirl intensity and equivalence ratio that strongly decrease pollutant emissions. Between equivalence ratio of 0.65 and 0.90, NO_x emission of less than 5ppm and CO emission of less than 60ppm were achieved. Result also showed that at temperature ranges between 927^oC and 1012^oC, NO_x and CO emission generated from combustion of LPG were low.

Author Biographies

B. Z. Akinlalu, Thermo-fluids and Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

B. Z. Akinlalu holds a B.Eng. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. He is presently on his M.Sc programme in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

A. A. Asere, Thermo-fluids and Energy Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Prof. A. A. Asere is a member of academic staff of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. His research areas include thermofluids and energy. He has trained many candidates at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

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