Application and prospects of low NOx burners for coal-fired utility boilers

Combustion of fossil fuels for power generation gives rise to emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in large amounts, which leads to acid rain, photochemical smog and thus environmental problems. In order to control NOx emission from coal-fired utility boilers, experiments on the control techniques have been carried out by many research institutions and power plants. The low NOx burner for coal-fired utility boilers is considered as the most economical and effective technique for lowering NOx emission. This paper analyzed the origin of NOx in coal-fired utility boilers, factors which have an effect on NOx generation, and NOx control techniques. A brief introduction on several types of low NOx burners was given, which have been used in domestic coal-fired power plants. Prospects for the application of low NOx burners were discussed.