4.3. Interactions between S and N species: Their effect on NOX formation and emission

The interaction between sulphur and nitrogen species during combustion has been the subject of limited study for some thirty years. In this period of time only a small number of investigations have been carried out aimed at determining the effect of fuel-sulphur on combustion reactions that involve nitrogenous species, originating both from the fuel or the combustion air.

An understanding of the role of nitrogen and sulphur species in the formation of pollutants may lead to the development of more accurate ways to predict emissions. Design strategies for the reduction of emissions may ensue from such conclusions.

Another relevant implication of such work lies in the fact that a possible reduction of NOX due to the effect of fuel-sulphur may make de-sulphurisation inadvisable as the compliance with NOX emission environmental regulations may be facilitated by the sulphur in the fuel. At the time of editing this thesis, the European Union is debating the implementation of a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels, in order to prevent acidification and trans-boundary air pollution (Commission of the European Communities (1997)).

Given the distinct nature of the main processes of formation of NOX in combustion, sulphur species will produce different effects according to the origin of the nitrogenous compounds.

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Pollutant formation and interaction in the combustion of heavy liquid fuels
Luis Javier Molero de Blas, PhD thesis, University of London, 1998
© Luis Javier Molero de Blas