Low-NO sub(x) Firing of Orimulsion

Many electric utilities in the US have expressed interest in converting oil-fired boilers to Orimulsion fuel. Orimulsion, which burns similarly to No. 6 oil, consists of a tar-like bitumen emulsified with water. Only recently, however, has information become available regarding the impacts of NO sub(x) reduction methods for Orimulsion firing. TODD Combustion (Shelton, CT) carried out the industry's first test firing of Orimulsion with a low-NO sub(x) burner. The Orimulsion used in these tests was supplied by Bitor America Corporation (Boca Raton, FL). The experiments were conducted on a single-burner test rig. The performances of No. 6 fuel oil and Orimulsion were compared for a full-scale conventional oil burner and for a full-scale low-NO sub(x) burner. The results from the tests were used to establish guidelines for utilities and other power producers.