Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
11:28
Biomass Conversion to Produce Hydrocarbon Liquid Fuel Via Hot-vapor Filtered Fast Pyrolysis and Catalytic Hydrotreating
Published on: December 25, 2016
27.5K
Low-nitrogen oxides combustion of dried sludge using a pilot-scale cyclone combustor with recirculation
Sung Hoon Shim1, Sang Hyun Jeong, Sang-Sup Lee
1a Environmental and Energy Research Division , Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials , Daejeon , Korea.
Summary
A cyclone-type moderate or intense low-oxygen dilution (MILD) combustor successfully achieved MILD combustion of dried sewage sludge. This technology significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Combustion Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Moderate or Intense Low-Oxygen Dilution (MILD) combustion is a promising technology for solid fuels.
- High air momentum is crucial for MILD combustion but leads to high electricity consumption.
- A cyclone-type combustor was developed to enhance recirculation and improve MILD combustion efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To achieve pilot-scale MILD combustion of dried sewage sludge using a cyclone-type combustor.
- To investigate the impact of geometric parameters on MILD combustion performance.
- To optimize operational conditions for efficient and low-emission sludge combustion.
Main Methods:
- Designed and constructed a pilot-scale cyclone combustor.
- Investigated geometric parameters: venturi tube configuration, air injection location, and air nozzle diameter.
- Optimized operational conditions, including excess air ratio.
Main Results:
- Successful MILD combustion of dried sewage sludge at a rate of 75 kg/hr was achieved.
- Optimized geometric and operational conditions reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions to below 75 ppm.
- The cyclone-type MILD combustor demonstrated efficient recirculation and stable combustion.
Conclusions:
- The horizontal cyclone combustor effectively demonstrated MILD combustion of dried sewage sludge.
- Optimized MILD combustion significantly reduced NOx emissions, offering an environmentally friendly solution.
- Cyclone-type MILD combustion technology presents a cost-effective and eligible option for reducing NOx emissions from dried sewage sludge combustion compared to selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
