Chapter 9: Problem 6

What is the main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications is Fuel NOx formation. This is because the temperatures in biomass combustion processes are usually lower than those required for significant thermal NOx formation, and the nitrogen content in biomass fuels plays a more significant role in NOx emissions. Furthermore, the contribution of prompt NOx formation to overall NOx emissions in biomass combustion is relatively minor.

Step by step solution

Understand NO formation mechanisms

There are three primary mechanisms for the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) during biomass combustion: 1. Thermal NOx formation 2. Fuel NOx formation 3. Prompt NOx formation Each of these NOx formation mechanisms has unique characteristics and is influenced by various factors such as temperature, fuel composition, and reaction time.

Describe Thermal NOx formation

Thermal NOx formation occurs at high temperatures (above 1800 K) and is due to the dissociation of N2 and O2 molecules in the air, forming atomic nitrogen (N) and atomic oxygen (O). These atoms recombine to form NO. The rate of thermal NOx formation increases with higher temperatures and longer residence time.

Describe Fuel NOx formation

Fuel NOx formation mainly occurs when nitrogen-containing compounds in the fuel (biomass) react with oxygen (O2) during the combustion process. The rate of fuel NOx formation depends on the nitrogen content in the fuel, the combustion temperature, and the level of oxygen available for the reaction.

Describe Prompt NOx formation

Prompt NOx formation happens due to the rapid reaction of nitrogen (N2) and hydrocarbon radicals (such as CH) generated during combustion, which then react with oxygen (O2) to form NO. This mechanism is relatively insignificant compared to the other two mechanisms in most combustion applications.

Identify the main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications

In the context of biomass combustion applications, the main NO formation mechanism is Fuel NOx formation. This is primarily because the temperatures in biomass combustion processes are usually lower than those required for significant thermal NOx formation, and the nitrogen content in biomass fuels generally plays a more significant role in NOx emissions. Furthermore, the contribution of prompt NOx formation to the overall NOx emissions in biomass combustion is relatively minor. In conclusion, the main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications is Fuel NOx formation, due to the nitrogen content in the biomass fuel and the lower combustion temperatures compared to other combustion applications.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What is the main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand NO formation mechanisms

Describe Thermal NOx formation

Describe Fuel NOx formation

Describe Prompt NOx formation

Identify the main NO formation mechanism in biomass combustion applications

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Living Environment

Ecological Conservation

Ecology Research

Environmental Research

Environmental Policy

Energy Resources

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.