Spatial distribution of emissions, temperatures, and particulate matter in a combustion zone of a pellet boiler

Particulate matter (PM) and gaseous emissions from combustion pose a significant threat to air quality and human health. This study investigates the spatial distribution of PM and gaseous emissions within the combustion chamber of a small-scale pellet boiler. Real-time O2, CO2, CO, NOx, PM, and temp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alexander Backa, Radovan Nosek, Nikola Čajová Kantová, Sławomir Sładek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25008913
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Summary:Particulate matter (PM) and gaseous emissions from combustion pose a significant threat to air quality and human health. This study investigates the spatial distribution of PM and gaseous emissions within the combustion chamber of a small-scale pellet boiler. Real-time O2, CO2, CO, NOx, PM, and temperature measurements were conducted. Wood pellet combustion experiments were performed on an automatic bottom-feed boiler. Measurements were taken at various points within a 16 × 16 × 16 cm volume above the retort using a separate extraction system. Average CO, CO2, and temperature decreased with distance from the burner, while O2 levels increased. The maximum temperature (900 °C) and PM concentration (133.7 mg/m3) were recorded closest to the burning pellet layer, with 19 % of the total vertical temperature drop occurring just above it, followed by a peak gradient (31 %) between the next two layers. Elevated PM levels were also detected in cooler regions outside the flame. Total NOx concentrations were generally consistent. The highest CO concentration (10062.6 mg/m3) coincided with the highest O2 content (19.23 %) outside the main flame. To analyze correlations between emissions and local temperatures, linear and polynomial regression models were developed. Correlations were identified between local oxygen availability, temperature, and emission concentrations.
ISSN:2214-157X