Acrolein and other volatile organic emissions from the combustion of crude glycerol

Scott A. Steinmetz, Jason S. Herrington, Chris Winterrowd, Daniel Janek, William L. Roberts, Jost O.L. Wendt, William P. Linak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Crude glycerol is an abundant by-product of the transesterification process used for biodiesel production. Recently, there has been investigation into the viability of crude glycerol as a boiler fuel for process heating. The main challenges of glycerol combustion involve its low energy density, high viscosity, and high auto-ignition temperature. Previous work has shown that a refractory lined, high swirl burner can overcome these challenges. Additional work has been done to improve fuel delivery, resulting in more stable flames. However, high sodium content and the possible presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically acrolein, remain issues to be solved. Currently, there is no known reliable method of measuring unsaturated aldehydes from sources. Use of GC-MS and other techniques for such measurement were investigated, and results indicate crude glycerol combustion produces small amounts of acrolein and other volatile organic emissions on the same order as natural gas combustion. Further investigation of particle and gas emissions is ongoing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2011
PublisherCombustion Institute
Pages676-681
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781622761258
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
EventFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2011 - Storrs, United States
Duration: Oct 9 2011Oct 12 2011

Publication series

NameFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2011

Other

OtherFall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStorrs
Period10/9/1110/12/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Chemical Engineering

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