Prediction of NOx formation by a DC Plasma Torch

Industries using fossil fuels as their energy source contribute to global warming as the required energy for their processes is supplied by combusting fossil fuels. CO2, a greenhouse gas, is a product of combustion. Using electricity generated by hydropower as the heat source may eliminate CO2 emissions. One of the commercially available electric heaters is the direct-current plasma torch, where the gas is heated to high temperatures. Air is the primary plasma-forming gas because it is readily available at no cost. Although this torch does not produce CO2, it generates nitrogen oxides (NOx), considered a pollutant. In this project, a detailed numerical model will be developed to predict the NOx formation of the PyroGenesis patented high-power DC plasma torch and address the existing challenges in minimizing the NOx formation at the source and finding the optimum conditions for reducing NOx emission. The model will be validated experimentally.

Faculty Supervisor:

Javad Mostaghimi

Student:

Partner:

PyroGenesis

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Toronto

Program: