Reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions by MILD combustion of dried sludge

• MILD combustion of dried sludge was performed using two different combustors.
• The combustion stability is sensitive to the flow pattern.
• A horizontal cyclone combustor demonstrated good performance in MILD combustion.
• MILD combustion is very effective in reducing NOx emissions.

Demands for the thermal treatment of sewage sludge are increasing due to the regulation of its ocean disposal and the desire to recover its potential energy. Because of the high nitrogen content in sewage sludge, one of the concerns about its combustion is a potential increase in NOx emissions. Although a number of studies have been conducted to reduce NOx emissions by combustion modifications, very few studies have addressed the combustion of dried sludge. In this study, a combustion technique called moderate or intense low oxygen dilution (MILD) was applied to the combustion of dried sludge with the goal of reducing NOx emissions. MILD combustion of dried sludge was tested using both our laboratory-scale vertical combustor with internal circulation and our horizontal cyclone combustor with external circulation. Tests were conducted to find suitable operating conditions and to demonstrate the stable MILD combustion of dried sludge. From these tests, fuel and air flow patterns were found to be an important factor in maintaining stable MILD combustion, and the horizontal cyclone combustor demonstrated excellent performance in the reduction of NOx emissions by the MILD combustion of dried sludge.