Effect of fuel/air mixture preparation on the formation of carcinogenic hydrocarbons during the combustion of gaseous fuels

Of the harmful components passed into the atmosphere with the combustion products of carbonaceous fuels, carcinogenic compounds are of particular note because of the very adverse effect even small doses of these substances can have on living organisms. The level of carcinogenic pollution of the air is evaluated from the concentration of the strongest and most stable carcinogenic hydrocarbon, benz(a)pyrene (BP). Investigations carried out in boiler furnaces have shown that the concentration of BP in combustion products is affected most by the type of fuel used (oil or gas), the excess air factor in the furnace, the relative thermal load of the furnace and the density of the heat flux. A turbulent gas flame was used for the investigation (the fuel being propane C3H8), due to a desire to reduce as far as possible the number of design and operating parameters which are characteristic of series-produced furnaces and similar experimental plants that could affect the outcome, and thereby obtain more universal results.