Experimental Study on Hydrogen Enriched Natural Gas Combustion in Industrial Burner

The effects of hydrogen enrichment with natural gas have been experimentally investigated in an industrial burner for heat production. The hydrogen content was varied from 0%, 30%, and 50% by vol in the fuel blend (hydrogen + natural gas) to examine the burner’s performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. The emission characteristics were analysed by using a flue gas analyser and verified with a mass spectrometer. The experiments were performed on HEC (High Efficiency Combustion) range – TMG fully condensing industrial heater. The experimental study shows that flame thermal runaway occurs in the burner when deploying higher amount of hydrogen (i.e. ≥30% by vol.) in the blend and combustion instability increases. The required fuel flow rate for hydrogen blend increased to achieve the same power output as for natural gas. The most important influence of using hydrogen blend in combustion for industrial burner is the reduction of both CO and NOx. The study shows that CO, NO and NOx are reduced up to two times and more for 30% by vol. hydrogen blend with natural gas. The study also shows that the higher amount of hydrogen blend (i.e. ≥50% by vol.) will require a significant amount of modification to the burner’s control.