Skip to main content

Zakariah Adu Adejoh

Investigating particulate emissions from a biomass boiler.

Email: z.a.adejoh2@ncl.ac.uk

Project title

Characterisation and mitigation of particulate emissions from a biomass boiler using a novel non-thermal plasma ionizer

Supervisors

Project description

This project characterises particulate emissions as a function of mode of operation of a residential biomass boiler. We will also investigate the use of a novel non-thermal plasma (NTP) device for mitigation of particulate emissions from small-scale (<25kW) biomass boilers.

The NTP ionises particles, causing them to agglomerate. This immediately renders them less harmful to humans. They are also easier to remove by current techniques for particulate mitigation.

I characterised the emissions from a working biomass boiler, situated at Cockle Park Farm, as a function of stage of operation. I determined the particle size distribution (PSD) as a function of operating conditions. These include steady state, start-up, de-ashing, start-up after de-ashing, and shutdown. This allowed me to determine how these operations affect the particle number and size of particulate emissions.

I then characterised the emissions as a function of plasma power at all modes. I assessed the device at powers of 0, 7.5, 15, 25, 35 and 45W.

I analysed the samples with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This demonstrated an increase in the size of particles with plasma power.

The experiment provides the fundamental technique of particulate emissions. It allows us to show how it can be controlled using the plasma at small scale in the laboratory. This validates the experimental work with a biomass boiler.

We will investigate the determination of ion generated from the plasma ionizer using an ion counter. We will analyse particle size distribution and number concentration of the smoke generated. We will use a particle counter probe for this. We will explore the effects of plasma power, residence time and plasma configuration in the treatment of emission particulates at ambient conditions.

Publications

Interests

Energy, health and environment

Qualifications

MEng, BEng

Programme information
Assessment and feedback
Student support