ASPECTS OF SUBMERGED COMBUSTION AS A HEAT-EXCHANGE METHOD

The aim of the research is to identify and quantify those factors infl uencing the ignition and maintenance of a stable fully immersed flame for submerged combustion under a variety of operating conditions. Furt her to this, the effects of burner design are being assessed with a vi ew to producing optimal designs for each application. Apart from facto rs influencing the design of submerged combustion burners, the questio n of process design must also be addressed, particularly with regard t o the water and waste water industries. Submerged combustion has been used successfully, to pasteurise sewage sludges prior to anaerobic dig estion. Treatment methods such as this are now required in the LS; as a result, interest has increased in the UK, leading to this research p roject. Areas currently under investigation include: Water Treatment ( introduction of carbon dioxide into lime treated waters). Waste Water Processing (heat treatment of sewage sludges), Separations Technology (evaporative effects on complex mixtures) and Combustion of unusual Fu el Gases (e.g. low calorific value gases).