A method and apparatus to conduct 02 / CO2
combustion or
oxygen-enriched
combustion. The boiler
exhaust gas passes through a Gas Primer Sector (GPS) combined with the boiler to effect
heat transfer to the
combustion gas in indirect counter-flow heat exchange. Sharply reduced gas flows result from using largely
moisture-free CO2 as
diluent for O2 in the combustion gas which allows long
residence time at low velocity for maximum
heat transfer from the
exhaust gas to the combustion gas. Most particulate drops out and most
moisture is condensed from the cooled mostly CO2
exhaust gas. The larger portion is blended with
oxygen for the combustion gas and reheated and returned to the boiler through the integrated GPS; the smaller portion is cleaned and separated, the CO2 released or recovered. The complete exhaust gas-combustion gas cycle may be 30 to 90 seconds and preferably about 60 seconds. The
high heat capacity of CO2 allows a much higher
oxygen content in the combustion gas compared to open-cycle air combustion with a large
nitrogen content of lower
heat capacity. Efficiency is increased. Final exhaust
gas separation and
recovery is simplified. Condensate is processed to
boiler feedwater or
potable water quality.
NOx, is eliminated, mercury fume captured and CO2 output reduced.