Design and Field Demonstration of a Low-NOx Burner for TEOR (Thermally Enhanced Oil Recovery) Steamers

摘要

The paper discusses a program that addresses the need for advanced NOx control technology for thermally enhanced oil recovery (TEOR) steam generators. A full-scale (60 million Btu/hr) burner system has been developed and tested, the concept for which was based on fundamental studies. Test results are included for full-scale burner performance in an experimental test furnace, and in a field-operating steam generator which was subsequently retrofitted in a Kern County, California, oilfield. (NOTE: NOx control techniques including low-NOx burners, postflame NH3 injection, or other postflame treatment methods--e.g., selective catalytic reduction--have been considered in order to comply with regulations. The level of NOx control required to meet both growth and air quality goals has typically been difficult to achieve with available technology while maintaining acceptable CO and particulate emissions as well as practical flame conditions within the steamer.)