Particulate formation from the spray combustion of heavy oil and biofuel

The Biomass represents an alternative and a relevant solution for using less fossil energy while preserving environment. Therefore, the performances as a fuel of the rapeseed oil, have been investigated in a 100 kW pre-pilot plant and the results have been compared with those obtained with light and heavy oils. In particular carbonaceous particles and PAH formation along the three spray flame axes has been studied by optical (Laser Light Scattering) and gas-solid sampling techniques. Additional measurements of the local value of the extinction coefficient compared to the scattering information allowed to discriminate the presence of soot particles from cenospheres. The kinetics of formation and burnout of the particulate, identified in terms of number concentration of soot particles and cenospheres, has been evaluated. Moreover the results have shown that the rapeseed oil flame is less pollutant than fossil oil flames.