Stove Research Articles

A multi-city study of indoor air quality in green vs non-green low-income housing

ObjectivesThe condition of the home is a strong predictor of exposure to environmental contaminants, with low-income households being particularly vulnerable. Therefore, improving housing standards is a priority. Housing built to “green” standards, with improved building methods and materials, has been suggested to reduce contaminants. However, evidence is limited as to which contaminants are reduced. The Green Housing Study was conducted to address this issue. The study hypothesis was that housing built using green components has lower concentrations of environmental contaminants compared to conventional housing. MethodsA repeated-measures, 12-month cohort study was performed in three U.S. cities. Data were collected in the home at three time points throughout a year. The level of contaminants were estimated using air samples for particulate matter and black carbon, dust samples for aeroallergens and pesticides, and resident or study staff reporting evidence of mold. To investigate source(s) of PM2.5 and black carbon, multivariable models using stepwise variable selection were developed. ResultsIn adjusted generalized estimating equations (GEE) models, black carbon concentration (μg/m3) (β = −0.22, 95% CI = −0.38 to −0.06, p = 0.01), permethrin (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.15–0.49, p < 0.0001), and reported mold (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.13–0.68, p = 0.003) were significantly lower in green homes. Cockroach antigen was also lower in green homes (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.33–1.08, p = 0.09), although not statistically significant. We found that 68% of PM2.5 was explained by dwelling type and smoking and 42% of black carbon was explained by venting while cooking and use of a gas stove. ConclusionsThis study provides quantitative data suggesting benefits of incorporating green building practices on the level of numerous environmental contaminants known to be associated with health. Occupant behavior, particularly smoking, is an important contributor to indoor air pollution.

Effect of the non-uniform combustion core shape on the biochar production characteristics of the household biomass gasifier stove

The global demand for biochar in agricultural and carbon sequestration applications is increasing; nevertheless, biochar production using the 50-liter household biomass gasifier stove (50L-HBGS) in Thailand found major issues that need to be improved. The objective of this study was to study the effects of the airflow in the non-uniform combustion core shape (NCCS) on the biochar production characteristic of the 50L-HBGS. The new design of the NCCS was constructed and studied to replace the existing combustion core shape (ECCS) at Mahasarakham University. The height, air inlet, and air outlet diameters of the NCCS were designed at 45, 24, and 11.4 cm, respectively. The NCCS with 21 holes of the pyrolysis gas outlet, a diameter of 4 mm for each, was integrated into the 50L-HBGS and performed comparative tests to the ECCS using 9 kg of bamboo wood chunks in three consecutive experiments. The airflow and the combustion behavior were studied through the stove temperature profiles, which were recorded every 5 minutes using a digital data logger. The biochar products were studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the proximate analysis technique. The study indicated that the 50L-HBGS with the NCCS made significantly improved the airflow rates in the combustion core, resulting in better continuous burning during the ignition state than with the ECCS. Moreover, the pyrolysis temperatures were significantly improved, it was provided temperatures during the pyrolysis process reached higher than 500 oC, resulting in the liquid tar being removed and no unburned wood chunks remaining at the end. The characterization result demonstrated that the 50L-HBGS with the NCCS had created biochar within a range of micropore and macrospore sizes and high fixed carbon content, which could be advantageously used for different agricultural and carbon sequestration applications.

Impact of NO2 emissions from household heating systems with wall-mounted gas stoves on indoor and ambient air quality in Chinese urban areas

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been discussed as a typical indoor pollutant for decades. As an increasingly popular heating method, household heating system (HHS) with wall-mounted natural gas stoves has led to a continuous increase in the emission of NO2. The absence of legal regulations and strict limits for NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves has led to a significant exceedance of indoor NO2 concentrations beyond the permissible value. However, this issue is rarely taken into consideration. In this study, we present the first report on NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves for household heating and their impact on indoor and ambient air quality in Chinese urban areas based on in-situ measurements and numerical simulations. On heating days, the observed indoor NO2 concentration is within 80-200 μg/m3, much higher than the outdoor atmospheric concentration. With a low emission grade of the wall-mounted gas stoves, it is estimated that >10 % of residents in a typical residential building area are exposed to a high NO2 concentration of >200 μg/m3, and >50 % of residents are exposed to a concentration of >80 μg/m3. In addition, the indoor NO2 concentration shows an obvious non-uniform distribution with the floor in residential buildings. The NO2 emission from residential natural gas heating also shows an obvious impact on the microenvironment around buildings, which is primarily determined by the emission grade of the stoves. The findings highlight that HHS has become a non-negligible source of indoor NO2 pollution in China. It is urgently necessary to formulate NO2 emission limit standards for wall-mounted gas stoves in Chinese urban areas and upgrade traditional natural gas heaters with efficient emission reduction technologies.

Long-term monitoring of indoor, outdoor, and personal exposure to gaseous chemical compounds

Seasonal variations of chemical compounds in indoor air and outdoor air and personal exposure to these chemicals were continuously monitored for 6 years using four types of passive sampling devices: PSD-BPE/DNPH packed with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene coated silica for ozone and carbonyls; PSD-VOC packed with Carboxen 572 or Active Carbon Beads particles for volatile organic compounds; PSD-TEA packed with triethanolamine impregnated silica for acid gases; and PSD-TEA packed with phosphoric acid impregnated silica for basic gases. Many chemical compounds except for nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene showed seasonal variations with high concentrations in summer and low concentrations in winter. In particular, formaldehyde, nonanal, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, and ammonia concentrations showed remarkable seasonal variation. For example, the concentration of formaldehyde in February and August was 5.9 and 40 μg/m3, respectively, a difference of about 7 times. Although there were large differences in the concentrations in each house, the fluctuation pattern was almost the same every year in each house. By contrast, nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene concentrations were low in summer and high in winter. These compounds were generated by kerosine and gas stoves in winter. Long-term continuous monitoring revealed that annual mean concentrations could be estimated using data from February and August. Personal exposure concentrations could be classified into four patterns: chemicals affected by the indoor environment such as formaldehyde, chemicals affected by the outdoor environment such as ozone, chemicals affected by the occupational environment such as hexane, and background level chemicals such as benzene (without kerosine and gas stoves). Indoor and outdoor measurements are means to investigate the “health” of each environment. Personal exposure measurement using PSD-samplers is suitable for assessing the health risk of chemical compounds to humans.

Size-resolved emission rates of episodic indoor sources and ultrafine particle dynamics

Indoor airborne ultrafine particles (UFPs) are mainly originated from occupant activities, such as candle burning and cooking. Elevated exposure to UFPs has been found to increase oxidative stress and cause DNA damage. UFPs originating from indoor sources undergo dynamic aerosol transformation mechanisms. This study investigates the dynamics of UFPs following episodic indoor releases of the six distinct emission sources: 1) candle, 2) gas stove, 3) clothes dryer, 4) tea & toast, 5) broiled fish, and 6) incense. Based on the analytical model of aerosol dynamic processes, this study reports size-resolved source emission rates along with relative contributions of coagulation, deposition, and ventilation to the particle size distribution dynamics. The study findings indicate a significant variation in the geometric mean diameter (GMD) and size-resolved number concentration over time for the sources that emit a substantial amount of UFPs smaller than 10 nm. As the emission progresses, the UFP number concentrations increase in a log-normal distribution, while the GMD shows a tendency to increase over time. The observed result suggests that coagulation can have a considerable impact on UFP number concentration and size, even during the indoor UFP emission. The estimated emission rates of the six indoor sources appear to follow a log-normal distribution while the emission rate ranges from 107 min−1 to 1012 min−1. The indoor UFP concentration and size distribution dynamics are substantially affected by the interplay of the three aerosol loss mechanisms that compete with each other, and this impact varies according to the source type and the indoor environmental conditions. Ultimately, using the aerosol transformation mechanisms examined in this study, researchers can refine exposure assessment for epidemiological studies on indoor ultrafine particles.

Corrosion mechanism of silica bricks containing high amorphous for hot stoves

Increasing the temperature of hot stoves renders previously reliable silica bricks unstable. In this study, investigations on postmortem silica bricks used in hot stoves for more than 10 years were conducted, and the corrosion mechanism of the bricks during service was analysed. The results show that silica bricks prepared using CaO-FeOx mineralizers have excellent corrosion resistance to alkaline gases such as K2O(g) and Na2O(g) in hot stove gas, but are severely affected by Al2O3 microparticles or CO(g) owing to their high amorphous content. The high amorphous content is due to the use of CaO-FeOx mineralizers to eliminate quartz from silica bricks. Under the working conditions of the hot stove, the amorphous SiO2–CaO-FeOx in the brick transitions towards SiO2–CaO–Al2O3-FeOx liquids with a high Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio owing to the attachment of Al2O3 microparticles and the reduction of CO(g) on Fe3+. This transformation reduces the viscosity of the liquid and enhances its solvent effect on SiO2, thereby accelerating the dissolution-crystallisation of SiO2 in the liquid and the migration of the liquid in the brick, ultimately leads to the structural rearrangement of the brick. After more than 10 years of service, the postmortem brick displays perforations of varying sizes, reaching a maximum diameter of 5 mm. Its structure is characterised by two distinct sections with obvious interfaces: the upper part exhibits a high-porosity structure with a porosity greater than 20 %, while the bottom is dense with a porosity of less than 10 %. The delamination of the postmortem brick is caused by the long-term migration of liquids under the action of gravity, whereas the accumulation of the liquid also forms obvious transverse microcracks in the brick owing to its hysteresis response to temperature changes. A corrosion model was constructed to demonstrate the corrosion mechanism of silica bricks in a hot stove.

Reducing kitchen gas consumption by designing a heat gathering shield with guide rings for a domestic gas stove

Reducing kitchen gas consumption by designing a heat gathering shield with guide rings for a domestic gas stove

Nepalese indoor cookstove smoke extracts alter human airway epithelial gene expression, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation

Household air pollution caused by inefficient cooking practices causes 4 million deaths a year worldwide. In Nepal, 86% of the rural population use solid fuels for cooking. Over 25% of premature deaths associated with air pollution are respiratory in nature. Here we aimed to identify molecular signatures of different cookstove and fuel type exposures in human airway epithelial cells, to understand the mechanisms mediating cook stove smoke induced lung disease. Primary human airway epithelial cells in submerged culture were exposed to traditional cook stove (TCS), improved cook stove (ICS) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove smoke extracts. Changes to gene expression, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were measured by bulk RNA sequencing and HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip following oxidative bisulphite conversion, respectively. TCS smoke extract alone reproducibly caused changes in the expression of 52 genes enriched for oxidative stress pathways. TCS, ICS and LPG smoke extract exposures were associated with distinct changes to DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. A subset of TCS induced genes were associated with differentially methylated and/or hydroxymethylated CpGs sites, and enriched for the ferroptosis pathway and the upstream regulator NFE2L2. DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation changes not associated with a concurrent change in gene expression, were linked to biological processes and molecular pathways important to airway health, including neutrophil function, transforming growth factor beta signalling, GTPase activity, and cell junction organisation. Our data identified differential impacts of TCS, ICS and LPG cook stove smoke on the human airway epithelium transcriptome, DNA methylome and hydroxymethylome and provide further insight into the association between indoor air pollution exposure and chronic lung disease mechanisms.

Testing the effectiveness of household fuel conservation strategies: Policy implications for increasing the affordability of exclusive clean cooking

BackgroundExclusive clean fuel use is essential for realizing health and other benefits but is often unaffordable. Decreasing household-level fuel needs could make exclusive clean fuel use more affordable, but there is a lack of knowledge on the amount of fuel savings that could be achieved through fuel conservation behaviors relevant to rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. MethodsWithin a trial in Peru, we trained a random half of intervention participants, who had previously received a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove and were purchasing their own fuel, on fuel conservation strategies. We measured the amount of fuel and mega joules (MJ) of energy consumed by all participants, including control participants who were receiving free fuel from the trial. We administered surveys on fuel conservation behaviors and assigned a score based on the number of behaviors performed. ResultsIntervention participants with the training had a slightly higher conservation score than those without (7.2 vs. 6.6 points; p = 0.07). Across all participants, average daily energy consumption decreased by 9.5 MJ for each 1-point increase in conservation score (p < 0.001). Among households who used exclusively LPG (n = 99), each 1-point increase in conservation score was associated with a 0.04 kg decrease in LPG consumption per household per day (p = 0.03). Using pressure cookers and heating water in the sun decreased energy use, while using clay pots and forgetting to close stove knobs increased energy use. ConclusionOur findings suggest that a household could save 1.16 kg of LPG per month for each additional fuel conservation behavior, for a maximum potential savings of 8.1 kg per month. Fuel conservation messaging could be integrated into national household energy policies to increase the affordability of exclusive clean fuel use, and subsequently achieve the environmental and health benefits that could accompany such a transition.

Household Air Pollution: A Dire Need Of Awareness In Pakistan.

Dear Editor, Household Air Pollution [HAP] has proven to be associated with an increased risk of acquiring asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and acute respiratory infections in adults and children, along with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD], cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, low birth weight, and stillbirth [1]. This pollution is caused primarily by the absence of clean fuels, which includes electricity, biogas, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar, or alcohol fuels. Owing to the absence of clean fuels, individuals resort to the use of biomass to meet their needs, exposing themselves to the detrimental effects of biomass usage. Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of the worst-faring victims of this predicament. As of 2020, only 49.3% of Pakistanis primarily relied on clean fuels and technologies for cooking [2]. With only 26% of rural areas having access to clean fuels, traditional, inefficient three-stone stoves for biomass combustion are typical in rural areas[2][3]. Such stoves expel poisonous gasses, including Nitrogen oxides, Carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, in addition to several toxic organic compounds depending on the type of biomass used, all detrimental to human health [4]. In urban areas, especially in winter, widespread gas shortages are prevalent, restricting an unknown number of citizens to biomass combustion for their day-to-day purposes. In both scenarios, the harms of HAP are imminent. Unfortunately, using gas stoves in poorly ventilated areas also shows milder effects of HAP [5]. Alarmingly, despite the adverse impact and the high prevalence of HAP, the matter remains neglected, with only very few studies connecting the above-stated health risks with the Pakistani population, evaluating the burden Pakistan bears because of HAP, and assessing the correct strategies for intervention. Such studies would result in implementing specific research-backed mitigation strategies customized to be specifically applicable to different socioeconomic backgrounds and regions of Pakistan, for example, efficient ventilatory systems relevant to Pakistani houses designed to reduce HAP. In the meantime, examples of general policies include, but are not limited to, television advertisements, awareness drives, and allotting larger budgets towards cleaner fuel provision. For people utilizing primitive three-stone stoves, a plancha stove, comprising simply a stove and a chimney, can also be provided. The usage of such stoves is associated with a significantly reduced exposure to HAP [6]. Individually, when operating stoves for any purpose, it is crucial to prioritize ventilation. ---Continue

Gas Stoves and Respiratory Health: Decades of Data, but Not Enough Progress.

Gas Stoves and Respiratory Health: Decades of Data, but Not Enough Progress.

Investigation The Effect of Various Temperature-Measuring Configurations on The Thermal Efficiency of Liquid Petroleum Gas Stoves

Investigation The Effect of Various Temperature-Measuring Configurations on The Thermal Efficiency of Liquid Petroleum Gas Stoves

The Effect of Upper and Lower Limit Pressure on the Thermal Performance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stove

The Effect of Upper and Lower Limit Pressure on the Thermal Performance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stove

A REVIEW ON KOSTHI WSR TO RASATARANGINI AND RASA RATNA SAMUCCHYA

Ayurveda the science of life gives importance to keep balance between nature and human relationship. From Vedic period to Samhita period there was less of metals/minerals in formulation, but from the period of Nagarjuna formulation of herbo-mineral drugs are used profusely. A careful survey of the original text on Rasashastra shows that the subject covers the entire field of inorganic pharmaceutical preparation like metallic, non-metallic and ongano-metallic compounds of Ayurvedic Materia medica. Shodhana and Marana of the substance are done with some special processes and thereafter can be used therapeutically. Kosthi is defined as for extraction of dravyas sattva and for the purpose of Dhalana, the special ovens used are called Kosthika. They can be correlated with Gas stove, Hot plate and Heating mantle in modern science. Kosthi are the special devices mentioned in Rasa Shastra to process the Rasa Dravya. They are mentioned in text of Rasa Shastra depicting its importance to other devices like Yantra, Musha, Puta. Kosthi are of different types like Angarkosthi, Patal Kosthi, Gara Kosthi, Musha Kosthi. Their description in Rasa grantha draws attention to know Kosthi in scientific way. Therefore, in the present paper an attempt to review the different Kosthi.

An Experimental Study on the Combustion Characteristics of a Methane Diffusion Flame within a Confined Space under Sub-Atmospheric Pressure

Gas-fired boilers, gas stoves, and wall-mounted gas boilers are the main consumers of gas fuel, but they generally encounter problems when operating at high altitudes, such as reduced thermal efficiency and increased pollutant emissions. Previous studies on gas combustion characteristics under sub-atmospheric pressure were mostly carried out in a large space, which is quite different from chamber combustion equipment. Therefore, it is insufficient to guide the design and operation optimization of plateau gas equipment. In this paper, experimentations were carried out to explore the characteristics of a methane diffusion flame under sub-atmospheric pressures. The mass flow rates of methane and air remain consistent under different pressure conditions. The centerline temperature (Tc) distribution, flame appearance, smoke point, CO emission, and NOx emission under different pressures (ranging from 61.66 to 97.75 kPa) were examined under both fuel rich and lean conditions. The results show that Tc at the rear and front of furnace variation with pressure is opposite under fuel-lean and -rich combustion. The Tc at the front of furnace decreases with decreasing pressure, whereas Tc at the rear of furnace increases with decreasing pressure. With decreasing pressure, flame length decreases under lean combustion, but increases under rich combustion. The smoke point fuel flow rate, flame length, and residence time increases with decreasing pressure, following the law of negative exponent. The CO emission decreases with decreasing pressure, which indicates that the reduced pressure makes methane combustion more complete. For NO emission, the reduced pressure results in an opposite tendency under fuel-lean and -rich combustion. With decreasing pressure, the NO emission decreases under fuel-lean combustion but increases under fuel-rich combustion.

What next for the climate change culture wars?

Abstract [Extract from Introduction]&amp;#xD;&amp;#xD;This perspective details how objects and technologies, like the gas stove, are becoming key sites where climate policy is located within broader politically-charged ‘culture wars’. Within this process, climate policies are inscribed with new meanings that position groups against one another. While concerns about gas stoves were linked to public health, they were presented by detractors as representative of climate action. One Fox News article argued that: “These Leftists don't give a damn about everyday Americans… Barking orders is their favorite indoor activity. And if total control buys them a holier spot in Climatarian Heaven, even better.” [2]&amp;#xD;&amp;#xD;Whilst gas stove emissions aren’t necessarily significant to fulfilling national emission reductions, any potential regulation will shift domestic energy use – due to the technology being used in close to 40% of US homes [3]. This episode illuminates an emergent shift in the narratives adopted by those opposing climate action. Rather than being primarily sceptical about climate change and mitigation and adaptation policies, political figures are working to link climate action to broader ideological battles about the economy, society, and identity. Within such battles, new objects will become key ‘artefacts’ in the climate change culture wars – becoming infused with new meanings as they emerge or are phased out. These must be understood further as failing to do so can open future environmental and climate policy to backlash, polarisation, and opposition.&amp;#xD;&amp;#xD;

Fidelity and adherence to a liquefied petroleum gas stove and fuel intervention: The multi-country Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial

BackgroundReducing household air pollution (HAP) to levels associated with health benefits requires nearly exclusive use of clean cooking fuels and abandonment of traditional biomass fuels. MethodsThe Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial randomized 3,195 pregnant women in Guatemala, India, Peru, and Rwanda to receive a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove intervention (n = 1,590), with controls expected to continue cooking with biomass fuels (n = 1,605). We assessed fidelity to intervention implementation and participant adherence to the intervention starting in pregnancy through the infant’s first birthday using fuel delivery and repair records, surveys, observations, and temperature-logging stove use monitors (SUMs). ResultsFidelity and adherence to the HAPIN intervention were high. Median time required to refill LPG cylinders was 1 day (interquartile range 0–2). Although 26% (n = 410) of intervention participants reported running out of LPG at some point, the number of times was low (median: 1 day [Q1, Q3: 1, 2]) and mostly limited to the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most repairs were completed on the same day as problems were reported. Traditional stove use was observed in only 3% of observation visits, and 89% of these observations were followed up with behavioral reinforcement. According to SUMs data, intervention households used their traditional stove a median of 0.4% of all monitored days, and 81% used the traditional stove < 1 day per month. Traditional stove use was slightly higher post-COVID-19 (detected on a median [Q1, Q3] of 0.0% [0.0%, 3.4%] of days) than pre-COVID-19 (0.0% [0.0%, 1.6%] of days). There was no significant difference in intervention adherence pre- and post-birth. ConclusionFree stoves and an unlimited supply of LPG fuel delivered to participating homes combined with timely repairs, behavioral messaging, and comprehensive stove use monitoring contributed to high intervention fidelity and near-exclusive LPG use within the HAPIN trial.

Gas stove use and asthma in a longitudinal study of Puerto Rican children and adolescents.

Gas stove use and asthma in a longitudinal study of Puerto Rican children and adolescents.

Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Updraft Biomass Gasifier Stove with Sawdust as Fuel

Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Updraft Biomass Gasifier Stove with Sawdust as Fuel

Analisis Ekonomi Pengoperasian Ketel Uap Bantu Laboratorium Permesinan Kapal Polimarin Dengan Variasi Bahan Bakar

Heat energy and steam pressure are very important properties in various life applications. The steam production process in a boiler can occur in a container or in a pipe. Fuel as a source of chemical energy for steam boilers can use solid, liquid or gas types. The use of solid fuel is relatively easier to use, by simply putting it into the fire kitchen. Use of gas as boiler fuel can use a gas burner as in a gas stove. The type of fuel oil used as boiler fuel is diesel oil. Diesel oil in order to be used as boiler fuel requires a burner as a fogger combined with compressed air. This study was conducted for the purpose of studying the performance of the boiler when operated from cold conditions to the maximum achievable pressure. Specifically, to determine the specific fuel consumption and the amount of fuel cost required. The experimental method was chosen for the study. Steam pressure and the amount of fuel required during combustion and steam production were the two parameters measured. There are 3 types of diesel oil grades that will be analysed in this study. Fuel type and quality affect the time required to reach maximum pressure. Bio diesel takes the longest time, dexlite takes a shorter time, and pertamina dex takes the shortest time. Total difference in fuel consumption for one operation of bio diesel oil, dexlite, and pertamina dex is 4.68, 4.38, and 4.19 litres respectively. The amount of cost required to pay for bio diesel oil, dexlite, and pertamina dex is Rp 31,824, Rp 62,415, and Rp 64,526 for one operation respectively. Fuel consumption for laboratories is recommended to use dexlite with better quality than bio diesel at a lower price than using Pertamina dex.