Burning Stoves Research Articles

Nitrogen isotope characteristics and importance of NOx from biomass burning in China

Biomass burning is a primary source of atmospheric nitrogen oxide (NOx), however, the lack of isotopic fingerprints from biomass burning limits their use in tracing atmospheric nitrate (NO3−) and NOx. A total of 25 biomass fuels from 10 provinces and regions in China were collected, and the δ15N values of biomass fuels (δ15N-biomass) and δ15N-NOx values of biomass burning (δ15N-NOx values of BB, open burning, and rural cooking stove burning) were determined. The δ15N-NOx values of open burning and rural cooking stove burning ranged from −0.8 ‰ to 11.6 ‰ and 0.8 ‰ to 9.5 ‰, respectively, indicating a significant linear relation with δ15N-biomass. Based on the measured δ15N-NOx values of BB and biomass burning emission inventory data, the δ15N-NOx values of BB in different provinces and regions of China were calculated using the δ15N-NOx model, with a mean value of 5.0 ± 1.8 ‰. The spatial variations in the estimated δ15N-NOx values of BB in China were mainly controlled by the differences in the δ15N-NOx values and the proportions of NOx emissions from various straw burning activities in provinces and regions of China. Furthermore, by using the combined local emissions of biomass burning with regional transportations of NOx based on air-mass backward trajectories, we established an improved δ15N-NOx model and obtained more accurate δ15N-NOx values of BB in regions (2.3 ‰ to 8.4 ‰). By utilising the reported δ15N-NOx values of precipitation and particulate matter from 21 cities in China and the more accurate δ15N-NOx values of BB, the NOx contributions from four sources (mobile sources, coal combustion, biomass burning, and microbial N cycle) at the national scale were estimated using a Bayesian model. The significant contributions of biomass burning (20.9 % to 44.3 %) to NOx emissions were revealed, which is vital for controlling NOx emissions in China.

Deep energy renovations’ impact on indoor air quality and thermal comfort of residential dwellings in Ireland – ARDEN project

As Europe's residential energy renovation programmes accelerate, field studies assessing their impact on indoor environmental quality are required to ensure maximum co-benefits to occupants' health and wellbeing. In this work, we evaluated the impact of deep energy renovation (DER) on indoor air quality (IAQ), ventilation, and thermal comfort in a sample of Irish homes (n = 12). Indoor air pollutants (IAPs), including particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde, radon, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and BTEX, were measured pre and post DER. Performance of the newly installed mechanical ventilation systems was also assessed. Questionnaires and diaries were used to collect feedback regarding the retrofit and occupant activities. All occupants reported high levels of satisfaction with thermal comfort, and homes were significantly warmer post-retrofit (p < 0.0001). The DER improved indoor CO2 concentrations, indicating a positive impact on residential ventilation. However, many bedrooms were still under ventilated. PM2.5 (p < 0.0001) and formaldehyde (p < 0.05) concentrations increased post-retrofit. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 were most likely due to a combination of factors including inadequate ventilation, ingress from outdoors via open windows or doors, presence of a wood burning stove and other occupant activities. Retrofits were observed to have poor compliance with ventilation recommendations. Greater emphasis on pollutant source control along with proper installation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems is required to ensure DERs lead to sustainable and healthy homes.

Rancang Bangun Alat Pengasap Tipe Paralel

This research aims to design, manufacture and test a parallel type smoker which has an output that can be controlled and has uniform temperature in each smoker cabinet. In this research, design, assembly, testing and temperature regulation were carried out. This parallel type smoker has 3 main parts, namely the combustion stove, inlet pipe, and smoking cupboard. In the inlet pipe there is a faucet which functions as a control for the smoke output and temperature from the combustion stove to the smoking cupboard. In terms of testing, this tool was tested in several stages, namely trial 1, trial 2, and performance test. After the test is complete, the final stage is carried out, namely equalizing the temperature in each cupboard. The trial phase 1 was carried out with treatment on the operation of the smoke cupboard. Where the stages of operation of all cupboards are carried out simultaneously, then operation of 2 cupboards is carried out and one path is closed alternately. The results showed that the tool experienced problems in the form of unstable temperatures and leaks in the smoker cupboard, so it required patching with silicon. After design improvements have been made, trial 2 and performance testing are continued. Trial 2 was carried out to find out whether the tool still had problems or not before carrying out a performance test. The treatment for trial 2 was the same as that given during trial 1. As a result, the device had no leaks and the temperature was stable and the device was ready to operate at the 15th minute. After that, a performance test was carried out which had the same stages as trials 1 and 2. This is intended to see whether the tool is in accordance with the results during testing or not. After the performance test is carried out, the final stage is to equalize the temperature in each cupboard to produce the same and stable temperature. This equalization is done by adjusting the opening of the faucet valve on the inlet pipe. The results obtained were a parallel type smoker which had 3 smoking cabinets with the same temperature around 37oC. This temperature can used for low smoking temperature.Keywords: Design of Smoker, Parallel, Temperature.

EFFECT OF RESIDENTIAL STOVE TECHNOLOGY ON GASEOUS EMISSIONS FROM BIOMASS COMBUSTION

The growing use of biomass for cooking and heating raises environmental concerns about atmospheric air pollution from flue gases emitting during its combustion. In this work, the gaseous emissions from two residential wood stoves were examined. Emissions from conventional single-stage and triple-stage combustion logwood stoves were compared using Eucalyptus grandis (EUG) and Pinus elliottii (PIE) woods as fuels. Carbon monoxide emissions were reduced in 102% and 240%, when PIE and EUG wood logs were burned in triple-stage combustion stove. The triple combustion system showed total volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde emissions higher than obtained in conventional system possibly due to the mixture of both gaseous emissions with water vapor releasing during combustion. The results indicated that the utilization of triple combustion stove with some adjustments would be beneficial to local air quality, individual health and reduced global climate change.

Perancangan Tungku Pembakar Logam

The design of this metal burning stove was made to speed up and make it easier for blacksmith craftsmen to produce quality products. Using this tool, blacksmith craftsmen can produce a stable flame in the metal burning process. Where the planning for a metal burning stove uses coal as the main fuel, because coal can produce a longer lasting fire compared to charcoal or firewood. The working principle of this metal burning stove is to use a machine tool that is driven by a blower to increase or enlarge the air or gas pressure that will transmit to the connecting pipe, and produce a stable fire so that combustion is faster and more efficient. The metal burning furnace planning process consists of: Power planning in the metal burning furnace planning p_d = 0.3 Kw, using a blower with a rotation of 2800 rpm, using 2 pipes as air conductors, the furnace volume is 7,385.28 m^3 and using a C18 castabble, weight 25 kg, cement resistance capacity 1800?.

Mechanism of Formation of Smog and some Adverse Effect of Smog on Environment and Human Being

Abstract: The formation of smog is a complex chemical process with significant implications for the environment and human health. This phenomenon primarily results from the interplay of various reactants and products, with its origins tracing back to specific sources. The key contributors to photochemical smog include nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and the energy source that drives the reaction—sunlight. Notably, pollutants like nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, primarily emitted from coal-fired power plants and various energy production facilities. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are generated when fossil fuels undergo incomplete combustion, as observed in activities like backyard burning and wood-burning stoves. Smog, characterized by a blend of airborne pollutants, poses significant threats to both human well-being and the environment. It can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory difficulties, asthma exacerbation, heightened susceptibility to lung infections and colds, and eye irritation.

Emission characteristics of VOCs emitted from household stove combustion in the north of China

The emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) arising from household stove combustion of different fuels common in North China were quantified. Using a dilution tunnel sampling system and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, 107 different C2–C12 VOCs were identified in flue gases of four household solid fuels (coal briquette, honeycomb briquette, wood, and cornstalk), whose emission factors were 670 ± 550, 1322 ± 686, 1200 ± 1923, 8670 ± 8380 mg kg−1, respectively. Alkenes and alkynes contributed the most to the VOC emitted from the combustion of honeycomb briquettes (50.1%), wood (46.3%), and cornstalks (56.9%). N-Alkanes were the dominant VOC (43.9%) from coal briquette combustion. Ethane and ethene were the most abundant individual species found in the flue gas of coal briquettes, wood, and cornstalks, accounting for 60.4%, 59.8%, and 67.9% of the emissions, respectively. The VOC emitted from coal briquettes, honeycomb briquettes, wood, and cornstalks exhibited significantly different chemical reactivities. The OH reactivity of the VOCs from cornstalk combustion was 9–270 times greater than that of the other fuels. The differences in the atmospheric reactivity of emissions would suggest that cornstalk combustion should be prioritised in any strategy to reduce ozone pollution.

Carbon Monoxide Levels Produced by Propane/Isobutane Canister Stoves inside a Tent

Improper use of camp stoves in enclosed spaces has resulted in fatalities from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Prior research has focused on the CO output of stoves burning white gas, unleaded gas, or kerosene. Stoves burning an isobutane/propane fuel have not been investigated and are the focus of this study. Three stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel were used to heat a pot of water inside a 3-season tent under controlled settings. Multiple runs with each stove were performed, and CO measurements, in parts per million (ppm), were recorded at 1-min intervals for a total of 15 min using a RAE Systems gas monitor. Data are reported as mean with SD. Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes over time. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. There was a statistically significant main effect of time and CO level, F (14, 168)=7.6, P<0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between-subjects effect of stove group F (2, 12)=8.6, P=0.005, indicating that CO levels were different depending on the stove. Tukey's post-hoc analyses revealed that stove A had the highest CO levels. The average level of stove A was statistically significantly higher than that of stove B and stove C, with a mean CO level difference of 79 ppm (95% CI, 3-156), P=0.043 and 117 ppm (95% CI, 40-194), P=0.004, respectively. Stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel can produce unsafe CO levels and should not be used in enclosed spaces.

Dynamic Changes of Composition of Particulate Matter Emissions during Residential Biomass Combustion.

Residential biomass combustion in developing countries produces significant primary particulate matter (PM) emissions. Highly time-resolved aerosol mass spectrometry and aethalometer measurements were used to investigate the dynamic changes of emitted PM chemical composition from a typical improved stove burning with wood and crop straw in China. Combustion temperature and organic aerosol (OA) concentration increased quickly during the ignition stage. The flaming stage was characterized by high combustion temperature and high pollutant [including OA, black carbon (BC), inorganic salts, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] emissions, while the burnout stage is characterized by low combustion temperature and lower pollutant emissions. OA was the primary emitted species; emission factors of OA in the flaming stage were generally higher (24.5-792%) than those in the burnout stage. Mass spectral signatures of OA were obtained. The ratio of Cl-/OA for wood combustion (0.05 ± 0.01) is much lower than that from burning crop straw (0.32 ± 0.19). Hydrocarbon OA emissions dominated during the ignition and flaming stages. A high percentage of oxidized OA was emitted during the burnout stage. The relationship between PAHs and BC/OA emissions under different burning conditions was investigated, and PAHs may act as intermediate products in the conversion of OA to BC.

Decoupling combustion characteristics of biomass pellets and their mixture with bituminous briquettes

Co-firing coal and biomass has been thought to be a promising way to achieve the efficient and clean combustion of them, but few researches were concentrated on the application of the co-firing technology in the residential field. In this study, the decoupling co-combustion characteristics of bituminous briquettes (BB) and biomass pellets (BP) were first evaluated by thermalgravimetric mass spectrometer (TG/MS) measurements, followed by the experiments on the pollutant emissions of burning blending fuels in a typical household decoupling stove as well as the thermodynamic equilibrium calculation and X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) analysis of their slagging/fouling characteristics. The synergistic effect of co-firing coal and biomass is clarified. The addition of BP improves the combustion performance of blending fuels, while bituminous briquettes enhance the combustion stability of blending fuels. In the decoupling combustion stove, the stable coal char layer together with biomass pyrolysis gases plays an important role in the suppression of NOx, which also promotes the burnout of combustibles and thus favors the reduction of CO emission. Possible ash-related issues of ultrafine/fine particle emissions and severe slagging/fouling tendency caused by burning BP alone can be effectively alleviated by the capturing and regulating effect of BB. Co-firing bituminous briquettes and biomass pellets directly in the decoupling furnace can be anticipated to find wide use in the residential field.

Studies into the reduction of domestic fuel burning emissions by means of facile catalytic abatement technology

The negative health and socio-economic impacts of emissions associated with domestic fuel burning are widely recognized. Although there has been much progress in the provision of electricity to households in South Africa, many still rely on solid fuel sources such as wood and coal. While various investigations have been done on reducing household emissions by reducing the use of polluting fuels and improvements in combustion efficiency, comparatively fewer studies have been conducted on the reduction of emissions through emission reduction using abatement technology. Catalytic oxidation could be utilized to oxidize particulate matter precursors such as volatile organic compounds and soot particles to reduce secondary particulate formation. Although catalytic methods have not been effectively utilized in practical domestic applications, studies have shown effective soot reduction during laboratory testing. This study investigated the synthesis and use of a manganese oxide based catalyst to reduce particulate matter from domestic fuel burning stoves. During field testing, the presence of the catalyst increased the mass of particulate matter collected, with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showing spherical particles in the pores of the catalyst run filters. The baseline runs had very few of these particle clusters. Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis of the catalyst run filters did not detect manganese, revealing that increased particulate concentrations were not as a result of macroscopic particles of the catalyst being dislodged from the support. Dislodgement of very small metal particles from the catalyst could, however serve as nucleation nodes for particle growth which would have a non-metal coating leading to the non-detection of manganese. The increase in particulate matter could also be caused by the impingement of particulate matter precursors on the catalyst followed by particle growth and dislodgement into the flue gas. The testwork showed that an active catalyst can be synthesized onto a mesh catalyst support in a facile and cost effective manner, which can be utilized in domestic fuel burning devices. It is recommended that a range of optimized, potentially active catalysts be tested to improve the oxidation of particulate matter precursors to carbon dioxide.

Learning to live with smoke: characterizing wildland fire and prescribed fire smoke risk communication in rural Washington

Extreme smoke events from wildland fires are increasing in frequency and intensity across the country. Risk communication around wildland and prescribed fires is an essential component of both smoke-readiness and resilience. To date, little research has been conducted on how smoke exposure risks can be communicated effectively, especially within the context of rural and tribal communities, who experience a disproportionate burden of smoke risks and impacts. This qualitative study analyzed how tribal and non-tribal communities in the Okanogan River Airshed Emphasis Area (ORAEA) receive and share information about smoke exposure to highlight gaps and communication opportunities for smoke risk communication. The ORAEA is a region of north-central Washington that is frequently blanketed with smoke year-round from wildland fire in the summer, prescribed fire in the fall and spring, and wood burning stoves in the winter. This study was the result of a partnership between the Okanogan River Airshed Partnership, the Natural Resource Division for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Colville Environmental Trust Air Quality Program, and the University of Washington. The study team conducted seventeen key informant interviews and six focus groups to identify community perceptions of smoke exposure and describe its impact. A thematic analysis of interview and focus group data identified five themes around wildfire smoke risk communication: (1) perception of the health risks of smoke; (2) current ways of sharing information about smoke; (3) trusted sources of information; (4) gaps and communication opportunities; and (5) perceptions of prescribed fire. Based on these themes, we developed a set of six recommended actions. To create effective smoke risk communication that may be applicable to smoke-impacted regions across the country, messaging must address barriers to action, be rooted in community perceptions of risk, and be delivered through trusted channels.

The Performance of Clay-based Biomass Briquette Stove with Three Geometry Shape Variations

Biomass briquette stove is a cooking tool that is still widely used by the people of the interior of South Sulawesi. Even in urban areas, it is not uncommon to find their use because of the ease of obtaining briquettes and its relatively good efficiency. This study aims to determine the best performance of a biomass stove from three types of clay material stove shapes in different configurations of geothermal variations. The three variations of the geometric shape of the stove are cylindrical, rectangular and hexagonal using biomass material from coconut shell charcoal in the shape of a honeycomb with an inner diameter of 15 mm and an outer diameter of 65 mm and a height of 45 mm. The uniqueness of this stove is the addition of a sleeve diameter of 180mm in the stove's combustion chamber as heat insulation so that the combustion process in the combustion chamber can be more perfect. The test results show that the presence of a flat surface on the stove wall will accelerate heat loss compared to the cylindrical surface. This is in line with the results which show that the highest rate of heat loss occurs in a rectangular shape, then a six-square shape, and the last is a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the cylindrical stove is the superior of the two in terms of flame temperature, ability to boil water and thermal efficiency of 798°C, 30 liters and 73.66%, respectively.

Perceptions of accountability and trust in the regulatory governance of wood burning stove sustainability: Survey evidence from the post-Brexit UK

Perceptions of accountability and trust in the regulatory governance of wood burning stove sustainability: Survey evidence from the post-Brexit UK

Recycle Strategy for Processing Waste of the Sanan Tempeh Industrial Centre: Prevention of Air Pollution

The Sanan tempeh industrial center community, located in Malang, East Java, has a special strategy to maintain environmental resilience in the area. 500 SMEs inhabit and produce tempeh in an area of 20 hectares. Each SME processes around 100 kg of soybeans on average into tempeh. In fact, the production of tempeh, of course, produces a lot of waste. The waste generated is boiled water and peeled soybean seeds. Therefore, it can be imagined the environmental burden of supporting the Sanan community from any tempeh production waste that is produced. If they don’t have an adequate waste management strategy, it can pollute the environment in the Sanan area. To anticipate environmental pollution, especially air pollution from boiled soybeans, the residents of Sanan carry out a waste recycling cycle to minimize waste disposal. The research method was carried out through qualitative approaches, such as interviewing the management of community associations as representatives of the Sanan community and observing & documenting several Sanan residents’ homes in managing the waste of Sanan tempeh production. The results of the research show that the waste recycling strategy is manifested in several activities: boiled wastewater and remaining soybean husks have been used as cattle feed, while since 2018 cow dung from the Sanan farm has been used as biogas as energy for burning stoves for tempeh production. The benefit of this strategy is that there is no strong odor generated from the tempeh production process and it strengthens the Sanan’s environmental sustainability.

Deposition of Potassium on Chimney Wall from Wood Stove Smoke: Implication for the Influence of Domestic Biomass Burning on Atmospheric Aerosols

Based on the field studies of biomass burning plumes in Alaska, we hypothesized that potassium (K) may be significantly scavenged, during wood stove burning, as deposits on the inner wall of the chimney where the temperature decreases with the height. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed chimney deposit samples collected from the inner wall of a chimney (6 m long) for the measurement of major ions and anhydrosugars including levoglucosan (Lev). Concentrations of K were found to be highest in the lower part of the chimney with a decreasing trend with height, whereas Lev showed an opposite trend with the lowest concentrations near the bottom of the chimney and an increase with height. We detected an anti-correlation between the two components in the chimney deposits, confirming that K is largely scavenged as a deposit within the chimney while Lev is significantly emitted to the ambient air. We propose that, using K/Lev mass ratios, the relative contributions of open fires and domestic wood burning to ambient aerosols can be evaluated.

Between Ordinary Harm and Deviance: Evaluating the UK’s Regulatory Regime For Controlling Air Pollution From Wood Burning Stoves

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) in air pollution causes illness, injury and premature death by infiltrating essential organs. Wood burning stoves are a primary source of PM in the United Kingdom, where domestic wood burning emissions have tripled over the last decade. This article adopts a constructivist lens to examine the regulatory regime controlling these pollutants. Combining analysis of ‘expert’ interviews, responses to Freedom of Information requests and government records exempting appliances from Smoke Control Area rules, it illustrates how efforts at controlling ‘smoke’ in the past have become instrumental in encouraging the production of PM from stoves in the present. In doing so, this article demonstrates the utility of research sensitive to processes underpinning the (non)construction of environmental issues as deviant and suggests a lens through which ordinary harms can be better understood.

Can Air Quality Gas Sensors Be Used for Emission Monitoring of Small-Scale Local Air Pollution Sources? Pilot Test Evaluation

In recent years we have seen a growing number of applications that use various sensory measurements of physicochemical features. Within the research project “Research on the identification of combustion of unsuitable fuels and systems of self-diagnostics of boilers combustion solid fuels for domestic heating”, the authors tested and evaluated the possible use of an air quality monitoring sensor unit for the measurement of operating parameters of solid fuel burning boilers and stoves. In the Czech Republic, programs to support citizens in the replacement of domestic boilers of poor combustion quality have been subsidized for several years. Unfortunately, no assessment of the impact of subsidies on air quality has been carried out. However, the increased pollutant emissions due to improper use of domestic boilers are supposed to be one of the greatest problems with domestic boilers. Hence, providing users with real-time feedback may lead to changes in combustion conditions and consequently to a reduction in air pollution. We focus on sensory measurements of CO, CO2, NO, and VOCs as compounds that correspond to the operating conditions of the combustion process. The research included sampling, construction of the flue gas dilution duct, and the influence of direct measurement on the service life of the sensors.

Black carbon emissions from modern automated cordwood stoves for space heating

AbstractWood burning stove design is improving as regulation become stricter for particulate matter emissions. This study describes results of black carbon (BC) emissions from three modern automated wood stoves when tested in common failure modes using a test protocol that included cold‐starts, high and low fuel loading densities, and use of overly large pieces of fuel. Emission sampling was performed using a dilution sampling system in tandem with an aethalometer to measure BC with high time resolution. Results show that the time‐weighted average BC emission rates were 0.91, 4.30, and 1.74 g/h for the three stoves tested (A, B, and C respectively), the values, both higher and lower than the United States 2020 certification test emission limit of 2.5 g/h. The results demonstrate good performance overall, given the rigorous nature of the testing protocol used. The aethalometer data showed that the performance was relatively poor during cold‐start, when the fuel was ignited and combusted without a coalbed, and when stoves failed to optimize air delivery due to specific loading and output conditions. During the cold‐start test section, the average BC emission rate was seven times higher than the overall average for Stove A, 10 times above the average for Stove B, and two times above the average emission rate for Stove C. Calculations of the Average Angstrom Absorption Exponent (AAE) of the exhaust aerosol showed little correlation with BC concentration. The results show that automation results in a quantifiable reduction in particular BC emissions.

Optimization of decoupling combustion characteristics of coal briquettes and biomass pellets in household stoves

Burning coal briquettes or biomass pellets in household decoupling stoves is of significance to the reduction of residential pollutant emissions such as NO and CO. In order to make full use of the superiority of decoupling combustion technology, the household stoves should be specially designed and optimized to adapt to fuel types and combustion characteristics. Using numerical simulation and experimental validation, this study quantitatively clarified that the reducibility of devolatilization char plays an important role in the suppression of NO emission in the decoupling combustion of coal, while the reducibility of pyrolysis gases has a dominant effect on the reduction of NO in the decoupling combustion of biomass. An optimal parameter combination of throat height and grate angle was obtained for the simultaneous suppression of NO and CO emissions in the household decoupling stove burning coal briquettes. Two types of decoupling stoves were developed to enable the clean combustion of biomass pellets. The A-type biomass stove with a multi-pass smoke tunnel shows a better comprehensive NO and CO reduction effectiveness than the B-type biomass stove consisting of a two-stage grate structure and an S-shaped pyrolysis chamber. The optimal structural parameters provided references for the design and manufacture of commercial decoupling coal and biomass stoves.