Emissions Components
Emission |
Source |
Effect |
Green House Gas Potential Relative to CO2 |
CO2 (Carbon dioxide) | Complete combustion of carbon in fuel | Global Warming |
1 |
CO (Carbon Monoxide) | Incomplete combustion of carbon in fuel | Smog | |
SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) | Combustion of sulphur in fuel (Sulphur is NOT a component of natural gas) | Smog, Acid Rain | |
NOx (Nitrous Oxide) | By-product of most combustion processes | Acid Rain | |
N2O (Nitrous Oxide) | By-product of some combustion processes | Global Warming |
310 |
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) | Leakage and evaporation of liquid fuels | Smog | |
CH4 (Methane) | Natural Gas Leaks | Global Warming |
21 |
H2O (Water Vapor) | Hydrogen in fuel mixing with oxygen in the combustion process | Localized Fog | |
Particulates (Dust, Soot, Fumes) | Unburned carbon from fuel, including ash and dirt | Smog, Respiratory Hazard | |
Trace Elements | Impurities in fuel | Unknown and Potential Carcinogens | |
Halogenated and Chlorinated Compounds | Compounds in fuel or combustion air containing halogens (Chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine) | Potential carcinogens, Global Warming | |
For a complete discussion about NOx, NOx Control and low-NOx Equipment, see Boiler Emissions Workshop