Formaldehyde Formation in Large Bore Natural Gas Engines Part 1: Formation Mechanisms

Abstract

Recent testing of exhaust emissions from large bore natural gas engines has indicated that formaldehyde (CH2O) is present in amounts that are significant relative to hazardous air pollutant standards. In consequence, a detailed literature review has been carried out at Colorado State University to assess the current state of knowledge about formaldehyde formation mechanisms and evaluate its applicability to gas engines. In this paper the following topics from that review, which bear directly on formaldehyde formation in natural gas engines, are discussed: (1) post combustion equilibrium concentrations; (2) chemical kinetics; (3) flame propagation and structure; (4) partial oxidation possibilities; and (5) potential paths for engine out formaldehyde. Relevant data taken from the literature on equilibrium concentrations and in-flame temperatures and concentrations are presented in graphical form. A map of possible paths for engine out formaldehyde is used to summarize results of the review, and conclusions relative to formation and destruction mechanisms are presented. [S0742-4795(00)00904-2]