St. Mary Hospital Boiler Test Conducted To Determine If RxP Can Reduce NOx Emissions

Purpose:

The purpose of this test was to demonstrate that a blend of biodiesel containing RxP met the clean-air standards of the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 

At the time this test was undertaken the price of natural gas had risen sharply.  Supreme Oil Company approached St. Mary Hospital about the possibility of burning biodiesel in their boilers in lieu of natural gas.

Advantages:

• Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, believed to contribute to global warming, and carbon monoxide emissions (CO), a known air pollutant.   Biodiesel also produces fewer particulate and sulfur dioxide (SOx) emissions, all targeted as public health risks by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Biodiesel offers safety benefits over petroleum-based fuels because it is much less combustible, with a flashpoint greater than 150°C. It is safe to handle, store, and transport.

Disadvantages:

• Biodiesel burns hotter and thus increases oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions.  Biodiesel without RxP could not qualify as an alternative fuel under the SCAQMD standards, as the NOx emissions were too high.

Aim:

Reduce NOx emissions to an acceptable level without increasing CO emissions to an unacceptable level.

Summary of Test Results (See Test Results):

• NOx emissions averaged 27.8 parts per million (ppm), which was 30% below that required by the SCAQMD standards.
• CO emissions averaged 104.4 ppm, which was 74% below that required by the SCAQMD standards.

Conclusion: