Industrial Combustion Processes

In Canada, the industrial sector is the second largest sector for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, surpassed only by transportation. Within this sector, there are both combustion and non-combustion related GHG releases. While some of the non-combustion related GHG releases from industry are highly integrated within these combustion process (for example, lime and cement kilns), it is the combustion system itself that is the largest single contributor to our GHGs.

Improving the efficiency and performance of industrial combustion processes can yield significant reductions in the production of GHGs from the industrial sector. At CanmetENERGY, our scientists are working towards improved combustion processes for the industrial sector. Major initiatives are underway in:

• industrial furnaces and processes
• flaring
• advanced industrial burners
• creating optimization models for industrial combustion processes

There are 6 major industries within the industrial sector, which account for most of these GHG emissions: petroleum refining, chemicals, iron and steel, smelting, pulp and paper, and cement/lime. The fuel used in these processes has been mainly natural gas- and oil- based; however, with recent costs escalating, solid fuels and wastes are becoming increasingly popular.

Find out more:

• Research publications on innovation in the commercial and industrial sectors