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Smoke reduction for in-situ burning

DescriptionReduction of smoke emission from large scale hydrocarbon burning is possible using ferrocene as a catalyst additive. Ferrocene is a low toxicity organometallic chemical, insoluble in water and weakly soluble in hydrocarbons. It is burned up in the flame being converted into iron oxide and so has a low environmental impact. On the contrary it is known to be efficient in destroying toxic by-products of incomplete combustion. Techniques for applying this technology to oil spills on land are being studied at the new testing facility near Edmonton in Canada, funded by the Canadian Multi-Partner Research Initiative. This testing program is focused on using ferrocene encapsulated in an inert but porous material and also ferrocene incorporated into an absorbent material. The latter will improve burning efficiency by acting as a wicking agent. These methods have already been subject to initial testing in the UK and France and the goal of the current project has been to find the best methods of applying these products to a spill situation, whether on dry land or on inland water. The paper presents the first results of this project together with an overview of the facilities available for fire training at the Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre. Future plans are also discussed.

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