What is low NOx?

 

NOx is the generic term for the highly poisonous nitrogen oxide gases that are produced during the combustion process. These gases can be extremely harmful to both humans and the environment, so the Government has put legislation and plans in place to limit how much is produced.

 

What damage can NOx cause?

NOx emissions can have a direct effect on human health. At high concentration, they can cause breathing problems, headaches, chronically reduced lung function and eye irritation. In fact, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) the UK death rate is 4% higher due to nitrogen dioxide pollution, which accounts for approximately 23,500 extra deaths each year.

Indirectly, it can also affect the environment which we rely on – by producing smog and acid rain which damages vegetation and restricts new growth. Therefore, the development of low NOx technology is becoming increasingly important.

 

What is being done to tackle NOx emissions?

It is only recently that NOx has become a big issue in the UK heating industry as previously the focus was mainly on reducing harmful CO2 emissions.

New requirements on flue gas emissions come into force in September 2018 that state NOx emissions from oil boilers must not exceed 120mg/kWh. This is covered by the Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive which was enforced by the European Commission in 2015.

To meet the new levels, burner manufacturers such as EOGB have worked to develop new burners which provide a suitable solution.

 

What is a low NOx burner?

To be classed as low NOx once the new European Commission regulations come into place in 2018, an oil burning appliance must produce less than 120mg of NOx emissions per kWh. Blue flame burners are able to achieve these levels by using a special high pressure diffuser plate and a recirculating blast tube. Not only does this achieve a blue flame reaction, it also produces far fewer NOx & CO gases and very low soot production.

EOGB’s innovative new low NOx burner will easily surpass these requirements, as well as meeting the even lower requirements which come into force in 2022.

 

What does the future look like?

The domestic oil heating market is going to change dramatically over the next few years with the new legislation, which limits the amount of NOx emissions permitted from oil fired boilers.

EOGB believes the oil industry still has a positive future, hence the significant investment to produce the next generation of oil burners that will ensure the industry continues to provide heat for many more years to come.

For more information on EOGB’s new low NOx burner, email technical@eogb.co.uk or call 01480 477066.