The principle of torch smoke abatement steam
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There is a 100-meter-tall flare tower on the factory site; when no steam is used, a lot of smoke is produced, but once steam is used, almost no smoke remains. The effect is very noticeable. Could some expert please explain the principle behind it? Thank you
Black smoke is produced because the heavier components in the flue gas do not burn completely and contain elemental carbon. The principle behind using steam to eliminate smoke is based on the following reaction: H2O + C → CO + H2; CO and H2 then react further with oxygen to form CO2 and H2O, thereby eliminating the black smoke. Furthermore, when smoke-suppressing steam is injected, it carries air into the combustion zone, increasing the oxygen content there and thereby promoting combustion. This is a post that already existed on the forum before.
The smoke-suppressing steam serves to dilute it.