Homogeneous combustion region. Located immediately downstream of the catalyst module, the homogeneous combustion region is where the remainder of the fuel is combusted, and carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons are reduced to very low levels (also a flameless combustion process). The overall combustion process in the XONON system is a partial combustion of fuel in the catalyst module followed by complete combustion downstream of the catalyst in the burnout zone. Partial combustion within the catalyst produces no NOx. Homogeneous combustion downstream of the catalyst usually produces no NOx, because combustion occurs at a uniformly low temperature. A small amount of fuel is combusted in the preburner to raise the compressed air temperature to about 880EF. NOx in the turbine exhaust is usually from the preburner. The design of each XONON combustor is customized to the particular turbine model and operating conditions of the application, and would typically be defined through a collaborative effort with the manufacturer of the engine to integrate the hardware into the design. The footprint will vary depending upon the implementation, although generically the XONON combustion system would likely be somewhat larger than the combustor which is typically supplied as standard equipment by the turbine manufacturer. Each unit could have multiple fuel inputs from separate control valves and additional instrumentation for control and monitoring will be integrated into the control system. Initial startup and shakedown of the XONON combustion system will be supervised by CCSI personnel, and the requisite training to operate and service the equipment will be provided at that time. Maintenance procedures and spare parts requirements will be identified during design of the combustor for the specific turbine model, and this information will be provided upon delivery of the equipment. Elapsed time between installation and commissioning is expected to be less than one month. After initial commissioning, the XONON combustion system is expected to require minimal ongoing service. The catalyst module is expected to have a useful life of approximately 8,000 operating hours, requiring a replacement of the module at these intervals.
