Several test stands are available, which can host small-scale open, or confined flames for
combustion, emission
or heat transfer tests. These stands, which have capacities from 30,000 Btu/hr (8.8 kW) to 125,000
Btu/hr (36.6 kW), are equipped with air and gas supplies, and flow, temperature and emissions
monitoring
systems. They have been used to address combustion, emissions and noise problems, where
conditions must be
carefully controlled and measured.
In a recent example, a burner was upgraded to improve meat broiler
emissions and cooking productivity, which is now in use at major fast food
chains. In another example, a new design for a semiconductor pollution abatement reactor was
developed and tested at Altex, ahead of being implemented in the field. Fuels capabilities include
solid (e.g. lump coal, biomass
pellets), liquid (diesel and JP-8 (kerosene)) and gaseous (e.g. natural gas and propane) based fuels.