A recent commissioning in Germany shows an almost 90 percent NOx reduction in a retrofit burner installation. This record-low NOx level enables reverse flame boilers to reach 2025 emission limits. Oilon sees a vast market for ultra-low emission burners in Europe.
Oilon has reported exceptional emission levels for its new LN30 burner. In a recent commissioning conducted in Germany, the burner achieved NOx emissions of below 20 mg/Nm³, significantly below the new European Union emission limit of 100 mg/Nm³. The results mark a notable advancement in low-emission combustion technology, particularly for older boiler systems.
“We are shocked. These results are truly revolutionary. This is a big leap for the environment and great news for plant owners, who must comply with tightening emission regulations,” says Philipp Schiffer, CEO of Kolb Steamtec, an Oilon distributor in Germany. “No burner manufacturer has ever come close to NOx levels this low in a reverse flame boiler,” he adds.
Oilon and Kolb Steamtec conducted the commissioning at a district heating plant of GGZ Zschopau, a Kolb Steamtec customer near Dresden. Oilon’s LN30, with a firing capacity of 3,7 MW, replaced an older burner in a reverse flame boiler that uses natural gas as fuel.
Before the retrofit installation took place late last year, the NOx level was approximately 150 mg/Nm3. Hence, the drop to less than 20 mg/Nm³ was almost 90 percent. This level has been maintained in the plant since November 2024.
“The LN30 burner is a new product, and this is the first time we’ve been able to commission it in a reverse flame boiler. It turns out we have the cleanest burner in the world by a significant margin. These are truly exciting times for us,” says Olli Tevä, Chief Business Officer, Burners, at Oilon.
Green transition in action
Record-low NOx emissions are achieved at 3 percent operating and reference residual oxygen. Furthermore, there is no need for a flue gas recirculation (FGR) system. An FGR can reduce emissions in burners, but it is expensive to install, lowers energy efficiency, and increases fuel consumption.
In addition to heating plants, reverse flame boilers are widely used in industrial processes, agriculture, large buildings, and marine applications. The emissions of Oilon burners stand out in other boiler types as well.
“In the three-pass boilers, Oilon’s NOx levels are below 10 mg/ Nm³ while other manufacturers can reach 50–60 mg/Nm³,” Kolb Steamtec’s Philipp Schiffer says.
In Germany, the NOx regulation implements the European Union’s Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD). The limits set by the MCPD vary depending on the size and type of the plant, but as a rule of thumb, all gas-fired plants must reach a minimum of 100 mg/Nm³ starting January 2025. Consequently, low-emission solutions are needed for plants that do not meet this requirement.
“This is green transition in practice. We are proud to present future-proof energy technology that will serve decades to come,” Oilon’s Olli Tevä said.
According to the European Environment Agency, NOx emissions from energy production have been reduced by approximately 60 percent in the European Union since 1990. This reflects the outcomes of EU-wide regulations and technological advancements in reducing air pollution.
Kolb Steamtec specializes in planning, manufacturing, and maintaining steam, hot water, and thermal oil boilers. Founded in 1962, the company employs 60 people and operates across Germany.
Oilon is a Finnish manufacturer of burners and industrial heat pumps. The family-owned cleantech company has factories in Finland, China, and the USA. Oilon employs 400 people worldwide.
Contact
Olli Tevä
Chief Business Officer, Burners, Oilon
+358 40 1733 0555, olli.teva@oilon.com
Oilon Burners and Heat Pumps – Oilon
Philipp Schiffer
CEO, Kolb Steamtec
West of A7: +49 2237 973 120, info@kolb-steamtec.de
East of A7: +49 3460 242 0984, info@kolb-steamserv.de