Swirl Burst injector enables ultra-clean combustion of biofuels

Detailed in Fuel, the Swirl Burst (SB) injector at Baylor University’s Cornerstone Atomization and Combustion Lab (CAC) is claimed to enable ultra-clean combustion for fuels that are typically difficult to burn due to their high viscosity. 

According to the Texan university, conventional injectors struggle to burn glycerol – an abundant byproduct of biodiesel production – due to its high viscosity, though it has moderate energy density.

In contrast, the SB injector’s ability to handle glycerol without requiring costly fuel preheating or processing could transform biofuel economics. The process allows the SB injector to achieve a complete and clean burn by producing fine droplets, significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Lead author Lulin Jiang, Ph.D., principal investigator of the CAC Lab, said this novel technology also enables biodiesel producers to convert glycerol waste into a viable fuel source, promoting a circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint for generating power.