Project Title: Clean Air, Even from Incomplete Combustion

SCERP Project Number: A99-2

Principal Investigator: Dr. Antonio S. Lara

Task Manager's affiliation: New Mexico State University

Goal:This project is a continuation on last year’s successful award winning SCERP-funded project. The project has received visibility from environmental groups and government agencies in both Mexico and the USA (SEMARNAP, EPA, JAC, TNRCC, etc.) for the attempt to solve a very visible and persistent environmental problem with very practical solutions. The attendance of top agency officials at a prototype demonstration (Dec.14, 1998) solidified the commitment from both countries to making gains such as from these project; i.e. it has become the goal for which to strive in arriving at solutions to environmental problems.

Low-technology combustion brick kilns produce soot an smoke pollutants that are airborne once they leave these kilns. Many of these pollutants are environmental hazards and are jeopardizing the health of the people in the El Paso del Norte air-shed region. Our research team has a novel kiln design that captures and binds these pollutants before they leave the kiln. The preliminary kiln design (designated M-K in the proposal) has been tested and the results indicated that the pollutants are being “trapped”. These pollutants are then used as fuel when the filtering bricks are fired and converted to normal bricks.

The M-K design reduces the levels of air pollutants substantially and provides health and financial incentives for the brick-makers to use the new design. The M-K design is practical and functional but needs to e optimized so that the design can be implemented by any brick-maker at any site, worldwide. The fate of all the pollutants needs to be investigated and addressed. The soot and smoke from the existing conventional kilns have been compared to those of the newly designed M-K kilns and substantial improvements have been achieved (7 to 1000 times less pollution). A complete chemical analysis and inventory is the focus of this proposal with the final kiln design modifications taking place during the same time.

Key points that make this project unique and exhibit the potential of this proposal are as follows:

1. The M-K design works! It is economical, uses local and safe materials (appropriate technology), and conserves engery.

2.We are in close proximity to these "low-tech" kilns in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

3. These low-tech kilns serve as on-site "real life" laboratories.

4. Members of our group have established a four-year relationship with brick-makers and have earned their respect and trust.

5. We have a working collaboration with Universidad Autonoma de Cd. Juárez(UACJ). They have been involved in the M-K redesign and implementation and are continuing the redesign efforts with last year's SCERP funds (over $10,00 paid to them). They will take ownership of this novel technology and spread it throughout Mexico.

6. Most importantly, the personnel are dedicated scientists that have a deep commitment to brick-makers and to improving this environmentl situation.

The proposed project involves students from New Mexico State University (NMSU), as well as UACJ, who will be monitoring and taking air, water, and soil samples for analysis at both Universities and other laboratories. The re-design and optimization effort will be done in Cd. Juárez with the prototypes built at the brick-maker sites. Positive social and environmental impacts have been realized because of the collaboration of the brick-maker at the concept design stage and the prototype stage that produces tangible benefits for them (e.g. M-K kiln is left on-site, less fuel consumption, and cleaner air).

Last updated 3/8/00