Minister for Environment Vicky Darling said the new technology being developed by Queensland company Delafield will dramatically reduce industrial boilers' fuel consumption by converting about 95 per cent of fuel energy into useful steam.

"Large amounts of fuel are used to generate steam in food processing factories, laundries and hospitals, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution," Minister Darling said.

"Despite all the advances in recent years, even the most efficient boilers rely on the same basic technology used for the past 150 years.

"Delafield are developing a 'pulse detonation steam generation' technology which is set to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20 per cent for many commercial and industrial steam processes.

"This new technology will set the benchmark for the world's most efficient combustion technology for commercial steam generators and will enhance Australia's position as one of the most innovative countries.

"The 'pulse detonation steam generation' technology works by burning the fuel in short pulses, thousands of times per second.

"Turbulence created by the resulting pressure waves transfers heat much more quickly to the surrounding steam tubes than in a conventional boiler, where typically 20 per cent of the heat energy is lost as wasted heat retained in the exhaust gases.

"The Queensland Government is proud to provide funding of up to $200,000 for local businesses keen to develop technologies that reduce environmental impacts.

"The grants are provided as part of the Department of Environment and Resource Management's Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund.

"Since 1999, the fund has delivered over $9 million to Queensland businesses to develop technology that reduces the use of fossil fuels or water, leads to more efficient energy use or enhances the use of renewable energy sources."

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

06/10/11