The Power of Selective Catalytic Reduction

When we talk of selective catalytic reduction, we are referring to the conversion of nitrogen oxides into diatomic nitrogen. The catalyst will speed up the reaction and ensure that only the desirable reactions are stimulated. The other products include water. In this process we would normally add a gas based reductant such as anhydrous ammonia with aqueous ammonia or urea. This is then passed through an exhaust system to be absorbed by the catalyst. One of the byproducts of such a reaction is Carbon Dioxide. The process is normally used during the function of utility boilers as well as industrial boilers. It can also be used in waste management. For everyday use we can look at the operation of diesel engines for the benefits of global selective catalytic reduction.

In this article we look at the specific example of power plants. The usage is normally concentrated on the production of energy. They use an SCR unit to link the furnace economizer and the air heater. The ammonia is then passed through the injection grit. It is imperative that the optimal temperature is measured to ensure that the selective catalytic reduction works as anticipated. You also have to watch out for the causes and effects of ammonia slip. The operational management team must be in a position to look at these issues critically and to test all the systems so that they are compliant with national standards. The use of selective catalytic reduction must be handled with care because the process and byproducts can be significantly harmful.

As the process of selective catalytic reduction is completed there might be the production of ammonium sulfate or bisulfate as a direct consequence of the sulfuric content within the fuel vessel. The catalyst can also lead to the creation of SO3 as a result of the combination of SO2 and O2 within the flue gas. These are issues that need to be discussed in the risk assessment for the selective catalytic reduction process. The ash from the fuel combustion can also create operational difficulties. It is therefore imperative that consideration is given to the use of sonic horns and sooth blowers. On a practical basis the use of selective catalytic reduction to create energy will be important in the modern economy.

Our energy needs are rising but the production of oil and gas is going to reduce. The start analysis is that we will soon be depleting these natural resources. The use of selective catalytic reduction might help to create alternative sources of energy as well as forming the foundation for future developments in this area. It is not all good news when it comes to the selective catalytic reduction. The process described above gives indications that there are some very serious risks that we need to take into consideration if we are going to do this work safely and effectively. If there was a disaster in the operations of the selective catalytic reduction then the ramifications could be very serious indeed.

Anthony Onaf is a content producer in association with Cormetech Inc. (http://www.cormetech.com), a global leader in selective catalytic reduction systems. Cormetech Inc. has contributed to NOx reduction since its inception, developing industrial SCR catalyst which aid in nitrogen oxide emissions.