Air Pollution Control

Fuel Tech has developed a variety of patented, state-of-the-art proprietary technologies that are focused on multi-pollutant control, which are created from a variety of combustion sources utilizing a wide variety of fuel inputs. Our technologies are currently installed on over 1,000 combustion systems worldwide.

NO_X

Fuel Tech provides multiple technology options which can be combined to maximize NO_X reduction; all backed by the insight provided by some of the world’s most sophisticated in-furnace computer modeling. With over 1,000 systems installed worldwide, we’re ready for your challenge...whatever the need.

NO_X Reduction Targets Can Be Achieved with a Variety of Solutions from Fuel Tech

SO₃

The effects of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) formation are becoming increasingly problematic for power plants. SO₃ is formed in the boiler by oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which itself arises from the combustion of solid and liquid fuels containing sulfur. Additional SO₃ formation can also occur as SO₂ is oxidized across the SCR catalyst. The SO₃ can react with moisture in the flue gas to form sulfuric acid, leading to "blue plume", opacity, and can also react with ammonia to form a sticky substance, ammonium bisulfate (ABS).

The amount of SO₃ generated, and its resulting impact, is plant specific, influenced by such variables as fuel characteristics, type of boiler and the oxidation level of a chosen SCR catalyst. In particular, as SCR-retrofitted power plants install scrubbers, operators will have the flexibility to utilize higher sulfur coals, which will only exacerbate SO₃ issues. SO₃ and ABS formation can lead to numerous plant operating problems, including air pre-heater fouling and corrosion, SCR catalyst fouling and sulfuric acid aerosol emissions, the latter causing increased stack opacity and often referred to as “blue plume.” Scrubbers do not effectively remove SO₃ before exiting the plant as they are principally designed to capture SO₂.

Fuel Tech has developed an extremely effective, customized program where SO₃ reductions of 75% and returns on investment of 4:1 have been achieved. Beyond this, our customers have also seen reductions in their total toxic release (TTR) emissions. Utilizing proprietary TIFI^® Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ technology a magnesium hydroxide slurry is injected into the boiler in sufficient quantities to help control the deposition of sulfuric acid and ABS on the air pre-heater while otherwise limiting SO₃ formation across the SCR.

In addition to the application of TIFI for SO₃ control, Fuel Tech can combine this approach with the injection of trona or other sodium based sorbents such as sodium bi-sulfite (SBS) or sodium carbonate/bi-carbonate into the duct downstream of the economizer or air heater. Systems designed for the injection of dry magnesium hydroxide or dry hydratell lime are also available. Fuel Tech will customize the right solution base on the customer needs for each application.

PM_2.5

Flue Gas Conditioning technology will help control PM_2.5 by improving performance of electrostatic precipitators and baghouses by modifying fly ash resistivity or improving agglomeration of fine particles. Fuel Tech now offers electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and flue gas desulphurization (FGD) systems.