Improved combustion delivers visible environmental impact

To address this, Fuel Tech provided a solution for three oil-fired units. The program was designed to improve combustion, reduce loss-on-ignition (LoI) and carbon particulates, and lower SO3 emissions enough to eliminate the acid plume.

Fuel Tech used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to precisely identify problem areas within the boiler. An optimized chemical feed program was then implemented using TIFI. TIFI injects a magnesium hydroxide slurry diluted with water directly into targeted zones of the combustion unit.

The slurry’s micron-sized particles react with slag as it forms. They penetrate existing deposits and alter the physical crystal characteristics to reduce slagging and SO3 emissions. This highly reactive and stable reagent allows effective treatment at lower dosages. That enhances SO3 abatement while minimizing handling and feeding issues.

The project achieved a greater than 75% reduction in SO3 emissions. TIFI also mitigated the sulfuric acid plume and lowered loss-on-ignition (LOI) levels. The LOI improvement used a diluted solution of magnesium hydroxide and calcium nitrate injected into the fuel oil lines. Ash quality improved with an increase in pH to 6, contributing to better environmental outcomes.

Additionally, ash fallout in surrounding areas was eliminated, reducing environmental contamination and visual impact. These improvements also included a marked reduction in maintenance cleanup time, which helped decrease downtime and associated costs.