Apr-2023

Leading the charge in meeting EPA’s stringent emission standards

IGS is collaborating with industry experts to create an actionable plan for power plants to meet the requirements EPA’s emission standards

Integrated Global Services

Article Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been ramping up efforts to enhance air quality nationwide, resulting in stricter emission regulations that pose challenges for Electric Generating Units (EGUs) and non-EGUs alike.

With the recent implementation of the Good Neighbor Plan (GNP) aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, the EPA is determined to curb air pollution spreading to downwind states and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
This plan, working in conjunction with the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSARP), applies to 23 states and encompasses various industries, from utility and power companies to cement kilns, agrochemical facilities, and petrochemical plants.

Navigating these evolving regulations has left many utility and power companies uncertain about their ability to comply. Integrated Global Services (IGS), in collaboration with industry experts, has stepped in to develop an actionable plan and assist plants in meeting emission standards.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) reactors play a crucial role in reducing NOx emissions, but fouling and poor flow can significantly impair their performance, preventing facilities from reliably meeting the requirements of the Good Neighbor Plan.

To address these challenges, IGS has worked closely with plant owners and operators to leverage cutting-edge technologies from their toolbox, including large particle ash screens, online air cannon cleaning systems, acoustic cleaning systems, CatFlow screens, ammonia mixing/distribution systems, fine particle filtration screens, and Hot-tek field services.

By combining these advanced solutions and targeting the specific causes of SCR fouling and derates, IGS engineers comprehensively clean SCR systems to restore performance levels to 95%, or better, of their design rates. In 2022 alone, IGS’ improvements to SCR reactors resulted in a remarkable reduction of 17,589 tons of NOx emissions.

With proper SCR designs by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the implementation of suitable online cleaning systems provided by IGS and its partners, cost-effective strategies have emerged to meet the new EPA standards and ensure SCRs operate at full capacity. The days of cutting corners are over, as cleaning tactics once considered inconsequential now play a critical role in achieving emission goals.

Modern mitigation techniques have proven their efficacy, necessitating their application to systems with significant issues and those that have previously encountered minor problems. By embracing the most effective SCR technologies available, plants can stay ahead of the ever-changing demands of our dynamic world.

IGS is at the forefront of the industry, leading the charge to fulfil EPA standards while enabling reliable and efficient operations.

As the landscape continues to evolve, IGS remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of SCR performance and assisting plants nationwide in achieving compliance and emission reductions.