Particulate and Condensable Removal is Hot Topic Hour on April 26, 2012
As you know the final Mercury and Air
Toxics Standard (MATS or historically referred to as the Utility MACT) was
published February 16, 2012 with an effective date of April 16, 2012.
All existing coal- and oil-fired electric
generating units larger than 25 Mw (EGU’s) will have three years from the
effective date to comply with the standards, although the rule allows states to
grant specific units an additional year for equipment installation. Although
legal challenges to the rule both from affected parties and challenges from
Congress are expected, operators of the affected EGU’s will now need to move the
compliance process to high gear.
This final rule specifies using filterable PM as a
surrogate for the metal toxics limit and sets a challenging limit for PM. This
is a significant change from the earlier proposed rule that also regulated
condensable particulate matter. However, control of condensable PM cannot
be neglected. The Cross State Air Pollution (transport) Rule (CSAPR) that
was issued earlier this year and the NAAQS may well force control and reduction
of condensable particulate emissions. The states are now in the process of
finalizing and beginning implementation of their SIP’s required to meet the
NAAQS standards. The NAAQS regulations establish standards for CO, lead,
NO2, ozone, particulate matter and SO2 all of which
(except perhaps CO and lead) can have a significant impact on current EGU’s
combusting coal or oil.
The following speakers will discuss the impact of MATS, CASPR and NAAQS on coal
and oil fueled power plant operators relative to filterable and condensable PM
such as the key issues to be considered when developing a strategy to achieve
compliance, available control technologies and equipment that can be utilized to
achieve the emissions limits as well as the
advantages and disadvantages of the various control technologies and criteria
for selecting specific technologies – existing facility configuration, existing
control equipment installed, fuel type and others.
Steve Jaasund,
Manager, Geoenergy Division of A. H. Lundberg Associates
in Bellevue Washington, will discuss the effective control of solid and
condensable particulates with wet ESP’s. Wet electrostatic precipitation has
been employed on an industrial scale for over 100 years. Yet the potential
of this technology to collect fine solid and condensable particulate matter has
not been fully developed. This presentation will highlight the fundamental
advantages of wet ESP technology in applications where fine solids and/or
condensable particles present a challenge. Recent full-scale and pilot
performance test data will be presented.
Terence (Terry) R. Ake,
Product Manager for Circulating Dry Scrubber Technology at Babcock Power, Inc.,
will present “Circulating Dry Scrubbers Remove Particulate and Condensable
Particulate to Meet Environmental Regulations.” Circulating Dry Scrubbers
effectively remove particulate and the acid gases that form condensable
particulate with a fabric filter and injecting lime, water, and recirculated
byproduct in an upstream reactor. Environmental regulations such as the
EPA Mercury Air Toxic Standards and Cross State Air Pollution Rule have only
recently been signed for filterable and fine particulate as well as SO2,
NOx, and Hazardous Air Pollutants. Standards for condensable
particulate continue to evolve. Field data of operating CDS systems show that
the CDS eliminates any uncertainty of meeting the particulate, SO2,
and HAPS regulations for existing Electric Generating Units including
condensable particulate.
James "Buzz" Reynolds, Vice-president of
WESP Technology for Siemens Environmental Systems and Solutions, will present
"WESP Technology for Filterable and Condensable Control."
To register for the Hot Topic Hour on April 26 at 10:00 a.m. (CDT), click on:
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/hot_topic_hour_registration.htm.
McIlvaine Hot Topic Hour Registration
On Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Central time, McIlvaine
hosts a 90 minute web meeting on important energy and pollution control
subjects. Power webinars are free for subscribers to either
Power Plant Air Quality Decisions or Utility Environmental Upgrade
Tracking System. The cost is $125.00
for non-subscribers.
Market Intelligence
webinars are free to McIlvaine market report subscribers and are $400.00
for non-subscribers.
DATE |
Non-Subscribers Cost |
SUBJECT |
Webinar Type |
April 26, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Particulate and Condensable
Removal |
Power |
May 3, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Flyash Pond and Wastewater
Treatment Issues |
Power |
May 10, 2012 |
$400.00 |
$330 Billion Market for
Air/Gas/Water/Liquid/Flow and
Treatment
(high growth segments plus
regulatory, technology,
application, and market drivers) |
Market Intelligence
|
May 17, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Role of Renewable Energy in U.S.
and World |
Power |
May 24, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Status of Carbon Capture
Programs and Technology |
Power |
May 31, 2012 |
$400.00 |
Air Pollution Control Markets
(geographic trends, regulatory
developments, competition,
technology developments) |
Market Intelligence |
June 7, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Dry Sorbent Injection and
Material Handling in Coal-fired
Power Plants Plants |
Power |
June 14, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Report from Power Gen Europe
(update on regulations, speaker
and exhibitor highlights) |
Power |
June 21, 2012 |
$400.00 |
Pumps and Valves
(impacts of mergers, new
markets, market drivers,
forecasts) |
Market Intelligence |
June 28, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Greenhouse Gas Strategies for
Coal-fired Plant Operators
|
Power |
July 12, 2012 |
$125.00 |
CFB Technology and Clean Coal
|
Power |
July 19, 2012 |
$400.00 |
Future for Coal, Gas, Nuclear
and Renewables
(forecasts by region and
discussion of market drivers and
regulatory constraints) |
Market Intelligence |
July 26, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Beneficial Byproducts of Coal
Combustion and Gasification |
Power |
August 2, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Mercury Control and Removal
Status and Cost |
Power |
August 9, 2012 |
$400.00 |
Filter Media
(forecasts and market drivers
for media used in air, gas,
liquid, fluid applications both
mobile and stationary)
|
Market Intelligence |
August 16, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Report from Coal-gen (highlights
of speeches and exhibitions) |
Power |
August 23, 2012 |
$125.00 |
Report from Mega Symposium
(highlights of speeches and
exhibitions at this important
air pollution conference) |
Power |
August 30, 2012 |
$400.00 |
Instrumentation for Air, Gas,
Water, Liquids (forecasts
, market shares, growth
segments)
|
|
Click here to register:
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/FGDnetoppbroch/Default1.htm
Here are the Headlines for the April 13, 2012 – Utility E-Alert
UTILITY E-ALERT
#1070
– April 13, 2012
Table of Contents
COAL – US
COAL – WORLD
GAS / OIL – US
GAS / OIL – WORLD
§
Fortum to participate in Two Power Plant Enlargement Projects in Russia
BIOMASS
NUCLEAR
BUSINESS
HOT TOPIC HOUR
For more information on the Utility Environmental Upgrade Tracking System,
click on:
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/energy.html#42ei.
More Than 10,000 Active Environmental Projects for the World’s 7,000 Coal-fired
Power Boilers
The combination of a building boom for new coal-fired power plants in Asia plus
environmental upgrades in Europe and the Americas has led to a record number of
environmental projects in planning and construction. This is the
conclusion reached by the McIlvaine Company in Utility Environmental Upgrade
Tracking Systems. (www.mcilvainecompany.com)
The project values are fairly evenly spread across the globe. The reason is that
the developed countries, while not building new coal-fired power plants, are
spending lots of money to clean up existing power plants. In the developing
world, there is a great deal of new coal-fired capacity underway.
The typical U.S. coal-fired power plant has embarked on one project to reduce
mercury and air toxics, another to reduce NOx and SO2, a
third to improve energy efficiency, a fourth to meet water intake standards, and
a fifth to renovate ash ponds.
East European power plants are moving forward with environmental upgrades to
meet European Union (EU) standards. Meanwhile, present EU members are dealing
with tightening environmental and greenhouse gas emission limits. In China,
India, Vietnam and many other Asian countries, the bulk of the projects are
associated with new coal-fired power plants.
The projects are very sizable. A 1000 MW coal-fired power plant in the
U.S. can expect to spend $400,000/MW or $400 million just to meet the latest air
quality standards. Some power plants are switching from once-through water to
cooling towers. This type of project is also costly.
In the U.S., the decision makers include some of the large utilities with their
own engineering groups (e.g. Southern). They also include the major architect
engineering firms such as Black & Veatch, Sargent & Lundy and Burns & McDonnell.
There is another group including Bechtel, Kiewit and Shaw which function in both
an advisory and EPC role.
In China the five large utility companies are not only involved in operations
but also in design and supply.
Larger system suppliers such as Babcock & Wilcox, Alstom, Hitachi, Mitsubishi,
Longking and Doosan are willing to take on turn-key responsibilities and, thus
eliminate the need for the initial A/E analysis and bid preparation.
In Europe, the big system suppliers are most likely to deal directly with the
utilities. Some utilities such as Eon and Suez headquartered in Europe have
operations in many countries.
For more information on these projects, click on:
Utility Environmental Upgrade Tracking System, click on:
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/energy.html#42ei
Chinese Utility Plans,
click on:
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/energy.html
“Create and Trade” is a Better Way to Deal with Coal-fired Power Plant CO2
Emissions
EPA is proposing limits on CO2 emissions from new coal plants but not
existing ones. This approach will actually increase CO2 emissions
and the cost of energy. The McIlvaine Company in its Utility CO2
Mitigation Markets proposes an alternative which would much better reach the
objective. This concept is called “Create and Trade.” It empowers
the utility industry to reduce CO2 and other emissions in
innovative and cost effective ways.
A new ultrasupercritical plant would emit 30 percent less CO2 than an
existing plant. However, the just proposed limits on CO2 emissions
from new plants will effectively eliminate their construction. On the other
hand, we need coal for somewhere between 30 to 50 percent of our generation
capacity over the next 30 years. If we do not build new plants to operate
over this timeframe, we will be emitting 30 percent more CO2 than
would be emitted with new plants.
Natural gas can be economically converted into LNG and liquids. There is no
expectation that the world price will be low enough to allow gas to compete with
coal for power generation. It is an illusion to believe that gas producers
will not seek lucrative offshore markets rather than supply cheap gas to
domestic users. Some LNG facilities built to regasify LNG are already in the
process of conversion to allow them to liquefy and export gas. Therefore, a
plan to completely eliminate coal over the next few decades would be very
unwise.
The air pollution control industry has made big strides in developing
technology to very effectively reduce mercury, SO2, NOx,
fine particulate, hydrogen chloride and toxic metals. The limits for new
power plants are just a fraction of what is being allowed for old power plants.
Replacing the old power plants with new ones would make a very big difference in
the emissions of the whole range of air pollutants.
McIlvaine proposes a whole new approach called “Create and Trade” as opposed to
“Cap and Trade.” Utilities which reduce CO2 and other pollutants to
a much greater degree than the average would receive payments from those
utilities with higher than average emissions. A base line for CO2
would be established based on good practice for an old power plant. The
base line for other pollutants would be the limits which already apply to old
power plants.
The payments to the clean power plants would start with reductions beyond the
baseline and accelerate as they go beyond a midpoint between limits
for existing power plants and NSPS. So an exceptionally clean power plant would
generate much more revenue per ton of pollutant reduced than would a moderately
clean power plant.
There will be some new power plants that will opt for carbon capture and
sequestration. Those that can sell the CO2 for enhanced oil recovery
will choose this route. The problem is that this opportunity will only be
available to a small number of power plants. The net CO2 reduction is
reduced by the large energy consumption in CO2 capture and transport.
The system will give credit to technologies which more broadly reduce
emissions. Coal plants can make hydrochloric acid and reduce the net
pollutants by eliminating chlor–alkali plants. New coal plants can be
integrated with cellulosic ethanol plants where they supply the low pressure
steam rather than lose the energy in cooling towers. These plants will also burn
the cellulosic waste and displace some of the coal.
One of the biggest opportunities is to co-locate sewage treatment and garbage
burning facilities with coal plants. The complex will have far fewer emissions
and much less water consumption than non-integrated operations. Europe is
already doing this.
The premium on highly efficient removal technologies would cause a flow of
investment into cutting edge technology. All payments would be among utilities
and would not involve government regulation. The only need would be for
government to eliminate some of the legal barriers to new plant construction.
If the environmental community can be assured that “Create and Trade” will
really result in the greatest pollution reduction and that the lifespan of the
new coal plants is limited to the anticipated retirement dates for the existing
old fleet, then there should be hearty endorsement by this faction.
For more information on Utility CO2 Mitigation Markets, click
on:
http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57
Wind Power Technology Continually Improving
McIlvaine’s Renewable Energy Update and Projects tracks the
technology advances which allow for increased performance in the generation of
wind power.
Suzlon S95 – 2.1 MW Receives Type Certification; Delivers 102 Percent of
Estimated Power Curve
Suzlon Group, announced completion of testing and certification of its S95 STV
(Standard Temperature Version) turbine in its 50 Hz and 60 Hz variants. The
testing was carried out by independent third party testing agencies, and the
certification by Germanischer Lloyd, a global leader in certification.
The S95, with a rotor diameter of 95 meters and tower heights of 80, 90 and 100
meters, is specially designed for medium wind speed sites (Class II wind
regimes). It is part of the S9X suite of turbines, which has already seen over
1,000 MW in orders since its launch in April, 2011.
The S95, in testing and validation, delivered 102 percent of its estimated
power curve, translating to higher than projected power generation, and improved
returns for customers — an increase in energy yield of over 3 million
kilowatt-hours over the turbine s lifetime.
Speaking on the development, Mr. John O Halloran, President, Technology Suzlon
Energy Limited, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement; it is incredibly rare
that a complex product like a wind turbine with over 2,000 parts and weighing
over 250 tones generates more power than was even projected. This increase is
mainly attributed to our new smart aerodynamic technology and efficient control
systems. We are pleased to report that the S9X suite is consistently delivering
97 percent plus uptime on all installations, over a period of more than 10
months now.”
The G10X-4.5 MW wind turbine, installed by Gamesa near Alaiz (Navarra, Spain),
on March 11 set a new record for energy output by a wind turbine in Spain. The
turbine generated electricity for 23.24 equivalent hours at nominal capacity
(98.26 percent of the day), for a total of 104.6 MWh.
The turbine's performance broke the previous record of 98.5 MWh, which was set
by the same machine on January 22, 2012. The Alaiz machine is the second
G10X-4.5 MW prototype Gamesa has erected in Spain with the aim of achieving the
highest possible levels of availability, energy efficiency and network codes for
this turbine system from day one. The first prototype is installed at the R&D
wind farm in Jaulín, Zaragoza.
3B – The fibreglass company announced the introduction of a renewed range of
reinforcements each designed for specific resin systems and engineered to
provide optimum performances for the manufacture of wind turbine blades.
The first product in the series to be revealed is SE2020 made with Advantex®
glass a new single-end roving specifically engineered for epoxy polymer systems
utilized in resin infusion or prepreg processes.
Luc Peters, 3B Wind Technical Leader: “At 3B we focus on understanding the
needs of wind energy OEMs by working hand in hand with the designers, the
weavers and ultimately the manufacturers of turbine blades. Collaborating
with the entire value chain enables us to bring to market new benchmark rovings
which further pushes the limits of glass fibre composite blade designs to
address new challenges facing the wind industry.”
At present multi-compatible reinforcements are commonly used with different
resin systems such as epoxy (EP), unsaturated polyester (UP), vinyl ester (VE),
etc. However by developing innovative and proprietary sizing technology focused
on a specific resin family (epoxy), 3B is changing the rules of the game.
By optimizing the coupling of the reinforcement uniquely for epoxy resin systems
3B thereby achieves best-in-class composite properties. With such a value
proposition, 3B’s renewed product offering becomes an industry benchmark for
structural resins.
Compared to conventional materials in the market place, 3B’s new SE2020
made with Advantex® glass roving for epoxy resin systems offers better wet out
therefore providing a more consistent laminate quality, a significantly improved
resin matrix adhesion which delivers higher shear strength, and substantially
greater interfibre strength. This, together with the resulting enhanced fatigue
performance, makes the new SE2020 roving the solution that designers need to
greatly improve existing blades and, more importantly, to create the next
generation of epoxy wind turbine blades.
Nordex Exhibits Extensive Range of Additional Components for Greater Efficiency
and Yields
EWEA 2012 held in Copenhagen in April provided the backdrop for the Nordex
efficiency class. Nordex SE showed visitors a broad range of measures and
additional components aimed at boosting the efficiency and yields of the Gamma
Generation turbines.
Nordex showcased an innovative anti-icing system for the rotor blades of its
N100/2500 and N117/2400 turbines targeted at the European and North American
markets in particular. In sub-zero temperatures, the accumulation of ice on the
surface of the rotor blade can lead to a loss of yields as the greater load
causes imbalances in the rotor, shortening the life cycles of the components.
What is more, the resultant change in dynamics compromises the efficiency of the
turbine, which results in reduced yields caused by extensive down times. With
the Nordex anti-icing system, operators are able to rely on secure yields from
their wind turbines and maximum availability in low-temperature regions. The
system has already been successfully implemented at a wind farm in Sweden, where
energy yields have been increased by 25 percent in the months with severe icing
conditions.
The anti-icing system comprises an ice sensor and heating elements fitted to the
front edge of each rotor blade. The sensor continuously monitors ambient
conditions and reports the status to the wind turbines operation management
system. If this data indicates the presence of conditions liable to cause icing,
the heating elements are automatically activated. Energy-efficient heating
prevents ice from accumulating on the rotor blades. Integrated into the blade
structure, this solution de-ices the rotor blades during operations free of any
loss of yield. Even during down times, the system detects any icing, triggering
the de-icing process and resuming operation.
A further highlight at Nordex’s fair stand was the presentation of additions to
the range of towers available for the N117/2400 on-shore turbine. Topographic
obstacles in non-coastal locations may impair yields. The higher the hub height
the better wind qualities and, hence, also annual yields become. Nordex is
offering the N117/2400 on a 91-meter and 120-meter tubular steel tower as well
as in Europe on a 141-meter hybrid tower. The additional annual yield from a hub
height of 141 meters stands at 21 percent compared with a hub height of 91
meters.
Following the upgraded wind class suitability, Nordex offers the N90/2500 for
strong wind regions (IEC-1) and the N100/2500 for regions with medium wind
speeds (IEC-2). With a rotor diameter of around 117 meters, the N117/2400 is
specially configured for light wind locations, making it the most efficient
turbine for IEC-3 sites.
Power Climber Wind Launches 360° Blade Access Platform Overseas
Power Climber Wind, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, announced the launch of the
first CE-compliant 360° blade access platform solution that simplifies wind
turbine blade and tower maintenance work for O&M providers, blade contractors
and wind plant owners.
Modeled after its North American cousin who has racked up hundreds of operating
hours, the CE 360° platform is modular, stable, fast to install, and easily
configured to also meet tower access work needs with minor changes to
components. Its small footprint makes it easy to transport by fitting inside a
standard work truck, reducing the total mobilization cost. Extensively
engineered and tested, the 360° blade access platform is compatible with all
major wind turbine manufacturers and is CE approved.
Its solid connection to the tower and ability to easily reposition provide a
stable working deck without requiring counterweights, improving workers’
confidence and productivity. Its unique design easily adapts to various blade
profiles and can be conveniently converted to larger blade openings.
For more information on Renewable Energy Projects and Update
please visit
http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/Renewable_Energy_Projects_Brochure/renewable_energy_projects_brochure.htm
----------
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Bob McIlvaine
President
847-784-0012 ext 112
rmcilvaine@mcilvainecompany.com
www.mcilvaine@mcilvainecompany.com
Copyright © 2012 McIlvaine Company. All Rights Reserved
191 Waukegan Road Suite 208 | Northfield | IL 60093
Ph: 847-784-0012 | Fax: 847-784-0061
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