FGD and DeNOx
NEWSLETTER
October 2021
No. 521
Table of Contents
MARKETS
·
Most Profitable Market Program for High
Performance Air, Water, and Combustion Product Suppliers
·
CHP Will be an Important Component of a Net
Zero Policy
·
Make it Easy to Buy a Better Pump, Valve, or
Filter
INDUSTRY NEWS
·
Babcock & Wilcox Asia-Pacific
Business Growth Continues with $7 Million Southeast Asia Thermal Equipment and
Service Order
·
Howden to Acquire Compressor
Products International
·
United Conveyor Corporation
Announces Company Name Change to UCC Environmental to Reflect Commitment to
Sustainable Engineered Solutions
·
North Vancouver to be World's
First City Heated by Bitcoin
·
Koehler Converts German
Coal-Fired Plant to Biomass
·
Drax, NFU Partner to Boost UK
Energy Crop Market
·
Howden Has Completed the
Acquisition of Spencer Turbine From Alliance Portfolio Holdings, Inc.
·
B&W Completes Acquisition of
Majority Stake in Fosler Construction -Will Operate as Fosler Solar, a Babcock &
Wilcox Company
·
World Health Organization
Tightens Air Pollution Guidelines
·
UK CHP Plants Will Use
Hydrogen
·
Coal Power Plant
in Spain to be Turned into Green Hydrogen Hub
·
Babcock & Wilcox
Renewable Awarded $35 Million Contract to Supply Waste-to-Energy Technologies
for Facilities in Greenland
·
Babcock & Wilcox
Renewable Receives $38 Million Technology Award for New Waste-to-Energy
Facilities in East Asia
·
Babcock & Wilcox
to Accelerate Growth in Clean Energy With Acquisition of Renewable Services
Firm, Voda A/S; Will Form B&W Renewable Service Unit
·
McDermott Joins
AquaVentus Consortium to Advance Renewable Hydrogen Production
·
Emerson and
BayoTech Team to Accelerate Scaling Production and Distribution of Low-Cost,
Low-Carbon Hydrogen
·
Obtaining
Sufficient NPSH Challenge For Boiler Feedwater Pumps
·
Wanner Diaphragm
Pump Used For Biofuel Applications
·
Drax Construction
Starts on Second Arkansas Pellet Plant
·
United Engineers
& Constructors and Imperia Engineering Partners Join Forces to Expand Service
Offering to the Energy Generation and Delivery Markets
·
Natural Gas
Prices Continue to Rise and are Ten Times Higher In Europe Today Than a Year Ago
·
Grunfos to
Acquire MECO for Pump and Filter Synergies
MARKETS
Most Profitable Market Program for High
Performance Air, Water, and Combustion Product Suppliers
A new approach is recommended to maximize profits for
suppliers of high performance air, water, and combustion products.
The benefits of the MPM program are substantial.
The goal is to increase revenue and profits by
increasing EIBITDA from 15% to 30%.
This is accomplished by understanding each customer’s
production niche and developing products which reduce cost of ownership.
The validation of product superiority is accomplished
by leveraging the available knowledge and communications routes. With this
approach it becomes as easy to buy the new and better product as the familiar
one.
Details
on this program are shown at: http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/images/Most_Profitable_Market_Program.pdf
A video explanation of this new program is available on YouTube.
·
Part 1: https://youtu.be/cyDZNIiO5Rw
·
Part 2: https://youtu.be/3ynaLP-k4rs
CHP Will be an Important Component of a Net
Zero Policy
Combined heat and power can make a big contribution to achieving net zero CO2
emissions.
When applied with coal firing CHP has lower net CO2 emissions than a
gas turbine as shown in the following table.
Many CHP plants are fired with gas turbines or reciprocating engines. Here
is a DOE analysis for the U.S.
Many of the CHP plants are using biomass. So their net contribution is negative.
This is due to the reduction in CO2 emissions from facilities being
heated or cooled.
A few CHP plants are moving forward with carbon sequestration. This makes them
the most carbon negative option. Whereas wind and solar are net zero BECCS with
CHP would be a negative 1.3 tons of CO2 per unit of energy.
A coal plant is plus 1. If it is converted to biomass and CCS, it would be
reducing CO2 at a faster rate than it formerly was producing. So in
20 years converted plants could reduce CO2 emissions by the amount
they emitted in the last 28 years.
GE predicted a few years ago that CHP would replace large scale generation. The
basis for this idea is the huge increase in efficiency and the elimination of
small CO2 sources such as gas heaters.
The CHP Alliance held a conference on hydrogen and CHP. Speakers from Siemens
and other large turbine companies were optimistic about hydrogen fueled CHP.
Another potential is commercial greenhouses. The 12 largest in the U.S. have a
680 MW capacity. Most commercial growers use some of the CO2 produced
to inject into the ambient air in the greenhouse. At 1000 ppm many crops grow up
to 40% faster.
In Europe, biomass-fired CHP plants are supplying a large amount of power and
heat. Several have also added CO2 capture and sequestration.
CHP plants around the world can be identified and the potential analyzed. They
all have detailed permits with information not only on the boilers but also the
processes. Any process which has the potential to emit air or water pollutants
is identified.
Databases and project tracking are found at http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php/databases/42ei-utility-tracking-system
Make it Easy to Buy a Better Pump, Valve, or Filter
Every supplier is striving to show why his product is
a better choice than the one the prospect is using. Revenues for companies
selling air, water, and combustion-related products and services are over $600
billion per year.
Fifty
percent of these products are in the high performance category where price is
secondary and the service is unique, critical, or severe.
There needs to be a better way for purchasers to
determine which product will best meet the high performance requirements. This
could increase revenue and EBITA by $45 billion.
If the product is already performing at the
prospect’s plant or is the market leader, the default position is that this is
the best performing product.
Claims of a new and better product fall on deaf ears
unless there is supporting evidence relevant to the unique requirements of that
plant in that location and for that application.
There is no system in place to make it easy to
demonstrate a better product for a specific niche. As a result you have
two strategies. One is to minimize R&D and be content with EBITA of less than
15%.
Another strategy is to focus on very narrow niches.
Several companies with this strategy are enjoying EBITA above 30%.
However without a system to easily demonstrate
superiority of a better product, the pursuit of these niches is challenging.
Success has primarily come from acquiring existing small companies focused on a
niche.
As a result, these high EBITA companies are not
revenue market leaders. Ninety-five percent of the $300 billion of revenues in
the high performance segment accrue to companies with EBITA of less than 15%.
Despite all the potential of the internet it is no
easier to make the right decisions than it was in 1974 when McIlvaine introduced
thousand-page loose leaf decision guides
A new approach is needed. It involves publishers,
conference organizers, associations and the suppliers of systems and products.
McIlvaine proposes a holistic program as explained
at http://home.mcilvainecompany.com/index.php/30-general/1658-holistic-content-marketing-program
The program starts with a market forecast in each
niche.
Video https://youtu.be/JPCduQKtJVY
Power Point
Most
Profitable Market Support Services
INDUSTRY NEWS
Babcock & Wilcox Asia-Pacific
Business Growth Continues with $7 Million Southeast Asia Thermal Equipment and
Service Order
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) announced that its B&W Thermal segment has received an
order for approximately $7 million to provide equipment and services for a
utility customer in Southeast Asia.
B&W will design, supply, install and commission boiler cleaning equipment and
controls and provide other services for an upgrade project for the customer’s
plant.
“Our growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region continues to gain momentum,”
said Jimmy Morgan, B&W Chief Operating Officer. “We see tremendous opportunities
for our business in Southeast Asia, Australia and elsewhere and we are
strategically pursuing core technology work throughout these areas.”
Since announcing the creation of its Asia-Pacific headquarters last year, B&W
has added significant resources in the region, including business development
and sales representatives, project managers and others.
B&W’s focus for the Asia-Pacific region includes upgrades, parts, equipment, and
other services to customers in the renewable, environmental, power, and
industrial markets, including to under-serviced local markets and the pulp &
paper and petrochemical sectors.
Howden to Acquire Compressor
Products International
Howden, a leading global provider of mission critical air and gas handling
products, technologies, and services, has entered into an agreement with EnPro
Industries to acquire Compressor Products International (“CPI”), a leading
provider of aftermarket components and services to the global reciprocating
compressor market. This will be Howden’s sixth acquisition in 2021 and is
expected to close following customary regulatory clearances and approvals.
CPI, headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, has a diverse, global blue-chip
customer base with sales primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a
manufacturer of precision-engineered, custom aftermarket products and its broad
product offering is critical to the longevity, efficiency, and safety of
reciprocating compressors.
The acquisition of CPI is well aligned with Howden’s strategy of expanding its
global aftermarket presence in the compressor market. By leveraging CPI’s
strategically located service centers, Howden will expand its aftermarket
services and coverage across North America and Europe. CPI’s valves and
aftermarket products are complementary and strategically important additions to
Howden’s existing aftermarket compressor technology portfolio. As a result of
this acquisition, Howden’s addressable markets will increase by $1 billion.
As part of Howden, CPI will be able to access growth opportunities through
additional technology support from Howden and by leveraging Howden’s existing
global distribution and services network in China, Asia Pacific, and South
Africa. With CPI’s predominantly aftermarket revenues, this acquisition will be
accretive to both Howden’s aftermarket mix and overall margins.
This acquisition also reinforces Howden’s role in supporting the ongoing energy
transition towards renewable sources of energy. Reciprocating compression
technology is critical to the energy transition, with applications in hydrogen
production and infrastructure as well biofuel production. Howden will leverage
CPI’s reciprocating compressor technology to support customers through the
energy transition in these critical applications.
Ross Shuster, CEO of Howden, commented: “CPI’s technology, expertise and
aftermarket presence, is an excellent fit within Howden, and will allow us to
best serve customers looking to improve the performance and extend the life of
their vital compressor assets across a wide range of industries.
The synergies for both organizations and the positive impact for the combined
customer base is significant. We look forward to welcoming the CPI team into
Howden upon closing of the transaction.”
United Conveyor Corporation
Announces Company Name Change to UCC Environmental to Reflect Commitment to
Sustainable Engineered Solutions
United Conveyor Corporation (UCC), a global leader in solids handling and
environmental solutions announced that it is changing its name and brand
identity to UCC Environmental. The new name and rebranding effort
reflects the company's commitment to providing sustainable engineered solutions
for air, water and solids in power generation and other heavy industrial
applications.
"Rebranding United Conveyor Corporation, a century-old company, to UCC
Environmental represents a significant step in the company's evolution. This
new brand puts us in an excellent position to drive change and shape the future
of sustainable solutions within the markets we have served for over 100 years
and allows us to enter and more fully develop new markets," says Kevin
McDonough, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. "This strategic
initiative reconfirms our ongoing commitment to providing mission-critical
engineered solutions and high-performance products to improve the environment
and efficiency of our energy and industrial customers."
The new name is effective immediately and will be implemented across the
company's portfolio of products and services.
North Vancouver to
be World's First City Heated by Bitcoin
The City of North Vancouver, British Columbia, runs on a hydronic district
energy system that delivers heat to 100 residential and commercial
buildings. Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC), the award-winning district energy
utility wholly owned by the City, is on a decarbonization journey to implement
more renewable and clean energy, transitioning from the use of conventional
natural gas. The buildings sector presently accounts for 40% of carbon emissions
in urban areas, but district energy creates an opportunity to reduce the urban
carbon footprint through the integration of innovative new technologies.
In 2022, the City and LEC will be introducing a novel heat source to their
district energy system: bitcoin mining. Over the term of the
engagement, MintGreen's Digital Boilers will prevent 20,000 tons of GHGs from
entering the atmosphere per MW compared to natural gas. Production of both
bitcoin and usable thermal energy positions the Digital Boilers to be the cost
leading low-carbon heating technology.
MintGreen, a Canadian cleantech cryptocurrency miner, is disrupting the bitcoin
mining industry. Their proprietary Digital Boilers recover more than 96% of the
electricity used for bitcoin mining in the form of heat energy that can be used
to sustainably heat communities and service industrial processes. Cryptocurrency
miners run at full capacity 365 days a year, which creates the unique
opportunity to provide a reliable and clean heating baseload for North
Vancouver's district energy system. Lonsdale Energy Corporation CEO, Karsten
Veng, commented "Being partners with MintGreen on this project is very exciting
for LEC, in that it's an innovative and cost competitive project, and it
reinforces the journey LEC is on to support the City's ambitious greenhouse gas
reduction targets."
District energy as a whole is trending towards clean energy. The 2015 report
"District Energy in Cities" by the UN Environment Programme cites: "District
energy systems [are emerging] as a best practice approach for providing a local,
affordable and low-carbon energy supply. District energy represents a
significant opportunity for cities to move towards climate-resilient,
resource-efficient and low-carbon pathways." The UN Climate Report released
on August 9, 2021, warns of 'extreme' impacts of climate change to come and is
urging policy makers to take action. Cities around the world are tightening
carbon regulations and increasing carbon taxation. In 2019, the City of North
Vancouver Council passed a motion for the City to increase its greenhouse gas
reduction targets to achieve net zero by 2050 and reduce emissions by 80% below
2007 levels by 2040. Further, Canada has proposed a $170 per ton carbon tax
coming into effect in 2029 that will drive up the recurring cost of conventional
natural gas.
"The complex issue of climate change requires innovative solutions, and LEC,
with the City of North Vancouver, is showing tremendous leadership in
environmental stewardship," said MintGreen CEO, Colin Sullivan. Over 97% of BC
Hydro's energy mix is hydroelectric. Using that energy twice both
eliminates waste and makes this project one of the greenest in the space. Veng
believes that the MintGreen Digital Boiler pilot could be the launchpad for
future expansion opportunities as the City of North Vancouver continues to grow.
Koehler Converts German
Coal-Fired Plant to Biomass
The Koehler Group is to convert its power plant at the Koehler Paper site in
Greiz, Germany, from pulverized lignite to fine wood fraction fuel. The experts
at Koehler Renewable Energy, a part of the Koehler Group, have succeeded in
developing an innovative technique that will allow a type of biomass to be used
as fuel in the existing coal‐fired power plant in a completely new way. It is an
innovation on the market.
Conversion is part of Koehler’s climate strategy
The plant’s conversion from lignite to fine wood fraction as the fuel, is part
of the Group’s climate strategy. It is an important contribution to keeping
Koehler’s promise of producing more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than
is required for its paper production operations.
Significant reduction of CO₂ and sulfurous emissions
In total, the conversion will save 24,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year
at the Greiz site. In addition, converting the fuel will also significantly
reduce sulfurous emissions and pollutants compared with pulverized lignite.
Commissioning planned for June 2022
The structural changes at the power plant and the additional plant engineering
required are set to start in October 2021 and will be completed by May 2022. The
plant is expected to start operating with the new, sustainable fuel in June
2022.
Drax, NFU Partner to
Boost UK Energy Crop Market
World leader in sustainable bioenergy Drax Group has teamed up with the National
Farmers Union of England and Wales (NFU), to identify opportunities to
scale up perennial energy crop production and help the U.K. meet its ambitious
climate goals.
The Climate
Change Committee (CCC) has previously stated that if the U.K. is to meet
its decarbonization objectives, a substantial area of energy crops must be
planted each year to deliver the low carbon, renewable fuel required over the
coming decades.
Through the partnership, Drax and the NFU plan to develop a roadmap for boosting
the market in perennial energy crops, identifying how they can be used
sustainably.
The program of work will help to provide insights into important diversification
opportunities for U.K. farming businesses as they adapt to new agricultural
policies and will seek to identify new revenue streams that may include
utilizing marginal land unsuitable for food crops, as well as delivering
meaningful climate action.
It will also support Drax’s ambition for British farmers to supply some of the
biomass needed for its plans to develop the vital negative emissions technology
bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
The partnership demonstrates clear intent from the bioenergy and agricultural
sectors to accelerate the delivery of negative emissions in the U.K. following
calls to action this summer from the UN’s IPCC, the National Infrastructure
Commission, and the Coalition for Negative Emissions.
Drax Group’s Chief Innovation Officer Jason Shipstone said, “If we can source
some of Drax’s sustainable biomass for our BECCS units from domestically grown
energy crops, we could further reduce our supply chain emissions at the same
time as stimulating innovation within British farming.
“By encouraging British farmers to plant energy crops here in the U.K., the
agricultural sector can join the bioenergy industry, and support national
efforts to address the climate crisis, driving down emissions and building back
greener.”
NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said, “There is a huge opportunity for the
growth of perennial energy crops in the U.K., with large areas of suitable land
potentially available for diversification into the growing of sustainable
biomass for renewable energy generation. This would support the U.K.’s
decarbonization plans as well as our own agricultural net zero ambition,
alongside continuing to provide quality, affordable and climate-friendly food
for the nation.
“By working with Drax Group, we can unlock this potential and ensure our farmers
are ready to take advantage of the opportunity energy crops create, one which
will provide a boost to both farm businesses and the U.K.’s climate credentials.
It’s exciting that the carbon dioxide captured by the crops grown by U.K.
farmers for Drax would be permanently removed from the atmosphere.”
The partnership follows an announcement last month from the Government which
outlined the provision of £4 million in funding to increase British biomass
production for green energy through the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme.
Drax Group, which has converted Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire to use
sustainable biomass instead of coal to become the U.K.’s largest single site
renewable generator, plans to deploy the essential negative emissions technology
BECCS in the 2020s. This has the potential to create the world’s largest carbon
capture power project and deliver a significant proportion of the negative
emissions needed for the U.K. to meet its climate targets.
By using BECCS, Drax could permanently remove 8 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere each year by 2030, becoming a carbon negative
company. The energy crops grown by U.K. farmers would support this ambition.
Howden Has Completed
the Acquisition of Spencer Turbine From Alliance Portfolio Holdings, Inc.
This is Howden Group’s fifth acquisition in 2021.
Spencer Turbine, based in Windsor, Connecticut, USA, is an independent
manufacturer of high-quality solutions for air and gas handling, with sales
primarily in the United States and China. Its industrial blowers, vacuum systems
and gas pressure boosters are designed with high quality standards to withstand
extreme conditions, ensuring their long-term performance.
This latest acquisition aligns with Howden’s strategy of expanding its already
strong presence in global growth markets including wastewater treatment. The
acquisition of Spencer Turbine adds complementary products to Howden’s existing
portfolio that expand Howden’s addressable markets by over $1.2 billion. As a
result of the acquisition, Spencer Turbine will be able to tap into growth
opportunities through additional technology support from Howden and by
leveraging Howden’s existing global distribution and aftermarket service
network, including its well-established presence in China, South America, and
Europe.
B&W Completes Acquisition
of Majority Stake in Fosler Construction -Will Operate as Fosler Solar, a
Babcock & Wilcox Company
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. announced that it has completed its
acquisition of a majority interest in Illinois-based solar energy
contractor Fosler Construction Company Inc. Fosler will be part of the B&W
Renewable segment and operate under the name Fosler Solar, a Babcock & Wilcox
company.
“We are pleased to welcome the talented Fosler team to B&W,” said Kenneth Young,
B&W Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re particularly excited about the
key role Fosler Solar will play in the growth of B&W’s renewable energy business
and the substantial opportunities we see in the market for solar installation
and construction services in the U.S. Fosler Solar is one of the fastest-growing
solar services firms in the country, and we intend to fully support and help
accelerate that growth.”
Paul Fosler will continue to lead Fosler Solar as its Chief Executive Officer
and remains a minority stakeholder in the business.
Founded in 1998 and employing approximately 120 people, Fosler Solar provides
commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar services and owns two community
solar projects currently under development in Illinois.
World Health Organization
Tightens Air Pollution Guidelines
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) new Global Air Quality Guidelines has cut
the recommended standard for PM2.5 fine particle pollution from 10
micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to 5 µg/m3. It also
slashed the recommended nitrogen dioxide level by 75 percent from 40 µg/m3 to
10 µg/m3. The WHO estimates up to 80 percent of the deaths caused by
PM2.5 fine particle pollution could be avoided if the new standard is
implemented. Estimates of the annual death toll from PM 2.5 pollution
are between 3 million and 8 million deaths per year. The WHO’s air pollution
guidelines were last updated in 2005.
UK CHP Plants
Will Use Hydrogen
According to the UK Government, generating electricity on-site using CHP systems
can reach total efficiency above 80 percent. They can deliver savings of
approximately 20 to 40 percent on energy bills, while reducing primary energy
use by up to 30 percent, compared to modern separate heat and power production
technologies. The CHP process involves taking one input, usually natural gas,
and turning it into two outputs, electricity, and heat. An engine drives an
alternator that generates the electricity while producing heat that can then be
harvested from the engine jacket water and exhaust gases and reused.
As well as facilitating cheaper power generation, CHP systems can also reduce a
site’s sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions by at least
20 percent. Furthermore, when sized based on a facility’s heat base load rather
than the electricity base load, adopting CHP systems can also reduce a site’s
carbon footprint and costs compared to traditional energy solutions, while
improving system resilience and flexibility.
As the energy landscape transitions towards net zero, the role of green hydrogen
in the UK’s gas networks is expected to increase — something that will
undoubtedly impact gas-powered CHP systems. In fact, the UK’s first live pilot
to introduce zero carbon hydrogen into gas networks to heat homes and buildings
is fully operational at Keele University in Staffordshire. Up to 20 percent
hydrogen was added to the University’s existing gas network, supplying power to
over 100 homes and 30 faculty buildings.
As promising as this might sound from an environmental perspective, introducing
change is always a concern for businesses who worry about having to upgrade
their systems in line with the evolving energy landscape. Luckily, it is now
possible to install CHP systems that run on natural gas but are also capable of
operating with up to 25 percent hydrogen with minor modification. Furthermore,
some dedicated products can be configured to operate on up to 100 percent
hydrogen for sites with a dedicated hydrogen infrastructure.
Once a CHP system is in place, operators can maintain performance and efficiency
with regular servicing. For example, if there is inefficient lube, then this can
cause increased resistance on the generator’s cylinder head, gaskets and seals.
Ultimately, this increased resistance leads to increased fuel consumption for a
similar heat take-off as a fully efficient system. Simple issues like this
reduce efficiency, increase fuel usage, and increase the environmental impact.
Regular maintenance ensures CHP systems stay efficient and productive, so it is
important to check the reciprocating genset and CHP ancillaries for any
irregularities, part wear, or resistance. Businesses can partner with an
experienced CHP supplier and servicing provider to monitor fluid samples for
contaminants, check for any irregularities and monitor the system’s overall
condition — all of which help to keep the CHP system operating at peak
efficiency for its whole lifespan.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve to meet the UK’s net zero ambitions
and increases the adoption of renewable energy sources like green hydrogen, it’s
important that businesses respond in time. By installing modern CHP systems,
businesses can cut energy costs and increase their energy independence now,
while helping the UK to meet its ambitious emissions targets.
Coal Power Plant in
Spain to be Turned into Green Hydrogen Hub
Portuguese power company Energias de Portugal (EDP) plans to convert a
decommissioned thermal power plant in southern Spain into a green hydrogen
production facility, in a €550 million investment.
The objective of EDP is to turn the 570 MW coal-fired power plant and its
surroundings into a green hydrogen hub that will help decarbonize nearby
industries as part of the energy transition, but also generate renewable energy
for export by sea.
The plant, located in the town of Los Barros, is currently in the process of
being dismantled, according to local media. Its closure has dealt a serious blow
to the town’s economy, and local officials are hoping EDP’s project will help
improve the situation.
The plan is to turn the area into a hydrogen hub to decarbonize nearby
industrial facilities.
·
The so-called Hydrogen Valley of the Bay of
Algeciras will include green
hydrogen, renewable energy production, and energy storage.
EDP is considering an energy storage project with 255 MW of lithium-ion
batteries.
·
In the energy storage segment, EDP is considering
a project that would include lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 255 MW, it
was reported following a meeting between EPD officials and the mayor of Los
Barrios.
Babcock & Wilcox Renewable Awarded
$35 Million Contract to Supply Waste-to-Energy Technologies for Facilities in
Greenland
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) announced that its B&W Renewable segment has been awarded
a contract for more than $35 million by Greenland’s national waste management
company, ESANI A/S, to supply and install advanced combustion, emissions
control, and related equipment for its new municipal waste-to-energy facilities.
The facilities, to be built in the cities of Nuuk and Sisimiut, will provide
district heating for residents and businesses while also eliminating methane — a
greenhouse gas created by waste as it decomposes in landfills. In addition to
using municipal waste, the facilities also will process waste recovered from
existing landfills, reducing future methane emissions from those landfills. B&W
Renewable’s technology will provide the ability to process all of Greenland’s
municipal waste.
“Waste-to-energy technologies are some of the most effective solutions for
combatting climate change by reducing methane emissions from landfills and can
be combined with carbon capture technologies to further reduce greenhouse gas
emissions,” said Jimmy Morgan, B&W Chief Operating Officer. “Using B&W
Renewable’s proven waste-to-energy and environmental technologies, operators can
generate clean energy while reducing the amount of trash in landfills,
protecting the air and water from emissions and runoff, and fighting climate
change. B&W Renewable’s technology also provides a fully sustainable solution,
now and in the future, to process municipal waste while helping to protect
Greenland’s pristine and fragile arctic environment.”
“Global demand for waste-to-energy technology is substantial, and B&W Renewable
is pursuing additional significant opportunities to deploy our world-class
combustion and environmental technologies for customers in Europe, Asia, North
America and elsewhere,” Morgan said.
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data, waste-to-energy can be a
powerful solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One ton of landfilled
waste emits the equivalent of 3.42 metric tons of carbon dioxide’s estimated
Global Warming Potential (GWP) on a 20-year basis, which compares to only .001
metric tons of carbon dioxide GWP when a ton of waste is used to produce
baseload energy.
B&W Renewable’s project scope includes the supply of advanced Vølund DynaGrate®
combustion grates as well as boilers, waste feeding systems, a Vølund
DynaDischarger® ash extractor, GMABTM flue gas cleaning
systems and advanced control and monitoring systems. B&W Renewable also will
provide installation and commissioning services for the facilities, which are
scheduled for completion in 2023 and 2024.
Babcock & Wilcox Renewable Receives $38 Million Technology Award for New
Waste-to-Energy Facilities in East Asia
Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) announced that its B&W Renewable segment has received an
award for more than $38 million to supply waste-to-energy technologies for
municipal waste projects in East Asia.
B&W Renewable will design, manufacture, and supply its Vølund
DynaGrate® combustion grates and provide technical site services, in addition to
designs for the plants’ fuel-feeding and ash-removal equipment. B&W also will
supply a highly efficient, advanced waste-to-energy boiler under a technology
license. The facilities will be capable of processing approximately 2 million
tons of municipal waste annually.
“B&W is focused on accelerating our growth in the Asia-Pacific region,
particularly for our renewable energy and environmental businesses,” said Jimmy
Morgan, B&W Chief Operating Officer. “These types of projects demonstrate the
tremendous opportunity for clean, renewable energy throughout Asia. Our advanced
waste-to-energy technologies help customers provide reliable, baseload power,
while also protecting the environment. These highly efficient plants reduce
reliance on landfills and combat climate change caused by significant methane
emissions from waste that would otherwise end up in those landfills. B&W also
offers state-of-the-art carbon capture technologies that would allow customers
to capture CO2 from waste-to-energy facilities, if they choose, and
eliminate greenhouse gas emissions entirely.”
“As Asia’s need for electricity grows and urban centers look for more efficient
and climate-conscious ways to deal with municipal waste, we expect
waste-to-energy to play an increasing and important role in the region’s energy
mix,” Morgan said. “This directly aligns with our organic growth strategy and
operational expansion within the Asia-Pacific region.”
B&W Renewable’s waste-to-energy technologies are a vital part of a strong and
sustainable waste management chain and are complementary to recycling.
Babcock & Wilcox to Accelerate Growth
in Clean Energy With Acquisition of Renewable Services Firm, Voda A/S; Will Form
B&W Renewable Service Unit
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. ("B&W")announced that it has signed a
definitive agreement to acquire VODA A/S, a leading multi-brand aftermarket
parts and service provider for the waste-to-energy and biomass-to-energy markets
based in Vejen, Denmark. The transaction is targeted to close at the end of
October 2021, following the satisfaction of customary closing conditions,
including regulatory review in Denmark.
B&W will form B&W Renewable Service to integrate the VODA A/S and B&W
Vølund aftermarket services businesses. This will serve as B&W’s platform for
its renewable service business in Europe, significantly strengthening and
expanding its ability to serve existing and new customers throughout this
market, including for B&W-supplied and competitors’ technology. B&W Renewable
Service will be led by VODA’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Nysted
Sørensen.
“This strategic acquisition brings together B&W’s and VODA’s strengths and
creates a solid foundation to further expand our service business in Europe’s
fast-growing renewable energy market,” said Kenneth Young, B&W Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer. “Combining B&W’s financial strength, engineering
capabilities and proven experience as an original equipment provider and service
company with the capabilities and expertise of VODA creates a dynamic team ready
to work together to serve our customers.”
“VODA has used a flexible and scalable business model to grow rapidly and
efficiently, and we see many additional opportunities for our combined
operations to grow synergistically,” Young said. “VODA employees are capable,
responsive and experienced, and we’re pleased to welcome them to B&W.”
VODA CEO Christopher Nysted Sørensen said, “VODA has grown substantially over
the last three years and has built a reputation for providing customer-focused,
market-driven service and solutions. This transaction will set the foundation
for future growth and new possibilities for customers and our employees. We are
excited and proud to be given this opportunity to expand further and to work
together as part of B&W Renewable Service.”
McDermott Joins AquaVentus
Consortium to Advance Renewable Hydrogen Production
McDermott has joined AquaVentus, a growing consortium of more than 70 companies,
organizations and research institutions collaborating toward green hydrogen
energy production in the North Sea.
AquaVentus unites international industry leaders with a shared vision for
advancing hydrogen's role as a low-carbon, affordable energy solution-combining
their unique expertise to make that future a reality.
"McDermott brings a long history of thinking differently about energy
delivery—and unrivaled expertise in offshore infrastructure—to this dynamic
group of visionaries," said Samik Mukherjee, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer. "This is a critical piece of the puzzle as we work together
to make offshore production of green hydrogen a reality."
AquaVentus aims to develop 10 gigawatts of generation capacity for green
hydrogen from offshore wind turbines in the North Sea by 2035. The expectation
is that the wind power generated will be used to produce up to one million tons
of production capacity of green hydrogen, which will be used to decarbonize
Heligoland and transported to land via pipeline.
McDermott's involvement will bring the consortium comprehensive engineering,
procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) experience in the onshore,
offshore, subsea and storage markets, from concept to completion.
"The German North Sea Offshore Wind sector will be instrumental to meeting the
renewable energy demand for the Northern European industry and other markets,"
said Tareq Kawash, Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa.
"AquaVentus' network of members, collaborating across the supply chain, is the
type of collaboration needed to make green hydrogen a commercially viable energy
resource of the future."
Emerson and BayoTech Team
to Accelerate Scaling Production and Distribution of Low-Cost, Low-Carbon
Hydrogen
Global industrial software and technology leader Emerson announced a multiyear
strategic framework agreement with BayoTech, an innovator in hydrogen solutions,
to accelerate the delivery of hydrogen around the world. Emerson will deliver
advanced automation technologies, software, and products to enable BayoTech to
build hundreds of hydrogen units to produce cleaner, lower-cost hydrogen.
“Across the globe, industries and organizations are searching for sustainable
solutions to solve their most pressing problems,” said Mike Train, chief
sustainability officer of Emerson. “Emerson’s agreement with BayoTech
accelerates the development and adoption of hydrogen at scale as a critical step
forward in diversifying our global energy mix.”
BayoTech’s modular hydrogen generation units produce up to 1,000 kilograms per
day, enough to fill as many as 200 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. BayoTech's
patented technology requires less feedstock, which means lower carbon emissions
and less cost to produce hydrogen than traditional reformers. To meet growing
hydrogen demand, BayoTech is leveraging its core technology to develop 5-, 10-
and 20-ton units, which will drive further efficiencies. Using Emerson’s
programmable logic controller and edge control technologies, remote monitoring
and Microsoft Azure IoT Suite, the unmanned, fully autonomous skids will operate
and be monitored remotely from BayoTech’s Albuquerque, New Mexico headquarters.
“BayoTech plans on becoming the largest distributed hydrogen company in the
world,” said Mo Vargas, CEO of BayoTech. “Emerson’s advanced technology is the
right choice to support our vision of disrupting the established centralized
hydrogen supply chain with a new, highly efficient model of local autonomous
production hubs.”
“This agreement between BayoTech and Emerson will make hydrogen technology more
accessible to more places across the world,” said Linh Austin, COO of BayoTech.
“Together, we are creating a solution to lessen the carbon footprint of
countless customers as we build a sustainable – and more affordable – global
hydrogen supply chain.”
These hydrogen generation units are already being built and will be placed in
BayoGaaS™ hydrogen hubs and at customer sites throughout the United States and
other global locations. From the hubs, locally produced hydrogen will be
distributed to nearby consumers via BayoTech high-pressure gas transport and
storage equipment, which can transport three times more hydrogen per trip than
traditional steel tube trailers. The higher payloads translate into lower
transportation costs, higher driver productivity and less carbon emissions.
The strategic framework agreement with BayoTech supports Emerson’s commitment to
creating innovative technologies and industry expertise in the rapidly
developing hydrogen sector. From storing renewable energy to fueling heavy
transport, climate-friendly hydrogen has several energy and non-energy uses.
Harnessing hydrogen enables industries to choose clean energy as a
cost-effective solution to their business needs.
Obtaining Sufficient NPSH
Challenge For Boiler Feedwater Pumps
This article in Water Tech magazine covers sizing guidance for CHP boiler
feedwater pumps. BFW pumps should be properly and fully integrated with the
steam generation system, boiler, and other surrounding facilities. Also, these
pumps are often working in parallel and there are many dangers and risks
associated with large high-pressure BFW pumps in parallel operation. In fact,
many BFW pumps have failed because of the above-mentioned issues.
BFW pumps should have matched characteristics and should be capable of operating
in parallel over the full operating range of the associated steam generation
system. The overall configuration, driver sizing, and mode of operation should
be such that when two or three BFW pumps are operating in parallel, failure of a
running pump will not cause cascade tripping of the others. Key requirements
include:
If a BFW pump fails and trips, other BFW pumps will try to catch up and
temporarily work at the right side of the performance curve. If a pump’s driver
is not sized for this transient case, the driver would trip on high-voltage
protection (for an electric motor driver) or high speed (for a steam turbine
driver). This is just a simplified example; all these cases should be properly
studied, modeled, and evaluated.
Another major challenge is that the boilers — or steam generation systems in
general — should be able to work at part-load. Many boiler systems are designed
to operate at 50 to 100 percent rated capacity. BFW pumps should be able to cope
with this part-load operation. There is minimum safe flow through the pump below
which a rapid temperature rise may occur. Therefore, a properly sized bypass
line with bypass valves and other provisions should be considered to ensure safe
and reliable operation of a BFW pump at part-load.
The failure of a check valve (non-return valve) at the discharge of a BFW pump
could occur. This case would result in the reverse rotation of the pump. Such
failures have been reported as these check valves are under severe operating
conditions. BFW pumps should be capable of withstanding such malfunction without
damage for a period of 10 to 25 minutes. An alarm is needed for such a
malfunction case.
NPSH & Suction Conditions
There is a complex relationship between BFW pumps and the condensing subsystem
of the steam cycle. In other words, a deaerator system is located at the suction
of BFW pumps and operates at a pressure dictated by the pressure of the bled
steam extracted from the steam system. This pressure affects the net positive
suction head available (NPSHA) to BFW pumps. At part-load operation of the steam
system, there is a risk that the pressure of the deaerator could drop
significantly. Often a back-up steam supply is considered to come into operation
to prevent the deaerator pressure from dropping significantly. However, in
abnormal circumstances at start-up or low loads, the pressure of the deaerator
may drop sharply, and the operation of BFW pumps should accommodate this case
without risks of cavitation or damage.
Under conditions of sudden cessation of the steam supply to the deaerator, (such
as whole and the operation of BFW pumps) should accommodate this case without
risks of cavitation or damage.
Under conditions of sudden cessation of the steam supply to the deaerator (such
as whole steam system or plant trip), a transitory drop in NPSHA at the suction
of BFW pumps will occur. The NPSH margin (NPSHA-NPSHR) of BFW pumps should be
enough, ideally more than the typical three or four meters, to deal with these
situations. An ample margin is needed to deal with the worst transient
conditions in the operation.
Wanner Diaphragm Pump Used
For Biofuel Applications
For biofuel manufacturing
process transfer and pressure injection applications, Hydra-Cell’s seal-less
design means there are no dynamic seals to wear when processing corrosives,
abrasive liquids and non-lubricating liquids and liquids with suspended solids.
The Hydra-Cell pump can run dry indefinitely if the supply tank should run out
and seal or packing maintenance is eliminated.
The Hydra-Cell pumps low shear
pumping action is also an advantage when pumping shear sensitive algae
solutions.
More flexible processes and
lower costs are potential advantages of high-pressure processes for continuous
production, compared with batch processes. However, mixes such as rapeseed oil,
with KOH and methanol additives are chemically aggressive non-lubricants and are
very difficult to pump at the required temperatures and pressures – 60 to 80 bar
at temperatures up to 70ºC. Despite these harsh conditions, Hydra-Cell seal-less
pumps give a service life > 5 times or more longer than alternative pump
technologies, such as screw, gear, and piston pumps.
The design of the Hydra-Cell
biofuel pump is exceptionally compact when compared with traditional
hydraulically balanced metering pumps – with consequent savings in the costs of
acquisition, energy consumption and maintenance - lowering Life Cycle Costs.
Less space is needed for installation. The integration of multiple diaphragms in
a single head also produces virtually pulse-free flow, reducing or often
eliminating any need for pulsation dampers.
Drax Construction Starts on Second Arkansas Pellet Plant
Drax Group, the world-leading sustainable biomass production and supply company,
announced it has started construction on the second of three satellite pellet
plants in Arkansas.
Work is underway at the site
in Russellville, Pope County in northwestern Arkansas, with commercial
operations expected to begin at the plant in 2022. The move is part of a $40
million investment by Drax in the state, creating approximately 30 new direct
jobs and many more indirect jobs across Arkansas.
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce
Mike Preston said, “The investment that Drax is making throughout Arkansas is
proof that the state’s timber industry is poised for a bright future and is a
great example of how a global economy works.”
“Through this partnership,
these three Arkansas communities will experience further growth and
opportunities, and Drax will be able to continue working toward its mission to
provide renewable electricity for millions across the pond.”
The three pellet plants are
expected to produce a total of around 120,000 metric tons of sustainable biomass
pellets a year from sawmill residues, supporting the renewable energy company’s
plans to increase self-supply to its power station in the U.K.
The development of the
“satellite” pellet plants, which are situated near sawmills, is part of Drax’s
strategy to increase biomass self-supply to five million tons by 2027, improving
supply chain resilience while reducing pellet costs.
Locating the plants near
sawmills provides the satellite plants with a ready feedstock of sawdust and
other residues left over when timber is processed, reducing emissions in the
supply chain as well as reducing infrastructure, operational, and transportation
costs.
Matt White, Drax Biomass
senior vice president, said, “Drax has made great progress in delivering our $40
million investment in Arkansas, with the second of three satellite pellet plants
now under construction.”
“The investments we’re making
will bring jobs and opportunities to rural communities in Arkansas alongside
supporting international efforts to tackle the climate emergency. These plants
support Drax’s plans to develop bioenergy with carbon capture and storage — a
vital negative emissions technology that will be needed around the world to meet
net zero targets.”
Drax has transformed its power
station in the U.K. to become the largest decarbonization project in Europe by
converting it to use sustainable biomass instead of coal.
Earlier this year construction began at Drax’s first satellite pellet plant in
Leola, Grant County, and commercial operations are expected to begin late this
year. Progress is being made on selecting the third and final site.
United Engineers & Constructors and Imperia Engineering Partners Join Forces to
Expand Service Offering to the Energy Generation and Delivery Markets
United Engineers & Constructors, Inc. (United), a leading infrastructure
engineering, procurement, construction and consulting company, and Imperia
Engineering Partners, Inc. (Imperia), a specialty engineering firm with unique
capabilities including a materials engineering and failure analysis laboratory
and nuclear engineering programs, together, announced that the two companies
will be joining forces to expand United’s engineering and construction services
for the Energy generation, transmission and distribution markets.
“We are excited to welcome Imperia to the United family. In joining forces, we
continue to expand our service offering to our clients and to the power
industry,” said Scott Reeder, Chief Executive Officer of United. “The United and
Imperia integration will provide us the opportunity to offer a more robust,
seamless capability to our clients and is a complement to our brand.”
“Joining the United team enables us to provide a comprehensive service offering
that has a continued focus on safety, quality and integrity,” said Scot
Blodgett, President of Imperia. “This full-service portfolio and complementary
cultures will allow us to provide exceptional services to our clients.”
Collectively the companies employ more than 2,000 professionals and have $500M+
in revenue. United has designed and/or built more than 280,000 MW of electric
generation and more than 54,000 miles of transmission lines worldwide. The
integration of Imperia will expand the company’s engineering services
capabilities and offer expanded EPC services to the power industry.
“Together, our teams will create a stronger business for our employees and
clients, maximize our growth opportunities, and enable us to continue to focus
on our vision of improving lives by delivering the world’s most impactful
solutions,” said Mr. Reeder.
United and Imperia are owned by affiliates of CriticalPoint Capital (CPC), a
private investment firm focused on acquiring companies with long-term value
creation opportunities. Imperia will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of
United.
Natural Gas Prices Continue to Rise and are Ten Times Higher In Europe Today
Than a Year Ago
“We’ve seen it all over the
last year with the pandemic. We saw natural gas prices around the world at $2.
It was $2 here in the U.S., $2 in Europe and $2 in Asia,” said Cheniere Energy
CEO Jack Fusco on CNBC. “As the economies began to ramp back up, and countries
and companies worldwide decided natural gas was the fuel of choice for clean
energy transmission, the demand has just skyrocketed.”
Fusco said prices for the
same gas that is $5 in the U.S. is now $20 or more in Europe and Asia. He also
said his company, which exports liquified natural gas, is sold out of 90% of its
production for the next 20 years.
Now, the U.S. industry is
also suffering from lower production due to Hurricane Ida, with 77.3% of Gulf of
Mexico production still shut-in. According to the Energy Information
Administration, the level of gas in U.S. storage is 7.4% below the five-year
average and 16.8% below the level last year at this time.
Grunfos to Acquire MECO for
Pump and Filter Synergies
Grundfos has entered into an
agreement to acquire Mechanical Equipment Company Inc (MECO), a US group that
engineers and manufactures water purification solutions for a range of
industries.
MECO operates in the
industrial water treatment market with manufacturing and sales offices in the US
and international offices in Singapore and Ireland.
“We see Grundfos and MECO as a
perfect fit and we are thrilled with the prospect of acquiring MECO,” said Ulrik
Gernow, group executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Grundfos.
“This acquisition is about much more than superior technology. Grundfos and MECO
are founded on similar values, and we share a deep commitment to innovation and
sustainability as well as a genuine care for our customers and employees.”
“The prospect of joining the
global Grundfos family is something that I am very excited about. Grundfos is
the ideal new owner for our company,” said George Gsell, CEO at MECO. “I see an
exceptionally solid match grounded in common values, our common customer-centric
approach, and ambitions to make a significant difference in the field of water.”
The acquisition, which is
pending regulatory approvals, will further expand Grundfos’s water treatment
business. Last year Grundfos acquired Eurowater, a supplier of decentralized
water treatment equipment and solutions in Europe.
The transaction is expected to
close during autumn 2021.