Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems Cleaning
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology fulfills the valuable function of reducing harmful emissions. These advanced active emission control systems significantly reduce nitrogen oxide levels (NOx), which contribute to smog. Regular usage of SCR systems frequently results in systems becoming plugged or damaging contaminant buildups forming inside the machinery, which causes decreased performance. Environmental Alternatives Inc. (EAI) provides on-site SCR systems cleaning services to keep your valuable equipment functioning optimally.
What Does the SCR Catalyst Do?
SCR is an active emissions control system that converts harmful nitrogen oxides into harmless molecular nitrogen and oxygen. This is achieved in a gas turbine exhaust stream by adding ammonia to the NOx to cause a reaction. A catalyst is needed to facilitate the conversion and finish the process.
 Catalyst prior to cleaning |
 Catalyst after cleaning |
Why Is It Important to Keep SCR Catalysts Clean?
SCR catalyst systems must be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, grime and buildup. If catalyst components are not cleaned, the ammonia injection system will not be tuned, and ammonia slip can occur. The combination of this ammonia slip and contaminants in the fuel leads to the formation of ammonia salts downstream. The result is that they often create thick deposits on the gas side of the fin tubes, which reduces heat transfer efficiency and promotes corrosion on the back end of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG).
Since catalyst systems contain potentially hazardous contaminants, regular cleaning techniques are neither safe nor effective in cleaning these vital parts.
Utilizing dry ice blasting to clean these systems ensures the process is safe, effective and environmentally friendly. Keeping SCR catalyst systems clean minimizes plug formations and helps extend the systems’ life span.
How to Clean SCR Catalyst Systems
Traditional cleaning methods for SCR catalyst systems rely on using expensive, often hazardous chemicals. EAI’s revolutionary dry-ice blasting is the best cleaning method for these systems. It is a no-mess, no-fuss way to clean all the SCR catalyst systems at your factory or plant quickly, safely and effectively.
Our fleet of Mobile Support Trailers (MSTs) is fully equipped to tackle cleaning jobs at any commercial site. We produce all of our dry ice on-site so we can begin your cleaning project without delays. Cleaning using dry ice is a simple two-step process that provides instant, fume-free results. This is what we do:
- Using specialized equipment, we start by converting liquid CO2, which is stored under high pressure, into a pelletized, solid state.
- The resulting pellets are blasted onto the surface of the SCR catalyst system using precision equipment. The dry-ice pellets travel between 75 to 1,000 feet per second, cutting through grime and deposits. The substance then sublimates to reveal a clean, mess-free result.
A great advantage of using dry ice blasting for SCR systems is that it cleans surfaces thoroughly without damaging the equipment or machinery. Since our cleaning system only uses a pressured stream of CO2 pellets, your facility remains free of harmful chemical fumes, so your employees can use the area safely.
How Does Cleaning SCR Catalysts Affect Your HRSG?
With regular use, dust, dirt and contaminants transported with the steam generator’s exhaust gas builds up, creating a plug. This causes increases in back pressure and reduces the plant’s capacity. Insulation failures upstream of the catalyst quickly coat the catalyst surface and restrict the smooth flow through the HRSG.
Regularly cleaning and scouring your SCR catalystsensures that your HRSG operates at maximum capacity and full effectiveness. Once the restrictive plug is removed, the equipment will function optimally as a result of the following:
- Larger surface for catalytic reduction.
- Lower ammonia slip percentage.
- Increased catalyst life span.
- Reduced back pressure.
- Higher plant efficiency and reliability.
Why Choose SCR Catalyst Systems Cleaning From EAI?
EAI started using dry ice blasting technology in the power industry over 30 years ago. During this time, we have served clients across the globe and verified that dry ice blasting for SCR systems is the most effective and safe way to clean these vital emission control systems.
Some features of our industrial cleaning services include:
- Advanced technology: Our high-tech MSTs are self-contained and equipped with the latest technologies to keep your SRC catalyst systems clean.
- Specialist expertise and experience: We have provided outstanding dry ice blasting services since 1993. Our knowledgeable technicians are dedicated to excellence in every project.
- Environmentally friendly cleaning methods: Our dry ice blasting technology is safe and environmentally friendly.
- On-site dry-ice production: We produce our own supply of dry-ice on-site so that it is the freshest and most effective. We never run out, even on the most extensive projects.
- Rapid response services: Our MSTs can be quickly mobilized in emergencies or when unscheduled cleaning is required.
- Customized solutions: We understand each setting is unique, which is why we tailor cleaning solutions to fit your facility’s specific requirements.
- Proven results: Our cleaning services reduce back pressure and improve heat transfer efficiency, enhancing output and making your SCR catalyst system last longer.
Boost Your SCR Catalyst System’s Output With Cleaning Services From EAI
Take advantage of EAI’s SCR catalyst cleaning services and optimize your equipment’s performance. Our experienced team provides the best environmentally friendly solutions at cost-effective rates. Restoring lost HRSG performance and boosting your organization’s efficiency may be as simple as keeping your system free of contaminants and plugs that may be hampering output.
Experience our exceptional customer service and find out for yourself why our clients include multiple high-profile industrial companies and federal government agencies.
To learn more or request a quote, contact us today!