Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems Cleaning
Regular usage can lead to buildup, or plugging, in an SCR system, causing a decrease in performance.
Here at Environmental Alternatives Inc., we offer in-situ catalyst cleaning services designed to help your system function as it should.
What Is an SCR Catalyst System?
A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is designed to convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) to molecular nitrogen and oxygen. It achieves this in a gas turbine exhaust stream by combining the NOx with ammonia to cause a reaction. A catalyst is required to facilitate conversion and complete the process.
 Catalyst prior to cleaning |
 Catalyst after cleaning |
Why Is SCR Catalyst Cleaning Important?
SCR catalyst systems need to be cleaned to remove contaminants and plugs. If the catalyst is not kept clean and the ammonia injection system is not tuned, ammonia slip occurs. The combination of the contaminants in the fuel and the ammonia slip can lead to formation of ammonia salts downstream, where they plate out or deposit onto the gas side of the fin tubes, thus reducing heat transfer efficiency and promoting corrosion on the back end of the HRSG.
Because catalyst systems can contain harmful contaminants, traditional cleaning methods aren’t very effective or safe to use.
Utilizing a dry ice blasting technique ensures that the cleaning process is safe, convenient and environmentally friendly from start to finish. This process will minimize plug formation while helping to extend the life span of your system.
What Can Deplugging of SCR Catalysts Do for Your HRSG?
Over time, all of the debris and dust transported with the generator’s exhaust gas can build up and create a plug. This will cause significant increases in back pressure and reducr the capacity of the plant. Insulation failures upstream of the catalyst can also quickly cover the catalyst surface and choke off the flow through the HRSG.
Cleaning and deplugging the SCR catalysts will ensure that your HRSG is able to operate with rapid deactivation and increased capacity. Once the plug is removed, you’ll be able to take advantage of several benefits, including:
- Increased surface area for catalytic reduction.
- Increased ammonia slip percentage.
- Longer catalyst life span.
- Reduced back pressure.
- Greater plant efficiency, quality and reliability.
Why Should You Choose EAI?
In 1993, EAI introduced dry ice blasting technology to the power industry. Since then, we’ve been serving clients across all industries, providing a safe, effective and environmentally friendly method of cleaning SCR catalyst systems.
To ensure a top-quality cleaning experience, we produce all of our dry ice on-site. We first convert liquid CO2, which is stored under high pressure, into a solid, pelletized state using specialized equipment. These solid pellets are then blasted onto the surface of the SCR catalyst system. The pellets travel at 75 to 1,000 feet per second, cutting through dust and deposits and then sublimating to lift them away for recovery, leaving a clean surface behind.
Most importantly, while we are using the pelletizer and pressured stream of CO2 pellets, you can feel confident knowing that we guarantee none of your equipment will be damaged during the process.
Improve Your SCR Catalyst System’s Performance With EAI
When you work with EAI, you’ll be able to take advantage of SCR catalyst cleaning services that will optimize the performance of your equipment — all for a cost-effective rate. You can count on our team to provide you with the best solutions while delivering exceptional customer service.
Have any questions or interest in learning more about our in-situ catalyst cleaning services? Give us a call at 603-352-3888 or fill out our online contact form and discover how we can boost your organization’s long-term efficiency and performance.