Reaction Engineering International (REI) is optimizing the performance of, and reduce the technical risks associated with the combined application of low-NOx firing systems (LNFS) and post combustion controls through modeling, bench-scale testing, and field verification. Teaming with REI are the University of Utah and Brown University. During this two-year effort, REI will assess real-time monitoring equipment to evaluate waterwall wastage, soot formation, and burner stoichiometry, demonstrate analysis techniques to improve LNFS in combination with reburning/SNCR, assess selective catalytic reduction catalyst life, and develop UBC/fly ash separation processes.

The REI program will be applicable to coal-fired boilers currently in use in the United States, including corner-, wall-, turbo-, and cyclone-fired units. However, the primary target of the research will be cyclone boilers, which are high NOx producing units and represent about 20% of the U.S. generating capacity. The results will also be applicable to all U.S. coals. The research will be divided into four key components:

• Lower furnace – Work will be performed to demonstrate the value of real-time monitoring equipment to evaluate waterwall wastage and burner stoichiometry. In addition, REI will study the formation of carbonaceous particulate (soot) from coal volatiles.
• Upper furnace/convective section – REI will investigate analysis techniques that will help optimize the performance of LNFS in combination with reburning and/or SNCR.
• Catalyst bed – REI will assess the useful life of catalyst exposed to flue gases produced from the combustion of U.S. coals.
• Fly ash disposal/use – Studies will be carried out on the adsorptive properties of fly ash to help develop cost-effective processes to remove ammonia.