Boiler SCR Technology: A Pivotal Step Towards Environmental Sustainability
With today’s focus geared toward the reduction of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, there are numerous proven technologies that are being reapplied for decarbonization efforts. Fossil fuel alternatives provide one sustainable approach to steam and energy production, and this presents options, like hydrogen, biofuels, and electricity sourced from renewable outlets.
Burners have been successfully fired on hydrogen and biofuels for more than 50 years, and these fuels are proven to be viable, carbonless options for industrial steam production. The limiting factor, however, is hydrogen supply and the production of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen hubs, or networks of hydrogen producers, consumers, and local infrastructure, are currently being developed and are intended to accelerate the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Once these hubs are in place and hydrogen is more readily available, it will likely gain even more traction in industrial boiler applications. One challenge of hydrogen firing is the increase in NOx production but, as covered previously, an SCR can be installed to reduce the increase of NOx output.
Leveraging electricity as an alternative, electric boilers offer a clean, controllable, and highly efficient means of generating high-pressure steam, boasting an impressive 99% conversion of energy input. This method showcases zero emissions, which is especially advantageous for industrial sites with the necessary electricity infrastructure required to support such boilers. Electric boilers have been around for decades and, most notably, can be found in locations like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia due to an electrical grid based mostly on hydro, nuclear, or other non-fossil fuel energy sources.
Lastly, we have heat pumps as a sustainable option that supports steam production. While initially geared for HVAC, heat pumps are gaining traction in industrial applications as technology advances. Prepackaged heat pumps are not currently capable of producing high-pressure steam, but they can contribute to industrial processes by providing heat up to 240°F. Driven by electricity, it is a carbonless solution with the added benefit of energy efficiency. A heat pump uses approximately one-third of the energy compared to traditional electric or fossil fuel heat-generating equipment for the same temperature increase. In fact, a heat pump can typically move three to four times the amount of energy it consumes.
A Continued Focus on Sustainability
As emission reductions and decarbonization continue to be an important part of our global sustainability efforts, the industry needs reliable products that not only ensure compliance but also drive sustainability and operational efficiency. Innovations, like the CataStak and ultra-low NOx burners, as well as proven technologies, like hydrogen firing and heat pumps, reflect a forward-thinking approach. This aligns with the industry’s pursuit of efficient, sustainable, and economically viable solutions.
