Studies on the effectiveness of SCR catalysts during combustion of pulverized coal

The motivation of this paper is new NOx emission regulations according to IED Directive 2010/75/EU of EU which introduce the BAT's conclusions as binding. The paper presents the methodology and results of research on the effectiveness of SCR catalysts during combustion of pulverised coal in a model furnace installed at the Institute of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery of the Silesian University of Technology (IPET). The aim of the research was to search for catalysts that could be placed in a regenerative rotary air heater-RAH-SCR. Two catalysts were tested: A commercial plate-type based on V₂O₅ and a prototype ceramic based on platinum. Presented results of investigation demonstrate a potentially high efficiency of RAH-SCR installations which can meet new environmental regulations of NOx emission. The highest NOx reduction efficiency (92.87%) was obtained for an industrial catalyst at 329°C, from about 436.3 to 31.1 mg/m³ as NO₂ @ 6%O₂ to 31,1. At lower temperature, 260°C maximum efficiency of NOx reduction does not exceed 60%, from 440,0 to 169,6 mg/m³. The placement of the catalyst in the RAH can also be a support for SNCR installations due to the increase in DeNOx efficiency and reduction of NH₃ slip.