Filtration Still a Major Concern for Peaker Plants

As alternative energy becomes more widespread, peaker plants continue to grow in popularity.  Many plants in operation can count on solar energy during the day, while relying on peaker energy during the evening. With this continued evolution of the modern power plant, keeping an eye on the filtration at these peaker plants is increasingly critical.

Last year I contributed an article to Power Engineering Magazine that covered this topic in depth: Marking Filtration as a Top Priority for Peaker Plants

Peaker plants, due to their design and function, have an accelerated need for proper filtration. Furthermore, the consequences for improper filtration can certainly be costly. 

Peaker plants were built to fire up quickly and can be expensive to run. Because of the shifting landscape in power production around the country, there are many regions that rely more heavily on a functioning peaker plants.

In order for these peaker plants to meet the EPA regulations set forth concerning the maximum allowable levels of NOx that is released into the air, aqueous ammonia must be sprayed into the combustion zone of the furnace. This cuts down on the levels of NOx produced.  However, this is where filtration becomes so critically important.  For the process to be effective, the ammonia must completely evaporate before reaching the catalyst. The only way to ensure this happens is through very strategic, calculated filtration. Even more critical, the EPA strictly prohibits any aqueous ammonia leaking from the plant.
For the filtration to be accomplished entirely, variables such as size, material, placement, and quantity must all be specified correctly. My article goes into this concept in depth and covers many of the considerations one must take into account during this exercise.
 
In fact, since this was published, the location that inspired this discussion is seeking approval to add an additional 16 peaker units at its location, due to growing demand.

I urge you to take a look at the article as we’re still seeing a lack of awareness and/or an incomplete understanding of this process. How is the filtration going at your plant? We’d love to discuss options with you.

Call us today at (855) 737-4717 to speak to one of our technical specialists, or fill out our online form and someone will get back to you.

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