Renewable energy sources are the future, and the EU is mandating its member nations start moving in that direction: “Members of the parliament voted 495 to 68 to approve a binding target that will require renewables to account for at least 32 percent of the European Union’s gross final energy consumption by 2030. The parliament also voted 434 to 104 to approve an indicative target that will require a 32.5 percent increase in energy efficiency by 2030.” http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/15749/european-parliament-approves-redii
The operating cost of air emission control system for new plants in the U.S. can be substantially reduced or eliminated with SMART SOLUTIONS for clean air. In addition, capital costs of the control equipment can also be reduced. However, in order to maximize those reductions, the design approach for the system must be integrated up front with the total production facility arrangement.
The typical pellet plant produces air emissions that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and Particulate Matter (PM). The amounts of each will vary based on the percentage of hard versus soft woods used in the process. A typical VOC and HAP emission is depicted in the following diagram along with the emission control equipment:
Depending on the plant makeup, the MCC (Multi-Combustion Chamber) RTO/RCO (Regenerative Thermal or Catalytic Oxidizer) can be combined into one unit, providing additional savings. The location and design of the plant also provides an opportunity for additional reductions in capital and operating cost associated with the air emission control equipment.
NESTEC offers a total evaluation of air emission control requirements for the specific pellet plant process up front with the process planning, which includes:
- Process Exhaust Composition
- Flow
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Particulates
- Hardwood vs Softwood Emissions
- Nonvolatile Components
- All other variables
- Production Schedule
- Self-sustaining Air Emission Control Operation
- Recirculation and/or Cascading Potential
- Secondary Energy Recovery Opportunities
- Optimal Selection of Emission Control Equipment for the Application
Our holistic process results in a pellet plant that utilizes the best and most economical SMART SOLUTION.
An actual NESTEC Pellet Plant SMART SOLUTION installation and associate performance is displayed below:
Tested at 190,000 wSCFM
Tested at 130,000 wSCFM
NESTEC’s in-depth know-how and database on the pellet industry offers a critical opportunity to bypass a typical Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) / RTO combination. Preventing and/or minimizing the wood combustion furnace fly ash in the exhaust stream prior to the VOC/HAP control equipment offers:
- Lower Capital Costs (Eliminates the WESP)
- No Water Issues Due to the WESP
- No WESP Pump Maintenance
- No Freezing Issues in Cold Climates
- No WESP Solid Disposal Costs (Centrifuge Discharge)
- No Disposal of WESP Water Blow
- No WESP Chloride Additive Costs and Associated Corrosion
- No WESP Defoaming Costs
- RTO and/or RCO arrangements that permit on line bake out for both, eliminating production down time associated with bake outs, as well as reducing energy consumption
- Additional energy savings for process system from Secondary Energy Recovery
If you want to improve your bottom line, contact us for a free evaluation of your air emission control and energy conservation needs.
For additional details from NESTEC’s extensive experience, call or e-mail NESTEC Inc. for a free evaluation of your RTO/RCO.
Office: 610.323.7670
Jim Nester, CEO: jnester@nestecinc.com
Rick Reimlinger, Vice President: rick.reimlinger@nestecinc.com
Rodney L. Pennington, PE, Vice President of Key Accounts: rpennington@nestecinc.com
William Holden, Aftermarket & Services Manager: wholden@nestecinc.com
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