Technical feasibility and cost of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) NO sub x control

Investigators conducted an engineering study to evaluate selective catalytic reduction (SCR) capital and operating costs and identify possible barriers to application. Next, they developed SCR designs for six hypothetical power plants, with fuel composition, furnace design, and plant layout reflecting US applications. Third, they prepared and submitted to a major commercial SCR supplier the performance specifications for NO{sub x} removal and control of residual ammonia (NH{sub 3}) and sulfur (SO{sub 3}). The supplier responded with process designs and cost estimates for each study case. Design cases included new plants and retrofits, high- and low-sulfur coal, high-sulfur oil, pulverized coal and cyclone-fired boilers, and two common options for reactor placement -- (1) hot side between the economizer and air heater, and (2) cold side behind the flue gas desulfurization unit. Finally, investigators costed the remaining plant equipment needed to integrate the SCR process with the plant. 135 figs., 48 tabs.