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Focus on Air Pollution Control

| By Gerald Ondrey

These ceramic filters have catalysts built-in

GEA

The BisCat filter system (photo) combines the three process stages of de-dusting, separation of acid components and reduction of total hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in one unit. The system uses high-temperature filters with ceramic elements that enable the removal of NOx, dioxins, mercury and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through an integrated catalyst matrix. BisCat ceramic catalyst filters are chemically inert and corrosion-resistant. Particle separation takes place with the aid of filter elements made of mineral fibers. These ceramic candles are well proven and very flexible to use, even with regard to modifications of operating parameters, especially at high gas temperatures. No cooling of fluegases is required and no thermal energy is wasted. Filter elements are cleaned of separated dust online during operation by means of separate, compressed-air-jet pulses. The single or multi-sectional housings allow a maximum filter length of 6 m. This means that even large gas-volume flows can be cleaned. By injecting lime-based reagents, inorganic pollutants, such as HF, HCl and SOx, can also be absorbed. Applications include the cement and glass industries, incinerators, refineries and roasters. — GEA, Düsseldorf, Germany

www.gea.com

New wet electrostatic precipitator for control of fines

Bionomic Industries

In January, this company launched its new HEI (high-energy ionizer) Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) system (photo). Said to be a breakthrough in the advancement of state-of-the-art fine-particulate-matter control, the HEI WESP System incorporates a unique discharge electrode technology that can be sized to specific applications, and concentrates a high-intensity ionizing corona in strategic areas within the collecting tubes instead of distributing it along the entire length of the tubes’ treatment area. The resultant particle charging fields are two to three times stronger than conventional precipitators and deliver higher particulate charges, higher migration velocities and a smaller precipitator size for gas capacities from 1,000 through 300,000 actual cubic feet per minute (acfm), says the manufacturer. Unlike other precipitators that utilize sprays, overflow weirs or packed marble beds, the HEI WESP incorporates the Ultimix Conditioning System for gas saturation and collection-tube cleaning and the patented RotaBed Pre-Scrubber for acid removal and particulate-loading reduction. Typical applications include submicron particulate-matter scrubbing, aerosols, mists and smoke removal. — Bionomic Industries, Inc., Mahwah, N.J.

www.bionomicind.com

 

 

Continuous monitoring of pilot flames and flared gases

LumaSense Technologies

The E2T Quasar 2 series of instruments (photo) is designed for continuous-duty monitoring of pilot flame and flared gases from flares. The base system provides low-cost basic flare-pilot monitoring capabilities. The advanced model has an intensity milliampere (mA) output that allows for a setpoint mA level to be set in a user’s distributed control system (DCS) for both the pilot and flaring status signals from the same unit. Additional add-on features are available for a configurable product to meet a wide range of flare types, monitoring requirements and budget. Two models are available: Quasar 2 M8100-EXP and Quasar 2 M8100-EXP Advanced. Scalable options are available with the advanced version and include continuous 4–20 mA, peak hold and decay, and power supply with 85 to 265 V a.c. input. — LumaSense Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.

www.lumasenseinc.com

 

Flowmeters with CEMS and CERMS capabilities

Fluid Components International

Engineers responsible for reporting stack gas emissions data to federal, state or local authorities will appreciate the optional continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) and continuous emissions rate monitoring system (CERMS) applications package available with the MT100 Series multipoint thermal mass flowmeters (photo). When specified with the optional CEMS and CERMS applications package, the MT100 Series flowmeters meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 40 CFR Part 60 and 40 CFR Part 75. This package provides a 24-h interval automated calibration drift test of low and high span points, and interference sensor check. The optional CEMS applications package includes both an automated and on-demand self-checking of calibration drift and sensor interference. The results of the CEMS tests are presented as a simple pass or fail message on the LCD readout. — Fluid Components International (FCI), San Marcos, Calif.

www.fluidcomponents.com

 

 

 

 

A methane detector for monitoring landfill emissions

Q.E.D Environmental Systems

The new Landtec SEM5000 methane detector is suitable for landfill surface emissions monitoring (SEM). The SEM5000 meets or exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 21, Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks, requirements for quarterly SEM monitoring. Unlike flame ionization devices (FIDs), the SEM5000 uses a patented laser technology, so there is no cross-gas effect or false readings due to the presence of other gases or hydrocarbons as with FIDs. No flame is required, which is a huge benefit for sampling in a potentially explosive environment. No external gas bottle is required for operation, and the technology is accurate down to 0.7 parts per million (ppm). — Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc., Dexter, Mich.

www.qedenv.com

A portable emissions monitor for compliance testing

E Instruments International

The E8500 PLUS emissions analyzer (photo) is a complete, portable tool for EPA-compliance level emissions monitoring and testing. The E8500 PLUS is ideal for regulatory and maintenance use in boiler, burner, engine, turbine, furnace and other combustion applications. The unit features an internal thermoelectric chiller with automatic condensate removal and an optional sample-conditioning unit to minimize NOx loss from condensation. The device can be customized for up to nine gas sensors, including electrochemical sensors (for O2, CO, NO, NO2, SO2 and H2S) and non-dispersive infrared sensors (for CO2, hydrocarbons and high CO levels). — E Instruments International, LLC, Langhorne, Pa.

www.e-inst.com

 

 

 

 

Seals that significantly reduce methane emissions

John Crane

This company recently launched its latest gas-seal technology designed to be retrofitted into centrifugal compressors with oil seals to significantly lower operating costs, improve reliability and reduce methane emissions by up to 95%. The Aura 120 Narrow Section gas seal (photo) enables the company’s latest gas-seal technology to be fitted into a larger percentage of older equipment, bringing with it the benefits of non-contacting design. Gas-seal technology eliminates the need for oil lubrication associated with contacting seals and the resulting need to address harmful emissions entrapped in the oil. — John Crane, Chicago, Ill.

www.johncrane.com

 

 

 

 

Wet scrubbers tailored to each plant’s application

Despite the recent relaxation of certain EPA standards, state and local municipalities often set their own requirements that meet or exceed these federally regulated minimums. As the cost of noncompliance increases and certain regulations become more stringent, it can be a challenge to meet emission requirements. This co mpany designs and supplies wet scrubbing technologies tailored to a plant’s needs and built to users’ exacting specifications. The line of jet venturis, high-energy units and packed towers are able to offer high removal efficiencies while being optimized for minimal utility consumption. Systems can be built to handle a wide range of pollutants, including acid gases, SOx, NOx, ethylene oxide, VOCs and even odor control. — CR Clean Air Group, LLC, Parsippany, N.J.

www.crcleanair.com

This valve actuator helps minimize VOC emissions

Rotork

Minimizing VOC emissions from oil tankers during the fluctuating ambient conditions experienced during sea voyages is important from both environmental and commercial points of view. The controlled release is often undertaken when the gas pressure approaches a pre-set point. However, it is not always clear at what pressure a manually controlled release should be stopped. Without this information, excess vapors can be released, causing air pollution and a loss of cargo. To meet this challenge, the VOCON Valve and Reporting System controls the vapor pressure in oil cargo tanks to minimize and fully control VOC emissions. Designed to comply with the latest international rules and regulations, it is equipped with the most advanced reporting system available. At the center of the system, a venting control valve operated by a CMA electric process valve actuator (photo) from this company is installed on the bypass line between the inert-gas main pipeline and the mast riser. In automatic mode, the actuator modulates the valve position in response to a control signal from a pressure transmitter to control the vapor pressure in all the cargo tanks. This critical duty reduces VOC loss by maintaining a constant pressure in the cargo tanks during the voyage. — Rotork plc., Bath, U.K.

www.rotork.com

 

 

 

These laboratory hoods have a maximum airflow efficiency

Hemco

The new UniFlow LE AireStream Fume Hood (photo) is available in widths of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 ft. The LE fume hood incorporates a unitized superstructure, with non-metallic dual-wall construction for total chemical and corrosion resistance, strength and durability. The integral one-piece fume chamber is glass smooth with all coved corners. The AireStream baffle system with vector airflow slots directs the air through the fume chamber and through the exhaust outlet with minimum turbulence and maximum airflow efficiency, for low-flow constant-volume performance. Other features include a vapor-proof LED strip light fixture and control switch pre-wired to a single-point junction box. The hood is classified according to ASHRAE-110, NFPA-45 and U.L. 1805, as well as SEFA Recommended Practices. — Hemco Corp., Independence, Mo.

www.hemcocorp.com