NOx reduction; the SCR technology

Emigreen® applies the latest innovation in NOx reduction to vessels and yachts.

With lean burn (diesel or gas) engines, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) can almost fully eliminate the emissions of NOx.

Urea as a reductant

In the SCR process a reductant is used in combination with a catalyst. The most widely used reductant is a urea-water solution at a concentration of 32,5% or 40% concentration.

A feed dosing pump feeds the urea from a tank. The pump is triggered by an “engine run” signal in combination with a minimum and a maximum exhaust gas temperature. The temperature limits depend on the fuel quality and the selected type of catalyst.
However, they will rarely be lower than 250 ºC or higher than 525 ºC.

Urea-injections are directly related to the base line NOx level

A special nozzle, installed in the exhaust system, injects a defined amount of urea into the exhaust gas. The amount injected is directly related to the base line NOx level and the required reduction.

The injected urea and the exhaust gasses are led through a series of static mixers and homogenizers to ensure that the urea is optimally converted to ammonia. The gasses are then led through the suitably charged catalytic elements which almost completely convert NOx into nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O).

Urea dosing rates are adjusted to optimize the NOx-reduction

A NOx sensor positioned after the catalytic elements provides information about the actual emission level and allows the controller to compute and, if necessary, adjust the urea dosing rate.

Depending on the required performance, the system may be enhanced with a clean-up catalyst to minimize the risk of ammonia slip.

Finally, the purified exhaust gasses are either fed to the boiler, condenser or other equipment, or discharged into the atmosphere.
The performance of the system is determined by the control strategy, the degree of urea atomization and mixing with the exhaust gas, and the catalytic volume.

Jelle Westerhof is sales manager at Emigreen® and applies our industry-leading solutions to the projects of our clients. Feel free to reach out to Jelle for feedback on this article, for questions and for a free consultation.

Meer info: https://www.emigreen.eu/solutions/nox-reduction-the-scr-technology/