Data centers are on the rise globally, and with that comes increased focus on the environment and air quality to reduce both carbon and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to ensure compliance with regulations such as the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) and USA Tier 4 Legislation.
IMS is a global leader in Acoustics and Emissions based products where we manufacture, install and commission our own silencers, acoustic containers, attenuators, and emissions reduction products such as SCR (selective catalytic reduction), DOCs (Diesel Oxidation Catalysts) and DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filters) that dramatically reduces all legislated emissions such as CO (Carbon Monoxides), HC (Hydrocarbons), PM (Particulate Matter) and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) while dramatically reducing noise. 
What is the MCP Directive
MCPD is a European based Emission Standard primarily focused on the reductions of NOx which applies to the operation of all Plant with a rated thermal input between 1-50MW including Specified Generators (SGs) used to generate electricity. It is regulated by the Environment Agencies (EA) across England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The most common exhaust after-treatment technology used to reduce NOx is an SCR system which can reduce NOx by up to -95%.
How the IMSeco SCR technology works.
The IMSeco SCR Technology is a “Closed Loop” Electronically Controlled System with an SCR Reactor, Mixer, and AdBlue Dosing System with an array of sensors such as NOx, Temperature, Back pressure along with “Airless” Injectors and an ECU.
The system uses the engines CANbus Signals (or our own MAP Sensor) along with NOx sensors to determine the Raw NOx Levels within the exhaust flow and automatically adjusts the “AdBlue Dosing Strategy” depending on engine speed/load/temperature to meet the required MCPD Emissions Limits, which is verified by a second “Tailpipe” NOx sensor.
The “Airless “ injectors in the mixer pipe utilises a pressure rail to inject the AdBlue under pressure into the exhaust gas stream which eliminates the need for an air compressor. Once injected the AdBlue is hydrolysed to produce the ammonia gas required for NOx (NO/NO2) reduction across the SCR catalyst.
The stainless SCR Reactor comes with SCR and ASC (Ammonia Slip Catalysts) which kills any ammonia (NH3) preventing any excess ammonia gas from exiting the tailpipe.
Our Electronic Control Unit (ECU) constantly monitors the performance, operational conditions of the engine and pressure drop of the exhaust and provides “Real-Time” emissions reporting. A ModBus Converter can be supplied for integration with the sites BMS System along with PCs for remote access support.
The system comes with AdBlue Bulk and Buffer Tanks where levels of constantly monitored, and warnings are provided to prevent AdBlue running out. If ignored the system will stop dosing when it reaches a certain level and water will be recirculated from the small, sealed water tank across the injectors to ensure they are kept cool preventing them from overheating until such time as the AdBlue is replenished and normal operation is resumed.
The SCR System is generally supplied complete with Silencers on a Roof Mounted Framework that is lowered on to the roof of the generator enclosure along with insulation/cladding and safety rails/access ladders for safe working at height.
At the start of any project our engineering team will obtain the full engine specification and emissions data sheet and any other relevant information regarding the size/location and operating condition of the generators.
A proposal will be supplied along with a conceptual design of the total system including delivery, installation, and commissioning. Full CAD Drawings are produced when an order is received, and project timelines are agreed with the customer. Following Installation and Commissioning a report will be provided demonstrating compliance.
Key Advantages of the IMS eco SCR System
IMS has supplied almost 250 SCR Systems over the past 5-6 years many of which have been destined for data centres. Some of the key advantages of our system and the reasons why we were selected over our competitors was because the SCR came with:
- A “Closed Loop” AdBlue Dosing System which automatically adjusts for changes in NOX levels to optimise the Adblue usage.
- ASC Catalysts after the SCR to prevent any ammonia slippage from the exhaust
- Airless Injectors (No need for Compressors) where AdBlue is atomised using a pressure rail
- Software that displays “Real-Time” Data with the ability to download reports to validate system performance.
- The option of a ModBus Converter if required for integration with the sites BMS System and Telemetry for remote access/support if required
- Electronic “Date/Time” stamped features that records any errors and provides warnings when AdBlue Levels are getting low.
- A water recirculation system that keeps the injectors cool (preventing them from burning out) until such time as the adblue is replenished and normal operation is resumed.
Contact our emissions team today to learn more about how our SCR systems might benefit your Data Centre!
