The IMSeco “Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Technology” is designed bespoke for each application and can be retrofitted to existing Power Generation Equipment for compliance with the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD).
The SCR system will reduce NOx emissions by approximately -95% taking it well below the threshold of 190 mg/Nm3 @15% O2 set by DEFRA on Diesel Powered engines within the specified 10-20 minutes from start-up.
Retrofitting with the IMSeco SCR Technology enables customers with agreements in the UK Demand Side Response (DSR) Capacity Market comply with both Tranche A and Tranche B requirements.
IMSeco SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) Technology
The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Technology from IMS comprises of the following Components:
- SCR Catalyst
- MAP Sensor (Air Intake Pressure)
- Temperature Sensor
- NOx sensors (Engine Out and Tailpipe)
- ECU
- AdBlue Pump
- AdBlue Injector
- Backpressure Sensor
- AdBlue Day Tank
- Speed Sensor
The SCR Catalysts are housed in a full Stainless-Steel Modular Reactor for either “SCR only” or SCRT (SCR plus DPF) configurations where the reactor is sectioned into two chambers, the lower chamber having an “In-built AdBlue Mixer Pipe” prior to either the DPF or SCR substrates and the Upper Chamber housing the SCR Catalysts.
The Inlet and Outlet Exhaust Pipework can be located on either side of the reactor. A removable lid is provided for access to remove the substrates for maintenance if required.
The modular SCR system can be scaled up to suit much larger “Stationary Power” or “Marine Application Engines” as shown in the diagram below.
The IMSeco SCR Technology is capable of achieving up to -98% NOx reductions.
IMSeco SCR works!
The engine speed and load are used to calculate the exhaust flow across the catalysts to determine the exact rate at which to inject the “AdBlue” agent.
AdBlue is a liquid reductant which consists of approximately 68% water and 32% Urea.
IMSeco provides a small integral “AdBlue Tank” with level sensors and a control panel that controls the amount of AdBlue that is dosed via the “AdBlue Pump” and the “Airless AdBlue Injector”.
Once injected into the exhaust stream the water content of the AdBlue will evaporate, and the urea will decompose into an ammonia gas at temperatures above 180C.
A temperature sensor is used at the point of injection to ensure that there is sufficient temperature for injection to take place to prevent the Liquid Urea crystallising and potentially blocking the face of the SCR.
Once converted into an ammonia gas and passed across the SCR Catalyst a chemical reaction takes place that converts NOx (NO + NO2) into nitrogen (N2) and water vapour, natural components of the air we breathe, which is then expelled through the exhaust outlet.
NOx sensors are used to measure the “Engine Out” and “Tailpipe” NOx to validate NOx reductions that are taking place across the SCR Catalysts.
An ammonia slip catalyst is also used after the SCR Catalysts to prevent any ammonia gas being emitted from the tailpipe in the unlikely event that there is an overdosing of the AdBlue.
The ECU is fitted with a memory chip which stores “Real-Time” NOx emissions data can be downloaded via the Windows Friendly Software to enable reporting of reductions being achieved.
Downloads can be done manually via a laptop or through a Telematics Package.
The IMSeco SCR System when retrofitted to an older Stage II/IIIA engine is capable of bringing the emissions below the threshold limit of 190mg/Nm3 NOx set by DEFRA for compliance with the MCPD (Medium Combustion Plant Directive).
By adding the DPF Technology as well as SCR, a Stage II/IIIA engine can be potentially brought to the latest Stage V emissions equivalence for Mobile Generators.
About the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD)
The MCPD was transposed into UK Law in December 2017 setting emission limits for Power Generation Equipment with engines with a thermal rating of between 1 and 50MW that ‘combust’ or burn fuel (such as diesel or gas) in order to produce power.
The directive sets limits for NOx (NO/NO2) of 190mg of NOx / Nm3 (at 15% O2) and 120mg/NM3 for Sulphur Dioxides (SO2).
The limits are to be achieved within 20 minutes of start-up for Tranche A applications and within 10 minutes for Tranche B.
Dates for Compliance
Tranche B
Jan 2019 – Newly installed Plant/Contracts 1MW to 50MW
Tranche A
Dec 2024 – Existing Plant between 5 MW to 50MW
Dec 2029 – Existing Plant between 1 MW to 5MW
Operations that are definetely affected
STOR (Short Term Operating Reserve) projects to the National Grid
Engines that operate/used for the Capacity Market Contracts
MCPD Exemptions
Backup Generators which are tested up to 50 hrs/PA
(Note: These will need to comply if they are in an AQMA with High Background NOx and run for more than 50hrs/PA)
Generators with Safety Roles in Nuclear Sites
Triad Programs used to reduce load on National Grid
(Note these are likely to be affected in the near future)
MCPD covers England & Wales. (A seperate process is being carried out by Scotland & Northern Ireland)
Operators must obtain an environmental permit to operate plant.
Monitoring of the MCPD is the responsibility of the Environmental Agency.