Emission Control System for Small Boilers

New pollution control technologies are needed for small oil- and coal-fired industrial boiler located throughout the United States. Although each unit is relatively small, the vast number of these units creates a significant air pollution source, especially in heavily populated areas, that emits particulate matter (PM) and other air pollutants. In the EPA boiler MACT regulations, it was estimated that over 50,000 tons of air toxics and 547,000 to 562,000 tons of particulates can be removed from the nation’s air from clean burning boilers. Adherent Technologies has previously developed retrofit kits to produce clean-burning fireplaces that meet the EPA Phase II standard. In this program, we propose to develop a retrofit kit for existing industrial boilers using similar technology based on reticulated ceramic supports with atransition metal catalyst that is contained within a stainless steel housing. These units will be located between the firebox and heat exchanger and will produce additional heat and reduce fouling of the heat exchanger, both of which will improve boiler efficacy. An approximated 75 percent reduction in emissions from small boilers is anticipated using these catalytic combustors. The market for these devices is large, with and estimated 60,000 existing boilers in the US. These low-cost devices will result in significant reductions in PM, Volatile Organic Compounds, and carbon monoxide with associated health benefits.