Tests on GE Energy's ThermoPleat® Pleated Filter Elements Show Unprecedented Reduction in Mercury Emissions


GE's Innovative Technology Could Dramatically Increase Mercury Removal, Reduce Activated Carbon and Save Operating Costs

KANSAS CITY, MO.- As regulators in the United States debate plans to significantly reduce mercury emissions, GE (NYSE: GE) today announced the ThermoPleat(TM) Pleated Filter Element (PFE) has completed testing and will potentially empower plant owners and operators to meet these forthcoming standards.

With the threat of having to close existing plant facilities looming, tests conducted by PCT at the Mercury Research Center (MRC) show the new technology will potentially reduce emissions by more than 90 percent. Until now, coal-fired boiler air pollution control operators have been unable to achieve these high levels of mercury scrubbing without costly powdered activated carbon injection.

"Against an uncertain regulatory backdrop, this technology could be a game-changer for plant, environmental and maintenance managers who are looking for smarter, cost-effective upgrades to reduce emissions," said PCT Technical Advisor Ralph Altman. "The filters performed very well and are so compact that they open up a whole new range of casing designs for both new and retrofit applications."

The tests by PCT and GE allowed researchers to use the facilities' unique full-scale testing capabilities to determine the best method for reducing mercury emissions:

o By using ThermoPleat elements, GE found that some coal-fired boiler air pollution control operators may be able to capture up to 98 percent of mercury. The results can occur when the plant lowers the flue gas temperatures, allowing a more efficient utilization of the capture capacity of the unburnt carbon in fly ash.

o At other flue gas temperatures, ThermoPleat elements may help some coal-fired boiler air pollution control operators capture around 75 to 80 percent of its mercury by inherent loss-on-ignition (LOI) of fly ash. The operator may be able to increase the capture percentage by using powdered activated carbon but at a much lower injection rate than typically used today with standard filter bags-which also can help substantially reduce the yearly operational costs.
GE's ThermoPleat Pleated Filter Technology has earned ecomagination approval following research and verification. Ecomagination is GE's clean energy business strategy to drive growth and solve the world's energy challenges. It brings technology, innovation, investment and partnership to deliver a sustainable future for generations to come.

"Our customers expect us to bring innovative solutions to the table that solves their current and potential business challenges," said GE's Bryan Yetter, product manager at GE Energy Services. "With powdered activation carbon injection a costly measure, the results from this test show ThermoPleat Pleated Filter Technology to be highly efficient, reliable and cost-effective alternative. With the results in mind, this technology is clearly a smart alternative should future regulations concerning mercury come to pass."

Learn more about GE Energy's ThermoPleat.

About GE ecomagination portfolio

Ecomagination is GE's business strategy to help meet customers' demand for products that improve their bottom line and reduce their impact on the environment. This also will drive growth for GE that delivers for its investors. Ecomagination reflects GE's commitment to invest in a future that creates innovative solutions to environmental challenges. From 2010 to 2015, GE has committed to: doubling R&D to $ 10 billion; growing ecomagination revenues twice as fast as overall company revenue; reducing GE's energy intensity 50 percent; reducing water consumption 25 percent; and inspiring a competitive energy future.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy www.ge.com/energy-GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas-work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.

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