Johnson Matthey's Modulex(TM) Catalytic Converters Reduce CO Emissions by More Than 93% from 20 Caterpillar 3516 Engines at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA
Temple University installed the natural gas engines in 1993 for the purpose of peak shaving, but needed to add CO oxidation catalysts to meet the current emission limits of Subpart ZZZZ of the EPA’s RICE NESHAP regulation.
Audubon, PA -- There are 20 emission sources or 10 sets of tandem Caterpillar 3516 natural gas engines at Temple University affected by the EPA’s RICE NESHAP regulation. Each engine is capable of producing 1,600 kW at 1200 RPM with an exhaust temperature of 762ºF. The exhaust from each engine discharges through vertical pipes into a common silencer mounted above each tandem set of engines. To comply with the RICE NESHAP regulation, Temple was required to reduce the CO emissions from each engine by a minimum of 93%.
ENERActive Solutions, LLC, Asbury Park, N.J. was contracted by Temple to provide a complete turnkey retrofit project including design, material procurement, installation and guaranteed performance. In order to achieve the stringent 93% CO reduction, ENERActive required CO catalytic converters that can operate at all engine conditions, including continuous load, part load, start-up and standby without affecting the plant’s operation.
To achieve their emissions reduction objectives and to meet their obligations to Temple University, ENERActive selected Johnson Matthey (JM) Stationary Emissions Control (SEC) group, and utilized JM’s Modulex™ B80 CO catalytic converters. Johnson Matthey SEC’s technical expertise and experience, manufacturing capabilities and close proximity to Temple University made it an easy choice for ENERActive.
The retrofit incorporated 20 Johnson Matthey Modulex B80 CO converters and a multi-channel HAPGuard™ continuous parametric monitoring system (CPMS) that allows the performance of all engines to be viewed on a single display screen. Independent emissions tests required by the Philadelphia Air Management Services showed that the Modulex B80 converters achieved CO reductions that exceeded the minimum 93% limit. During the April 2013 testing, CO emissions from each engine and VOC emissions from three engines were found to be well within EPA compliance levels. In fact, all but one engine was under 1.7 ppmvd at 15% oxygen; while the tenth registered 5.8 ppmvd, yielding an overall CO conversion rate of 99 percent.
Jeff Sherman, President of Johnson Matthey Stationary Emissions Controls LLC, said “We are proud to have been chosen to provide the emission controls solution for such a premiere installation.”
Temple University Energy Manager Kurt Bresser noted that the project was completed on schedule and applauded all companies involved saying, “The acceptance from the Philadelphia Air Management Services represents an important achievement for all of us. You’re probably not as happy as I am about this because this is just a normal part of your job, but I still think you should kick back and enjoy the moment while it lasts. Without your help, this would not have been possible.”
About Johnson Matthey:
Traded on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: JMAT), Johnson Matthey is a specialty chemicals company focused on its core skills in catalysts, precious metals, fine chemicals and process technologies. The $19 billion company employs around 11,000 people in over 30 countries.
About Johnson Matthey Stationary Emissions Control (SEC):
Johnson Matthey SEC is well known for its total systems approach to solving customer’s emissions problems, as well as a reputation for strong customer support at the field service level. SEC designs and supplies catalysts and engineers catalytic systems to control emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), volatile organic compounds (VOC), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and particulate matter (PM). SEC is dedicated to the research, development and application of catalyst technology to improve quality of life by reducing air emissions.
Contact Information:
For more information about Johnson Matthey’s Stationary Emissions Control (SEC): Please contact Wilson Chu, Business Development Manager, Johnson Matthey, 900 Forge Avenue, Suite 100, Audubon, PA 19403-2305, Tel: 484-320-2119, Fax: 484-320-2152, E-mail: chuw@jmusa.com, Website: www.jmsec.com
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