Transformation of Ammonia (NH3) in Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) Processes and Residues of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Incineration Plants

Project Number 380

In the course of the implementation of the Industrial Emission Directive (IED) in Germany, in 2013 the 17. BImSchV was amended by a reduction of the daily average NOx emission limit value (ELV) from 200 mg/m³N to 150 mg/m³N. Additionally for new plants the yearly average was fixed at 100 mg/m³N (equivalent to a European value of 66 mg/m³N based on 11% O2).

SCR and SNCR processes are essentially requiring NH3 for NOx removal. Also according to the 17. BImSchV amendment, for the first time an additional ELV for NH3 will apply to existing plants using SCR or SNCR processes starting in January 2016 (10 mg/m³N).

While SCR processes are expected to meet the new ELVs without additional measures, plants using SNCR will face significant additional measuring and control efforts to optimise denitrification. Moreover, increase of NOx removal by increased use of ammonia will increase NH3 concentrations in the plant. As NH3 shows delayed disposal from scrubbers and residues, e.g. at the stack, measurements can be totally misleading.

Project results are therefore vital for operators of waste incineration plants with SNCR process, i.e. the majority of plants including biomass plants as far as ruled by the 17. BImSchV.

Data measurements will be performed in 6 MSW Incineration plants. These plant operators support the investigations substantially by in kind and by cash contribution. Further four supplier companies are financing the re-search institution with cash contribution, while CUTEC contributes in kind.

Results of the project will increase knowledge about DENOX plants and provide technical-scientific support for the ongoing implementation of the BREF on Waste Incineration.
The project is supported by the VGB Working Panel “Thermal Waste Utilisation”.