ENV-03-127 FCCU Nox Control with a Wet Scrubbing System – A Proven Alternative Solution

Description:

The reduction of NOx from FCCU regenerator flue gas has become one of the most important issues facing many refiners. Consent decrees and locally aggressive programs that target significant NOx reductions are just some of the factors that have increased the focus on this pollutant. Although selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems have historically proven excellent performance in many processes, there is little operating history on FCCUs and the uniqueness of this process has raised several areas of concerns from many refiners. LoTOx TM is a proven technology that provides an alternative solution for NOx reduction while eliminating the areas of concern that an SCR system has raised. LoTOx TM (a trademark of The BOC Group, sold to refineries worldwide by BELCO under license from The BOC Group) is a simple process that utilizes ozone to convert NOx to nitric acid, which is readily removed in the wet scrubber system. The LoTOx TM process is thoroughly described and examined, along with the integration of it into a wet scrubbing system and the impact that it has on the wet scrubber. Commercial operating history is presented and discussed with respect to system operation and performance. Testing that has been performed on flue gas from an FCCU is discussed, along with any specific considerations that are necessary with the FCCU process. Finally, economic issues are addressed and examined to illustrate how LoTOx TM is economically attractive when compared to other potential solutions.