APC Retrofits and Technologies Lower Emissions and Optimize WTE Production

Air pollution control (APC) systems in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are facing many of the same challenges that independent power facilities (IPP) have dealt with for years. The most prevalent problems being corrosion and emissions. An IPP plant in the southeastern U.S. illustrates the cause and effect that corrosion played in the plant’s operation, as well as the engineered solution designed to address the issue. The result has performed beyond expectations and lends itself well to the same issues in the WTE plants. The paper also provides information regarding the conversion of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to a fabric filter baghouse. By utilizing the existing housing of an ESP, a higher particulate collection efficiency can be achieved at a fraction of the capital cost. Finally, the paper discusses filter changeout to filter bags laminated with highly efficient expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane. This media change addresses the demanding environmental regulations the industry faces, as well as providing benefits to the WTE APC system such as superior cleandown, increased airflows, and extended filter life. The ultimate results of these three technologies can help decrease maintenance time and cost and increase WTE facility production.