Fuel Tech Receives Orders for $3.5 Million

Fuel Tech (NASDAQ: FTEK), a leader in the optimization of combustion systems in utility and industrial applications, today announced multiple air pollution control orders totaling $3.5 million.

In the United States, new business was secured from several customers, including three major electric utilities:

1. a Southeastern alliance partner for which NOxOUT® Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) equipment is to be installed on a small coal-fired boiler.
2. a Midwestern alliance partner for which NOxOUT SNCR equipment is to be installed on two small coal-fired boilers.
3. a Southwestern power generator, which has placed orders for a NOxOUT demonstration on a large lignite-fired boiler and for mapping and modeling on several other such boilers.

Overseas, an order was received in northern Italy for a NOxOUT installation on a municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) has long been a common means of reducing NOx emissions from industrial power generation equipment. However, concerns over the safety and potential liability of anhydrous ammonia used as an SCR reagent are growing. In addition, the costs associated with aqueous ammonia have driven many power generators to look for alternative means of reducing NOx.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems must use a nitrogen source like anhydrous ammonia, aqueous ammonia solutions, or high purity urea solutions to cause the NOx reduction reaction at the catalyst surface. Of these reagents, high purity urea solutions are, by far, the safest and easiest to handle. Ammonia, in any form, is a highly regulated material which is listed as “highly dangerous” in the concentrated forms that are typically used by industry. Urea is not listed as a hazardous material by any known government agency.

The NOxOUT SNCR:

• Is a Urea-based Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) system
• Is supplied in complete systems with Catalyst, Reactor Vessel and Urea Injection System
• Causes a 80% - 90% NOx Reduction
• Eliminates anhydrous ammonia and aqueous ammonia handling and storage requirements, along with regulatory requirements
• Has over 400 Installations Worldwide

A simple injection system is designed to ensure "clean" injection with high conversion to ammonia (NH₃). The NOxOUT-SCR process provides high levels of NOx control, similar to conventional SCR.

Typical operation of the NOxOUT-SCR process yields no buildup or fouling of catalyst surfaces. Injectors stay clean and there is often no increase in generator back pressure or decrease in generator performance or efficiency.

The Company’s nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction technologies have established Fuel Tech as a leader in post-combustion NOx control systems where coal, municipal waste, biomass, and other fuels are utilized.

They also offer a FUEL CHEM® product line which revolves around the unique application of chemicals to improve the efficiency and reliability of combustion/post-combustion that helps reduce slag problems, dramatically reduce SO3 emissions (both in the boiler and across an SCR), and improve plant efficiency thus reducing CO2 emissions in the process. These latter two items have only recently (in the last few years) become important to customers.

Neal Dikeman of Cleantech Blog recently interviewed John Norris CEO of Fuel Tech about Fuel Tech in specific, and his thoughts on emissions technologies, carbon and greenhouse gases, and cleaning up electric utilities.