Fuel Tech Announces Availability Of New Slag/Corrosion Control Technology
Batavia, IL - Fuel Tech, Inc., a leader in advanced engineering solutions for the optimization of combustion systems in utility and industrial applications, announced the availability of a high-temperature slag/corrosion control technology designed principally for boilers in the waste-to-energy (WTE) industry. This new technology, for which a second patent application has been filed, builds upon the Company's established TIFI Targeted In-Furnace Injection program, designed to inhibit slag build-up in a variety of solid- and liquid-fueled boilers.
Marketed as the TCI Targeted Corrosion Inhibition program, this technology represents a unique chemical solution to chloride-induced corrosion of high-temperature surfaces, arising from the burning of plastics and other materials contained in municipal solid waste or refuse derived fuel (RDF). As the waste fuel is combusted, highly corrosive flue gases are generated in the WTE boiler, often resulting in tube failures and unplanned shutdowns. Depending upon the severity of tube corrosion, this condition may necessitate more frequent replacement of superheater pendant tube sections or the use of costly, higher alloyed materials, either to shield metal surfaces or serve as replacement tube material.
Tests recently conducted at commercial WTE units burning RDF demonstrated a reduction in corrosion rates in excess of 50%, coupled with a simultaneous improvement in slag control. Other potential applications for TCI technology include biomass and industrial boilers.
John F. Norris Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "One of the greatest challenges associated with the operation and economics of certain WTE boilers today is the presence of slag and corrosion on superheater tubes. This is a particularly vexing issue for WTE plants competing with landfills for the disposal of solid waste."
Mr. Norris continued, "We believe Fuel Tech has developed an innovative approach in addressing this issue by developing a chemical, rather than mechanical, solution to what is fundamentally an electro-chemical problem. Based on extensive testing, we have successfully demonstrated that our newly developed TCI technology can dramatically inhibit corrosion in certain applications, while improving upon our already well-established slag control capabilities."
Mr. Norris concluded, "Discussions with potential customers are currently underway as we move forward with the commercialization of this technology."
SOURCE: Fuel Tech, Inc.