Subcontractors

SCR-Tech uses only certified testing laboratories operated under VGB regulations (VGB Guideline for the Testing of DeNO_x Catalyst (VGB-R302He), the international standard for catalyst testing. We measure under actual field conditions with full-size catalyst plates or elements. The lab personnel are some of the front runners in the development of the cleaning and/or regeneration process. VGB, the equivalent of America’s EPRI, developed these testing guidelines in cooperation with utilities, catalyst manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and European testing institutes.

For this testing we prefer laboratories that have the capability to test full length elements and include prototypical humidity in the test gases. This prevents two sources of error that can result from using corrections for both length and humidity when actual values are excluded. In addition, U.S. laboratories also have developed the capability of including high prototypical concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the test gases to mimic those produced in the U.S. through the use of high sulfur coals. Europeans, who generally do not fire such high sulfur coals, may not have this capability.

Reports from these certified catalyst testing and chemical analysis labs are consistent in their content and layout for ease of comparison between operations of various SCR systems and catalyst types. Testing information is compared to our extensive database and interpreted based on long-term SCR operating experience with different fuel types.

The combined results of this effort are used to monitor and forecast SCR system and catalyst performance and to accurately forecast the development of the installed DeNO_x potential. By comparing the forecast with the required minimum DeNO_x potential, the point in time for the need for catalyst regeneration or replacement can be identified allowing for the necessary outage planning well in advance of the actual occurrence.