Catalyst deactivation by alternative fuels

Commercial and environmental concerns play an important role when using new fuels. Since catalytic converters which are employed in power stations to reduce nitrogen monoxide (Denox catalytic converters) must be changed more frequently when alternative fuels are used, EnBW together with E.ON, Scandinavian energy suppliers, manufacturers of catalytic converters, and scientific institutions examined the exact chemical and physical effects on catalytic converters when alternative fuels are added to conventional fuels.

For this reason, the processes occurring in catalytic converters are being studied in detail as part of an international project funded by the EU to identify the optimal mixing ratio of primary and secondary fuels. Furthermore, different methods are being worked on to remove pollutants such as phosphor, potassium, and heavy metals from the flue gas and to develop technologies which significantly improve catalyst regeneration.

The Denox catalytic converter is being examined with regard to co-combustion of sewage sludge at the EnBW thermal power station in Heilbronn. EnBW has many years of experience operating Denox catalytic converters and has great knowledge in this field, which it can bring to bear in this project.