Technical Article Writing & Public Relations for the Energy Industry

Using Neural Network Combustion Optimization for MATS Compliance

As an energy industry marketing firm Krishnan & Associates develops specialized technical and commercial content for our energy industry clients. Here is an example of an article that we wrote and published for our client in the energy industry:

Power | February 2014 | NeuCo

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adjusted the language of the final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) regulation to recognize the value of neural network combustion optimization systems by extending the required “boiler tune-up” frequency from 36 months to 48 months. Neural net systems have not only demonstrated reduced boiler emissions and improved combustion efficiency, but they also now can reduce the administrative costs of complying with MATS..

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) on December 21, 2011, which set maximum achievable control technology (MACT) emission standards for specific classes of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) found in the flue gases of coal- and oil-fired utility boilers. The allowable emission differ depending on the type of coal burned and whether the units are new or in operation at the time the final regulation is published.

MATS establishes removal requirements for mercury (Hg), acid gases (such as HCl and HF), hazardous non-mercury metals (such as arsenic, chromium, and nickel), and organic HAPs. MATS also reduces HCl emissions (which act as a substitute for acid gases) and filterable particle matter (PM, a surrogate for non-mercury HAP metals). As an alternative to filterable PM limits, total non-mercury HAP metals and individual non-mercury HAP metals can be employed. SO2 limitations may be used instead of HCl limits in coal-fired electric utility steam generating units (EGUs) equipped with flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. Complying with these complex and interconnected criteria will necessitate the development of new operating and maintenance methods by boiler operators.