Our advanced emission control systems are making clean energy even cleaner

Working with the power generation solutions company IMG Midstream, we are working to reduce nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde from natural gas engines to ultra-low levels, by using our advanced pollution control systems.

Owning and operating four Pennsylvania-based 20 MW power plants fuelled by Marcellus Shale gas, IMG are working together with Johnson Matthey to cut emissions from their power-generating engines, to levels that meet or exceed federal and state permit limits.

IMG's plants are strategically deployed near shale gas wells and electrical distribution lines, which shortens energy supply chains and increases the efficiency of each plant, while minimising greenhouse gas and fugitive emissions.

Chris Wissel-Tyson, Senior Manager, Development & Environmental Services for IMG said: "Although natural gas is already clean-burning, IMG is committed to environmental stewardship and advanced pollution control technology to reduce engine emissions to meet or even improve upon federal and state limits. Each of IMG's natural gas engines is equipped with a Johnson Matthey SCR system that is tailored to achieve high emissions reductions."

"After nearly two years of operation, the emission control systems continue to keep emissions below IMG's stringent permit limits for NOx, CO, VOCs and formaldehyde."

The emission control systems include vanadia-titania SCR catalyst to reduce NOx to nitrogen, ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) to convert excess ammonia to nitrogen, minimising ammonia slip, and a precious metal oxidation catalyst to reduce CO, VOC and formaldehyde to ultra-low levels. A robust urea injection strategy accommodates fluctuations in NOx emissions from each engine.

Rita Aiello, Catalyst Development Scientist at Johnson Matthey added: "Treating emissions from stationary sources can be challenging because every site has different requirements, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But scientists and engineers at Johnson Matthey work directly with customers to create the best emission control solutions for their unique applications. And we continue to provide technical support to ensure that the customer remains in compliance with all clean air regulations over the lifetime of our product."