All utility boilers in excess of 25 MW are required to conform to the new EPA MATS standard. Tune-ups are required every 36 calendar months or every 48 calendar months for units with neural network combustion optimization. ICTs understanding is that the intent of the rule is to reduce boiler emissions, specifically CO and NOx. In addition to achieving the mandated emissions reductions, a performance tune up can provide the added benefit of improved heat rate and boiler efficiency. ICT can supply the resources to perform boiler/pulverizer inspections, tuning, and testing to meet the MATS tune-up requirements.
1. Innovative Combustion Technologies, Inc.
10 Commerce Drive, Pelham, AL, 35124
Phone: (205) 453-0236 Fax: (205) 453-0239
ARE YOU MATS COMPLIANT?
As of April 15, 2015, all utility boilers in excess of 25 MW are required to conform to the new EPA MATS standard (Title
40 Part 63 Subpart UUUUU). Tune ups are required every 36 calendar months or every 48 calendar months for units
with neural network combustion optimization. [§63.10021(e)] Below is a summary of §63.10021(e), which details
performance tune up specifications.
MATS Boiler Performance Tune Up (Summarized):
1. Inspect burner and combustion controls [§63.10021(e)(1)]
a. Clean or replace components as necessary
i. Any component that affects optimization of CO and NOx must be installed within 3 months
ii. Other component repairs installed on schedule determined by the operator
b. First burner inspection may be delayed until the next scheduled outage after the implementation of this
subpart (April 15, 2015) provided the requirements of §63.10005 are met [§63.10021(e)]
2. Inspect the flame pattern and make adjustments to the burner or combustion controls to optimize the flame
pattern [§63.10021(e)(2)]
a. Adjustments should be consistent with manufacturer’s specifications or best engineering practices
3. Observe the damper operations as a function of mill loadings, pulverizer coal feeder loadings, or other
pulverizer performance parameters and make any necessary adjustments [§63.10021(e)(3)]
4. Evaluate windbox pressures and air proportions, making any necessary adjustments/repairs to dampers,
actuators, controls, and sensors [§63.10021(e)(4)]
5. Inspect the system controlling the air-to-fuel ratio and ensure that it is correctly calibrated and functioning
properly [§63.10021(e)(5)]
a. May involve calibration of O2 probes/sensors, adjusting OFA systems, changing software parameters,
and calibrating actuators and dampers to ensure systems are operated as designed
6. Optimize combustion to minimize generation of CO and NOx [§63.10021(e)(6)]
a. Optimization should be consistent with manufacturer’s specifications or best combustion engineering
practice for the burner type
b. Optimization includes: burners, OFA controls, concentric firing system improvements, neural
network/combustion efficiency software, control systems calibrations, adjusting combustion zone
temperature profiles, and add on controls (i.e. SCR and SNCR for NOx)
7. While at full load or predominantly operated load, measure NOx, CO, and O2 concentrations in the effluent
stream before and after the tune up adjustments are made
8. Must maintain on-site and submit (if requested by the Administrator) an annual report containing the
information in 1-7 above including: [§63.10021(e)(8-9)]
a. Concentrations of NOx, CO, and O2 in the effluent before and after adjustment to EGU combustion
systems
b. Description of any corrective actions taken as a part of the combustion adjustment
c. Type(s) and amount(s) of fuel used over the 12 calendar months prior to an adjustment if the EGU is
capable of using more than one type of fuel during that period
d. Dates of the initial and subsequent tune ups
i. Initial tune up report must be submitted as a hard-copy and electronically
ii. Subsequent tune up reports must be submitted electronically
2. Innovative Combustion Technologies, Inc.
10 Commerce Drive, Pelham, AL, 35124
Phone: (205) 453-0236 Fax: (205) 453-0239
ICT’s understanding is that the intent of the rule is to reduce boiler emissions, specifically CO and NOx. In addition to
achieving the mandated emissions reductions, a performance tune up can provide the added benefit of improved heat rate
and boiler efficiency. We can supply the resources to perform mandated inspections, tuning, and testing to meet the standard
requirements. A brief outline of our approach to performance tune up compliance is:
1. INSPECTION
a. Burners (nozzles, registers, tilts, etc.)
b. Air and gas systems (dampers, air heaters, expansion joints, windbox, ductwork, etc.)
c. Pulverizers
d. Fans
2. CONTROLS EVALUATION
a. Functional/operational observations during unit load change
b. Primary air controls/ramp
c. O2 curve
d. Verification of unit airflow indications
3. OPTIMIZATION
a. Baseline testing
i. Pulverizer performance (fuel fineness, fuel distribution, air-to-fuel ratios, etc.)
ii. Multi-point test of gas species and temperatures at the furnace and economizer exits
iii. Boiler efficiency
iv. Air heater leakage
b. Tuning (online adjustments to operating parameters) to optimize CO and NOx emissions
c. Observations
i. Burner flame shape
ii. Slagging and fouling
d. Optimization of SCR/SNCR
e. Final performance test to document improvement
4. DOCUMENTATION
a. Components determined to need repair following inspection
b. Adjustments made during the tuning program
c. CO, NOx, and O2 emissions before and after the completion of the tuning program