Evaluation of the advanced low-Nox burner, Exxon, and Hitachi Zosen DeNox processes. Final report Nov 79-Jun 81

The report is a technical discussion and preliminary economic evaluation of six NOx control methods: three at 50% NOx reduction, and three at 90%. The basecase power plant is a new 500-MW coal-fired unit emitting 0.6 lb NO2/million Btu in the flue gas. The three 50% NOx reduction processes are the EPA-sponsored advanced low-NOx burner (ALNB), the Exxon Thermal DeNOx process, and the Hitachi Zosen process, which have capital investments of $4.8, $19.7, and $31.4/kW, respectively, and levelized annual revenue requirements of 0.20, 1.9, and 4.7 mills/kWh, respectively. For 90% NOx reduction, the ALNB process is combined with the Hitachi Zosen process, the Exxon process is combined with the Hitachi Zosen process, and the Hitachi Zosen process is used alone. Capital investment and levelized annual revenue requirements for these three processes are $51.8/kW and 6.7 mills/kWh for the ALNB/Hitachi Zosen process, $64.2/kW and 8.2 mills/kWh for the Exxon/Hitachi Zosen process, and $50.9/kW and 7.9 mills/kWh for the Hitachi Zosen process alone. The ALNB, a combustion modification, is the least expensive NOx control method. As expected, the costs for obtaining high levels of NOx reduction (90%) are significantly greater than for more moderate levels (50%).