Numerical and Experimental Analysis of SNCR Installation Performance in a Power Stoker Boiler

Abstract

The correct design of effective SNCR (Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction) requires solving several technological challenges. For this purpose, CFD modeling and bench tests were used. This study investigated various parameters affecting the NOx reduction rate in a WR-25 stoker boiler. The first parameter analyzed was the NSR (normalized stoichiometric ratio), with a constant urea concentration of 12.5% in the solution injected into the boiler. CFD modeling indicated that increasing the NSR significantly enhances reduction efficiency, especially between NSR 1 and 2, where the efficiency more than doubles. Bench tests confirmed this trend across all boiler power levels, showing deeper reagent penetration in the chamber at higher NSR levels. However, further doubling of NSR did not yield significant efficiency improvements, likely due to limitations in chemical mixing under reagent excess conditions. Further, it was revealed that NOx reduction efficiency decreases as boiler power increases, probably due to reduced reagent residence time at the required thermodynamic conditions. Additionally, different nozzle tip designs were tested, with multi-hole nozzles (two-hole and three-hole), showing better NOx reduction than single-hole nozzles due to improved reagent distribution. Finally, a lower urea concentration in the reagent (12%) led to better NOx reduction compared to a 32.5% concentration, likely due to improved droplet penetration and mixing with flue gases.

Keywords

• selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR)
• CFD modeling
• stoker boiler
• urea
• ammonia