What was Refined Coal?  From 2004 through the end of 2021 the federal government offered a tax credit (Section 45) that supported the production of refined coal, which could help reduce air pollution.  To claim the credit, producers had to certify that burning refined coal emits fewer pollutants than conventional coal. 

Acid gases, mercury, and particulate emissions were always the downside of producing coal-fired energy. While many plants with even the most minimal filtration can handle particulates, we know that acid gases and mercury are far more difficult to manage. Refined Coal facilities were able to manage these potentially-hazardous byproducts by treating the coal used for power generation to remove, or promote the removal of, acid gases and mercury.

Now that Section 45 Tax Credits have expired, some plants are wondering what happens now? What do they need to add to their process in order to continue the mitigation of these pollutants?  Who do they turn to for help?

Motus Group has a variety of testing methods and solutions that we provide to industrial plants all over the country and now is as good a time as any to run low-cost tests to find what effective, cost-saving measures you can take. 

Since 2004, and the onset of Refined Coal, numerous new reagent technologies have come onto the market, with more coming out every day.  With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the best solution for your plant, while also being mindful of costs.  Whatever the case, testing can help with the decision-making process and is a critical aspect in maintaining licenses and insurances while keeping your site compliant and safe. 

Not only does Motus Group have the testing expertise and hands-on know-how, but we can source all of the equipment, reagents, and other test materials and have them sent directly to your site. Our testing services include, but are not limited to: 

Creating site-specific test matrices and schedules:

• Ability to test multiple reagents or reagent combinations
• Rock-solid data you can count on to make the best, most economical, decision for your plant

Reagent acquisition and shipment, including:

• Halogen additives (CaBr2, KI)
• Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
  • Regular
  • Halogenated
• Magnesium additives (slag reduction)
• Other advanced PAC products (sulfur resistant, etc.)

Supplying Test Equipment:

• Bulk Bag Unloading (BBU) systems for PAC and Magnesium dosing and conveying
  • Options for 900 lb. super sacks or,
  • Multiple super sack storage systems (not for use with PAC)
• Liquid pump skids for additive dosing
• Method 30B sorbent traps
• Real-time Mercury CEMs
• Sourcing of all required on-site resources to conduct the test(s)

The testing process typically lasts a week, depending on the number of reagents tested and required equipment. After the testing period, we generate a report of our findings and include a detailed, comparative analysis of reagent performance. Using this information, we advise ways you can refine your process, incorporate new reagents, and generally optimize your existing MATS equipment. Among these solutions:

• Design and fabrication of new or upgraded reagent injection equipment
• CFD modeling for improved sorbent distribution
  • Upgraded injection manifolds
  • Relocation of the existing manifold
  • In-duct static mixers
• Equipment inspections
• Preventative maintenance plans
• Replacement or stock parts

Section 45 Tax credits HAVE EXPIRED. Not sure if your plant is staying with regulation? Give us a call. Our team can quickly assess your setup for MATS compliance and consult on ways you can improve or supplement your compliance strategy.