And what you need to do about them
Of the many things a power plant needs to keep an eye on, the PAC (Powdered Activated Carbon) distribution systems are essential to the power plant’s safe and compliant operation. A failure of the PAC slurry system can result in numerous environmental and operational costs – including failure to meet emission regulations, compromised air and water quality, not to mention a reduced operational capacity.
The crew at Motus Group has seen just about every type of malfunction or failure in these systems (and provided repairs, replacements, and upgrades for all of them). The three most-common issues plant operators say they have when they first talk to us are about the efficiency of the mix, clogging, and spent PAC disposal. While each of these are unique challenges, we have several means to resolve them and get you back online.
Problem 1: Efficient PAC Mixing and Dispersion
To keep costs low and operations efficient, the right mix and dispersion of PAC within the slurry system is a must. The mixture of PAC and water is essential to absorb contaminants in the flue gas and keep your emissions within regulatory levels. When this mix is off, you could be leaving money on the table and using more PAC than necessary to get the job done.
We suggest: taking the time to optimize and implement your PAC slurry system can save you big bucks down the road. When the PAC particles are spread uniformly in the flue, they capture the most carbon possible. We also recommend routine monitoring of your systems and adjusting the mix as needed.
Problem 2: Clogging
When PAC particles accumulate and settle in your equipment you will definitely see a reduction in your flow and the efficiency of your system. Again: money on the table. We recommend performing regular inspections to assess and clear your clogged components. A decent filtration system that is custom designed for your power plant will prevent large particles from entering the slurry distribution system and prevent any unplanned downtime.
Problem 3: PAC Loss and Disposal
Whether it is leaky equipment or a poorly contained system, PAC wastage is a hazard to both the environment and your accountant’s books. Beyond that, the proper disposal of spent PAC is required to stay within federal and state regulations.
Adding seals and replacing gaskets are just a few of the ways we help keep your PAC where it belongs. We can also help you customize your system to find ways to recover spent PAC and potentially regenerate it to reduce the amount of waste you’re producing.
No matter what your problem is, it is there to be solved. For years, Motus Group has aided power producers across heavy industrial operations to run their businesses more effectively through upgraded and enhanced systems. From PAC slurry system installs and maintenance to spare parts and service, Motus Group helps you stay in operation today so we can all find a way to make tomorrow better. Get in touch with us today and discover what we can do for you.