Boiler Blog | Nationwide Boiler Inc.

The EPA today proposed a new reporting ruling that would require large, direct emitters of greenhouse gases to comply with new reporting requirements. These would include energy intensive sectors such as cement production, iron and steel production and electricity generation.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson realizes the importance of gathering critical data in order to better understand climate change for a healthier future.  She notes that this proposed requirement will not affect small businesses, but is rather aimed at large businesses, those that have emissions equal to or greater than a threshold of 25,000 metric tons per year.

"Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information. Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment - all without placing an onerous burden on our nation's small businesses."

The EPA estimates that the expected cost to comply with the reporting requirements to the private sector would be $160 million for the first year. In subsequent years, the annualized costs for the private sector would be $127 million. This rule is being developed under the authority of the Clean Air Act and the proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Two public hearings will be held during the comment period.

Nationwide Boiler's low NOx solutions are developed for companies, large and small, who want to do their part in combating climate change. We have upgraded our fleet of rental boilers with Low NOx equipment in order to easily meet emissions requirements in any part of the county. For those customers wanting even lower emissions our CataStak SCR systems have been proven to reduce NOx emissions below 5 ppm in over 50 installations and that list continues to grow.

Nationwide Boiler is ready to help your facility meet your "green" goals. Contact us today and let us know how we can help.

Click here for more information on the proposed rule.

In an effort to expand worldwide sales, Nationwide Boiler Inc. has recently signed two new representatives that will focus on the rental, leasing and sales of boilers and CataStak™ SCR systems: Dade Hamilton (Coral Gables, FL) and Heat Transfer Specialists (Houston, TX).

Dade Hamilton supplies industrial equipment to the oil and gas, petrochemical, utility, pulp and paper, steel, and sugar industries in Latin America and the Caribbean.  This new relationship with Nationwide Boiler will enhance both companies ability to supply new boiler systems internationally, specifically the Babcock & Wilcox Model FM 120-124, 200,000 lb/hr superheated steam package boiler (750 psig / 750°F).  As a partner and stocking distributor for the Babcock & Wilcox Company, Nationwide Boiler can ship the Model FM boiler (or any other boiler system in the company’s inventory) anywhere in the world.

Heat Transfer Specialists (HTS) specializes in supplying combustion equipment that provides the latest technology in energy efficiency and low emissions.  The company serves industrial users in the oil and gas, refining, petrochemical and power industries. Their strategic location in Houston, TX has helped the company grow into a successful manufacturer’s representative and they are well positioned to increase Nationwide Boiler’s market share in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) heater market, in addition to providing new opportunities for the sale and rental of boiler systems.

Bill Testa, Nationwide Boiler’s Business Development Manager, played a pivotal role in engaging and securing both representatives for Nationwide Boiler. “Dade Hamilton and Heat Transfer Specialists have both proven themselves to be leading suppliers to customers in their territories. They both possess the experience, expertise and continued commitment to serve their customers to the full extent possible, while continuing to add value and unparalleled customer support. Both companies are welcome additions to the company and we look forward to many new opportunities as a result of these new relationships.”

We want to welcome Dade Hamilton and HTS to Nationwide Boiler and we look forward to the many foreseen opportunities with each of these companies.

In February of this year, the Boiler MACT rule was published in the Federal Register, causing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose new regulations calling for system upgrades on boilers and auxiliary equipment in many plants.  The costs associated with these upgrades can reach up to $35 billion according to the EPA, but because the costs will be specific to each individual plant, no one will know the real costs until the boiler equipment is evaluated to comply with new and future regulations.  Boiler operators are hesitant to spend the money due to the uncertainty of regulations, but eventually something will need to be done.

There are resources available, and the U.S. boiler and combustion equipment industry is readily able to meet the demand for these system upgrades. Randy Rawson, President of the American Boiler Manufacturer’s Association (ABMA), said, “We have the workforce resources to meet the needs of our customers, as long as our customers don’t push compliance go the last minute.”

The largest air districts in California have passed rules that require NOx compliance as low as 5 ppm by the year 2015.  Few burner manufacturers have been successful with developing new ultra low NOx (ULN) burner technology that easily and safely performs at 9 - 7 ppm NOx.  Many users that have tried ULN burners suffer the consequences of high FGR or excess air rates that compromise not only efficiency, but also the operational limits of boiler equipment, resulting in limited turndown capabilities, flame pulsations and unstable operation.

Today, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology has taken over as the best available control technology for complying with ultra low NOx emission requirements.  Nationwide Boiler, having invested in SCR technology for our rental fleet over the last ten years, has both the experience as an user and a supplier of the CataStak™ SCR system.   Our SCR systems have met or exceeded emission requirements for over one hundred boilers, steam generators and gas turbines installations.

The Nationwide Boiler CataStak™ SCR system is proven to decrease emissions, increase energy efficiency, reduce fan horsepower and provide greenhouse gas / carbon reductions. Typical users can save significant energy costs by reducing flue gas recirculation which substantially reduces fan horsepower (HP) and when compared with a typical 9 ppm burner, fan HP can be reduced by as much as half.

If you are concerned or have questions about how your facility is planning to comply with local air quality regulations, send am email to info@nationwideboiler.com and together we can come up with a solution that can perform as low as 2.5 ppm NOx and pass any current air regulation with the lowest carbon footprint.

Be sure to read Part I of this series to learn about emissions requirements in the SCAQMD.

In the last edition of Boiler Blog 101, we discussed air permitting rules and regulations in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). In part II, we will cover the basics of air permitting for boilers in another California district that leads the country in air pollution control; the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD).

The SJVAPCD was founded in 1991 with a mission to improve the health and quality of life for all Valley residents through efficient, effective and entrepreneurial air quality management strategies. The SJVAPCD is made up of eight counties in the Central Valley of California; San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern.

The rules that have been set forth specifically for boilers, steam generators, and process heaters are outlined below:

Starting at the beginning of 2019, the SJVAPCD implemented a new rule titled, Best Available Control Technology (BACT). This rule requires that all new permits meet the lowest NOx limits that have been achieved, regardless of what is mandated. In addition, due to Assembly Bill 617, boiler owners in the SJVAPCD are mandated to meet Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT) for any existing equipment retrofits. This means that when your boiler needs to be upgraded or replaced, it must meet more stringent NOx limits, which can be as low as 7 ppm.

These rules can be overwhelming, which is why Nationwide Boiler’s AQMD experts are capable and ready to assist you with the permitting process needed for your facility. Furthermore, we can help you reduce NOx to comply with your air emissions regulations. Nationwide Boiler’s CataStak™ SCR system is proven to reduce NOx levels to as low as 2.5 ppm. Contact us today for more details.