Development of high performance SCR-catalysts related to different fuel types (DEVCAT) : final report

Within the DEVCAT project, high performance high-dust SCR catalysts related to different fuels have been developed, leading to an improved understanding of chemical and physical mechanisms of the reactions at the catalyst. The main focus was put on the development of commercial SCR catalysts for the application in coal-, biomass- and co-combustion derived flue gas with high DeNOx-activity and low SO2/SO3-conversion being able to convert a significantly high share of flue gas elemental mercury into its oxidised form. Oxidised mercury is subsequently absorbed in wet flue gas desulphurisation. Catalysts with different composition including the addition of new metal oxides as well as nano-material and modified geometry have been produced and were tested in micro-, technical-, bench- and full-scale SCR-reactors. The enhanced properties of the newly developed catalysts were demonstrated for all scales consistently. Interactions of relevant pollutants at the catalyst have been identified. Deactivation of newly developed catalysts in flue gas of coaland co-combustion plants was shown to be similar to conventional catalysts. In addition, the regeneration process of heavily deactivated catalysts was studied. A 3D-CFD SCR model was further developed and validated including the processes of deactivation and lifetime behaviour. The model was calibrated with experimental data generated within the project. The model allows the prediction of the distribution of flue gas components from the boiler up to downstream of the catalyst. The widespread and holistic research approach included measurements at lab- and full-scale FGDs in order to identify interactions leading to overall efficient multi-pollutant control.