Selective catalytic reduction was chosen as the best available control technology. This technology utilizes a catalyst bed to react ammonia and NOx. The products of this reaction are intermediate salts which decompose into elemental nitrogen and water which exit through the vent stack. As evidenced by these figures, the bulk of the reduction is being gained through the design and operation of a highly efficient production facility. The water use and discharge, however, will remain the same due to improvements in heat recovery.
Heat generated in the process is used to produce steam which is used elsewhere in the plant.
Improvements in heat recovery allow the generation of more steam, while cooling water use is decreased. The emission reduction from the new plant will make a significant reduction in the air emissions inventory of the BP-Lima plant and in Allen County. The emissions reduction is approximately 2000 tons per year or 4,000,000 pounds per year. The concept of waste reduction and pollution prevention has been actively practiced at BP Chemicals-Lima. Research efforts have been conducted both on and offsite to improve process operation by producing more product per unit of raw material and less waste.