A new boosted overfire air (BOFA) plant is being retrofitted to a second unit at the coal-fired power station, with completion expected towards the beginning of July.
John Pacey, Ratcliffe’s plant manager, said: The new BOFA system works by forcing air into the boiler at a higher level than usual, causing the coal to burn at a lower temperature and so reducing the amount of nitrogen oxides produced – in our case we’re expecting a reduction in emissions of around 20%.
This is just one of the many projects we’re working on to maximize the potential of the station as well as ensuring a reduction in the effect our activities have on the environment.
Plans are in place for installation of BOFA on the remaining two units in preparation for the implementation of the EU’s Large Combustion Plant Directive in 2008, which requires emissions of nitrogen oxides to be reduced to less than 500 milligrams per cubic meter.
Our challenge at Ratcliffe is to keep the station running to its maximum potential, so we’re investing millions of pounds in the very latest technology to ensure we meet that challenge head on, Mr Pacey added.
