Environmental Consulting

In its work for conceptualizing and developing the upfront engineering for new projects, the process of obtaining the environmental permitting is a key consideration for determining the feasibility of a project.

Any project that includes a pyro-processing element requires special attention to determining the required environmental controls. On most projects, PEC Consulting works hand-in-hand with a specialized environmental consulting firm in the preparation of the permit application and throughout the permitting process.

Industries requiring calcining or sintering, such as lime, cement, refractories, clay calcining, synthetic pozzolans, and the production of other supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), will be subjected to air permit regulations for combustion off-gases.

Navigate environmental hurdles with confidence

PEC Consulting, in partnership with environmental experts, ensures a smooth permitting process, especially for complex projects involving pyro-processing and emissions control.

From initial conceptualization to permit acquisition, we provide the expertise to overcome environmental challenges and bring your project to fruition.

Pollutants Control Expertise

PEC Consulting offers comprehensive process support and environmental control expertise to address a wide range of pollutants. Our team is well-versed in managing emissions such as:

- Nitrous Oxides (NO_X).
- Sulfur Dioxides (SO₂).
- Particulates (PM, PM₁₀, PM_2.5).
- Carbon Monoxide (CO).
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC, THC).
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).
- Ammonia Slip (NH₃).
- Heavy Metals (Hg, Pb).

To effectively mitigate these pollutants, PEC Consulting is proficient in implementing a variety of Best Available Control Technologies (BACT). Our experience encompasses:

- Fabric Filters (Dust Collectors).
- Ceramic Filters.
- Cyclones.
- Dust Suppression Systems.
- Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR).
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).
- Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO).
- After Burners.
- Dry Sorbent Injection Systems (DSI).
- Scrubbers (semi-dry and wet).

Flue Gas Dispersion Modeling

Projects that require meeting new Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and projects triggering prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) require for the environmental consultant to develop air dispersion modeling. PEC Consulting provides the environmental consultant with the concentration of pollutants at the emission points, as well as other process data:

- Process Diagram.
- Gas flows for various operating conditions.
- Gas temperature.
- Exit gas velocities.
- Topographic information.
- Stack heights.
- Any other required process data.

Mitigate emissions, protect the environment

PEC Consulting offers tailored solutions to effectively control and reduce pollutants. Our deep knowledge of BACT technologies and regulatory compliance ensures your operations meet environmental standards while optimizing performance.

What You Need to Know About Environmental Controls for Cement Processing

Cement production is a cornerstone of modern construction, but it also comes with significant environmental challenges. From air and water pollution to resource consumption, the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its impact. Effective environmental controls are essential for ensuring sustainable operations and compliance with stringent regulations.

Supplementary cementitious materials play a vital role in enhancing these control measures. By incorporating materials like fly ash, slag, and silica fume into the cement production process, manufacturers can reduce the amount of clinker needed, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, these materials can improve the performance of air pollution control equipment, helping to capture harmful pollutants and reduce emissions.

By understanding the critical role of environmental controls and the benefits of supplementary cementitious materials, cement producers can optimize their operations, minimize their environmental footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Generate Low Carbon Emissions

Reducing your carbon footprint is essential for environmental sustainability and can also lead to cost savings through energy efficiency improvements. PEC Consulting helps you identify opportunities to reduce emissions by optimizing processes, implementing cleaner technologies, and utilizing low-carbon fuels.

Develop an Environmental Improvement Plan for Your Plant

A well-structured environmental improvement plan can enhance your plant’s sustainability and reputation. PEC Consulting assists in developing comprehensive plans tailored to your specific operations, considering regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and long-term goals.

Reduce Clinker Demand

By incorporating supplementary cementitious materials into your cement production process, you can achieve similar compressive strength at certain replacement levels while significantly reducing clinker consumption. This leads to lower energy usage and decreased CO₂ emissions. PEC Consulting provides expertise in material selection, testing, and blending to optimize your cement formulation and maximize clinker reduction benefits.

Optimize your cement production for sustainability and profitability

PEC Consulting Group offers comprehensive solutions to help you reduce carbon emissions, develop effective environmental plans, and maximize the benefits of supplementary cementitious materials.

The manufacture of cement may emit mercury into the atmosphere if mercury is present in the raw materials or the fuel. To reduce emissions, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollution or (NESHAP) with the first mercury emission limit set in 2006 at 41µg/dscm at 7% oxygen. However, since 2015, the annual mercury emissions for existing cement facilities are set to 55 lb/million t of clinker (8 – 13 μg/Nm3) and 21 lb per million tons of clinker (3 – 5 μg/Nm3) for new kilns; resulting approximately in 92% reduction in mercury.

Systems to Control Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) in Coal Fired Power Plants

Commonly referred to as NOx, Nitrogen oxides are one of the primary pollutants emitted by high temperature combustion systems such as pulverized coal (PC) fired boilers. Due to its role in both acid rain and ozone formation, NOx is a regulated pollutant under the EPA’s Clean Air Act. The options to reduce NOx emissions include source reduction and post combustion treatment of the flue gas. To control NOx at source, fuel and air distribution, otherwise referred to as staging, are modified to reduce flame temperatures. This is typically achieved by using low NOx burners.

Explore more of our articles and research on industrial minerals and other topics of interest.