North Coast Industrial Imaging To Sell Coal Boiler Biofuel Additive
PORT HURON -- Port Huron-based North Coast Industrial Imaging said Tuesday that it will represent Clean Energy Pathways in the sale and distribution of liquid biofuel to co-fire coal utility boilers.
The product will be offered to Michigan-based utilities to assist them in complying with the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).
"While exploring the use of thermal imaging to improve the effectiveness of coal-fired boilers, we learned of the excellent work that Clean Energy Pathways is doing in the use of renewable fuels," said John Lafeber, vice president of sales and applications for NCII. "The utility industry has already announced that approximately 60 coal-fired units will be shutdown because of the new EPA rules. Based on the data we have seen, biofuel co-firing can help reduce the cost and technical impact for meeting the new EPA standards, and give utilities a near-term solution at minimal cost, compared to retrofitting with upgraded controls. This alternative from American farmers is very appealing, and when coupled with an effective monitoring system utilizing thermal imaging technologies, it will help make coal a viable fuel for utilities well into the future."
According to Jon Chynoweth, marketing director of Dothan, Ala.-based Clean Energy Pathways, biodiesel can be used for flame stabilization, start-up or as a component to be co-fired with coal.
"Use of biodiesel can also reduce boiler maintenance costs," he said. "Liquid biofuels reduce soot and slag buildup on boiler tubes, which improves heat transfer efficiency, maintenance and operating costs." Clean Energy Pathways (http://cleanenergypathways.com) markets custom-blended biofuels for use as a Btu-substitute in coal-fired utility furnaces and diesel-powered equipment. Available as B20, B100 or other custom blends, the fuels meet the EPA's RFS2 mandate for use of renewable fuel, and create carbon tax credits. These fuels also qualify for the Renewable Electric Producer Tax Credit of 2.2 cents per kilowatt, or 22 cents per gallon based on 10 kilowatts per gallon.
North Coast Industrial Imaging (www.ncii-online.com) was formed in 2007 to provide high quality imaging products and services to businesses and industrial organizations in the Great Lakes region. NCII also provides thermal imaging services such as electrical audits, injection molding cooling audits, and building audits to customers in the region, all focused on reducing costs through optimizing energy use. Also, NCII develops and implements both standard and customized imaging software applications. NCII is a proud member of Automation Alley and a participant in the Port Huron Innovation Center.
