As the iron and steel industry embarks on its green transition, it faces the urgent dual challenges of managing ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and reducing carbon emissions. Traditional Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) denitration technology, while capable of achieving ultra-low emissions, typically requires heating flue gas to around 280°C for effective operation. This results in high energy consumption and substantial carbon emissions, presenting a significant barrier to the industry's sustainable development. In response to this challenge, the technical team at MCC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited (CERI) has dedicated many years to developing an innovative ultra-low temperature SCR denitration technology, offering promising solutions for the industry's future. This groundbreaking technology employs a novel catalyst system that achieves over 90% denitration efficiency within the temperature range of 120-140°C. By reducing the operating temperature by 160°C and eliminating the need for additional heating to process flue gas, this technology can lower annual operating costs by 30-40% while effectively achieving the goals of both pollution and carbon reduction. It aligns seamlessly with the energy conservation and emission reduction objectives of the iron and steel industry, showcasing significant potential for widespread implementation. 

Overcoming Technical Challenges and Paving a New Way for Low-Temperature Denitration 

The iron and steel industry, known for its large scale, high energy consumption, and high emissions, urgently requires low-energy consumption solutions for pollution and carbon reduction. Currently, ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH₃-SCR) technology remains the most effective method for denitration. The most critical component of this process is the denitration catalyst. The traditional vanadium-tungsten-titanium (V₂O₅-WO₃(MoO₃)/TiO₂) catalyst system operates efficiently at temperatures around 280°C but relies on heat exchangers to heat raw flue gas. This process consumes considerable amounts of coal gas to raise the temperature to 30°C or above, resulting in increased costs and carbon emissions. For instance, heating the flue gas from a 360 m² sintering machine can escalate annual operating costs by RMB 25 million and lead to nearly 70,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. To achieve pollution and carbon reductions alongside cost savings and efficiency improvements, the development of efficient low-temperature denitration catalysts is imperative. 

CERI's heat-free ultra-low temperature SCR denitration technology precisely addresses these industry needs. Low-temperature denitration without additional heat sources reduces both costs and emissions. This cutting-edge technology positions iron and steel companies to compete effectively in the market through enhanced green advantages. 

Critical Breakthroughs in New Catalyst Development 

Despite the promising reaction performance of various low-temperature denitration catalyst materials demonstrated in laboratory settings, practical applications have highlighted technical bottlenecks such as poor anti-poisoning performance. Some studies integrated plasma technology into traditional vanadium-tungsten-titanium catalyst systems for denitration, but this approach has increased both equipment investment and energy consumption. There remains a lack of stable and cost-effective ultra-low temperature denitration technology in China. 

CERI is focused on developing low-temperature flue gas denitration technology for the iron and steel industry, making concerted efforts to resolve critical issues. It has successfully overcome key technical challenges, such as enhancing low-temperature activity and improving resistance to sulfur and alkali metal poisoning in existing low-temperature catalysts. By developing new catalyst materials and optimizing catalyst formulations, CERI has improved SCR catalytic denitration efficiency while reducing preparation costs. The successful development of a new ultra-low temperature SCR denitration catalyst lays a solid foundation for the widespread application of this technology. Once implemented on a larger scale, it is expected to drive significant green changes in the iron and steel industry, enhancing both environmental protection and economic benefits. 

Pilot Test Achieves Remarkable Results, Leading Industry Innovations in Energy Efficiency 

CERI has dedicated years to developing a new type of low-temperature SCR catalyst, demonstrating excellent performance in low-temperature denitration activity, sulfur resistance, and alkali metal poisoning resistance. The active components of the catalyst exhibit strong adhesion and possess remarkable physical and mechanical properties. Building on this foundation, CERI designed and constructed the first pilot plant for ultra-low temperature SCR denitration technology in the iron and steel industry. 

The pilot project has commenced production, and after three months of continuous operation, it has achieved a NOx removal rate of over 90% at temperatures ranging from 120-140°C. The outlet NOx concentration has been reduced to below 50 mg/Nm³, successfully meeting ultra-low emission standards. In a groundbreaking achievement, flue gas directly extracted from the desulfurization outlet of a sintering machine in an operating steel plant has been efficiently denitrated using heat-preserved flue gas, eliminating the need for additional heating. Compared to traditional technologies, this approach reduces the denitration temperature by approximately 160°C and eliminates the need to consume gas for additional heating. As a result, operating costs have decreased by 30-40%. It not only achieves ultra-low emissions but also conserves gas resources, reduces carbon emissions, and creates ultra-premium energy efficiency. CERI's efforts provide strong support for the promotion of new ultra-low temperature denitration technology within the iron and steel industry.