Nexus Installs N20 Abator Vessel to Support Client’s Sustainability Program

Nexus Provides Engineering Services To Reduce Emissions And Increase Reliability, Maintainability.

Overview

Nitrogen abatement is one way our clients are looking to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet GHG targets. Our client prioritized a N2O abatement project as part of their sustainability campaign to fall in line with the EPA’s National Air Quality Standards (NAAQS.)

Since 1 Kg of nitrogen emissions is equal to almost 300kg of CO2 emissions, reducing the amount of nitrogen emissions through abatement will lower their total GHG emissions. Additionally, this project would have practical applications of increasing reliability and maintainability at the facility.

Challenge

The timeline for this project was aggressive. The client was looking to complete design through commissioning in 12 months in order to meet an emissions reduction timeline established by the National Air Quality Standards Act. This was particularly challenging due to supply chain issues, delaying the arrival of the abator. The team also faced challenges around where to place the new abatement vessel, since the facility is limited in space. The team needed to figure out how to keep the existing abator operational during the installation of the new vessel to minimize the shutdown time to transfer to the new piping system.

Solution

Because the timeline was so critical, Nexus provided project management and project controls to develop and maintain an installation engineering design schedule, with the flexibility to modify the design schedule based on actual receipt of process equipment.

With the use of laser scanning and 3D modelling, the Nexus team was able to determine the most efficient placement for the vessel, which also allowed for the greatest access for easier maintenance. With the completion of this project, the client will reduce the amount of nitrogen emissions, helping them achieve their goal of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Marty Ellman was the project manager for this abator replacement. Marty has over 35 years of engineering experience and is a registered professional engineer, certified energy manager, and distributed generation and certified professional specializing in power systems, control systems, and energy projects.

Client Name 

Confidential

Location 

Midwest USA

Industry

Chemicals

Services  

• Project Controls
• Project Management
• Procurement
• Estimating
• Schedule Management