Bench-Scale SCR Catalyst Testing Facility

The Southern Research Bench-Scale SCR Catalyst Testing Facility is the only one of its kind in the United States that offers independent bench-scale testing of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts. Designed to the highest industry standards and supported by our skill and experience in independent catalyst testing, this state-of-the-art facility provides utilities and catalyst managers with the capacity needed for independent, high-quality catalyst testing with reasonable turnaround times.

This advanced facility offers the capability to perform bench-scale testing of all coal-fired SCR catalyst types as well as the capability to test combined- and simple-cycle gas SCR catalysts. All testing is performed according to accepted industry guidelines and protocols to ensure the highest levels of validity and reliability. Additionally, this leading-edge facility is managed and operated by highly qualified and experienced Southern Research engineers, technicians, chemists, and testing personnel.

Advanced Features and Capabilities

• Two complete bench-test units expedite testing and reduce backlog.
• Bench-test units test full catalyst logs.
• Four aging chambers on each reactor enable faster throughput of new and regenerated catalysts.
• The bench-test units are constructed of high-purity stainless steel, reducing the baseline SO₂/SO₃ conversion and other background reactions in the bench-test units.
• The well-designed control system, valves, and instrumentation provide highly stable flows, temperatures, and gas compositions.
• Bench-scale testing includes catalyst preparation, catalyst storage for up to three years, and final disposal.
• The bench-test units feature automated data acquisition and control systems, recording NO_x, NH₃, and O₂ at the inlet and outlet of the catalyst, as well as CO, CO₂, H₂O, and temperatures and flow rates throughout the system.
• Analytical capabilities include internal surface area and pore-size distribution measurements, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of bulk and surface samples, X-ray diffraction (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and physical dimension measurements.

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