Singapore Pump Products recently completed a transformative project at Siltronic Singapore's Tampines facility, demonstrating their leadership in environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. The project involved installing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Selective Catalytic Reactor (SCR) on the emergency diesel engine-driven water cooling pump system, which was originally designed and installed by Singapore Pump Products. This upgrade ensures the system meets and exceeds TIER II emission standards, as mandated by the National Environment Agency (NEA), allowing the engine to be registered under the Off-Road Diesel Engine licensing framework.
Project Overview
Siltronic Singapore, a prominent manufacturer of silicon wafers, operates an emergency diesel engine-driven water cooling pump system at its Tampines facility. This system is crucial for maintaining operational stability during power outages. Recognizing the need to comply with NEA’s stringent environmental regulations, Siltronic Singapore enlisted Singapore Pump Products to retrofit the non-emission controlled engine with advanced emission control technologies.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to retrofit an existing diesel engine with technologies that significantly reduce harmful emissions. Singapore’s environmental regulations mandate that all off-road diesel engines must meet TIER II emission standards, making it illegal to operate non-emission controlled engines. The goal was to ensure compliance with these standards while maintaining the operational efficiency of the emergency cooling pump system.
The Solution: DPF and SCR Systems
To address this challenge, Singapore Pump Products implemented a dual solution involving the installation of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and a Selective Catalytic Reactor (SCR).
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Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF):
- Function: The DPF captures and stores particulate matter (PM) from diesel engine exhaust gases, including soot and other fine particles.
- Technology: The filter uses a honeycomb structure coated with high-temperature resistant materials to trap particulate matter. Periodically, the trapped particles are oxidized to regenerate the filter, ensuring continuous operation.
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Selective Catalytic Reactor (SCR):
- Function: The SCR system reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gases by converting them into nitrogen and water through a catalytic reaction.
- Technology: A urea-based solution, known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), is injected into the exhaust stream. The resulting reaction in the presence of the catalyst significantly lowers NOx emissions.
Ensuring Continuous Operation: The UPS System
To ensure uninterrupted operation of the emission control system, a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) was integrated. This UPS system guarantees that the DPF and SCR units remain operational even during power outages, maintaining continuous compliance with NEA standards.
Installation Process
The installation was meticulously planned and executed by Singapore Pump Products, involving several key phases:
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Initial Assessment:
- A thorough assessment of the existing diesel engine and exhaust system was conducted to determine compatibility and space requirements for the DPF, SCR, and UPS systems.
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System Design:
- Custom designs were developed to integrate the DPF, SCR, and UPS seamlessly with the existing engine setup. This included designing mounting brackets, exhaust piping, and control systems.
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Installation:
- The DPF, SCR, and UPS units were installed with precision to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Sensors and control units were integrated to monitor the system’s performance in real-time.
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Testing and Commissioning:
- Following installation, the system underwent rigorous testing to ensure compliance with NEA’s TIER II emission standards. Real-time monitoring of exhaust emissions and fine-tuning of the system were conducted to achieve optimal performance.
Results and Impact
The implementation of the DPF, SCR, and UPS systems resulted in a substantial reduction in emissions from the emergency diesel engine. Key outcomes of the project include:
- Emission Reduction: The retrofitted engine now produces significantly lower levels of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: By meeting and exceeding TIER II standards, Siltronic Singapore can legally operate the emergency diesel engine under the Off-Road Diesel Engine licensing framework.
- Operational Efficiency: The advanced emission control systems, supported by the UPS, ensure that the emergency cooling pump system remains operational and compliant even during power outages.
Conclusion
The successful installation of the DPF, SCR, and UPS systems by Singapore Pump Products at Siltronic Singapore’s Tampines facility underscores the importance of adopting advanced emission control technologies in industrial applications. This project not only demonstrates Singapore Pump Products’ technical expertise but also highlights the critical role of regulatory compliance in promoting environmental sustainability.
As Singapore continues to enforce stringent environmental regulations, initiatives like this set a positive example for other industries to follow. The collaboration between Singapore Pump Products and Siltronic Singapore represents a significant step towards a greener future, where technological innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
