At its site in Hilden near Düsseldorf, 3M operates two single-flame tube boilers for energy supply, which, after more than 40 years of operation, no longer met current NOx emission requirements. The aim was to bring the existing systems into line with the requirements of the 44th BImSchV – without a complete overhaul of the boiler plant.
To achieve this, SAACKE focused on a targeted modernisation of the existing combustion technology. By combining burner optimisation with the integration of flue gas recirculation, NOx emissions were significantly reduced – from over 180 mg/Nm³ to under 90 mg/Nm³. This means that the legal requirements are not only met, but clearly undercut.
The project demonstrates that even older existing plants can continue to operate efficiently and with low emissions through targeted retrofit measures.