The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed stricter limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for combustion turbines at natural gas-fired plants and industrial facilities. Article here.

This move, aimed at reducing harmful air pollutants and improving public health, may not ever come to fruition. However, the proposal reminds us to keep in mind the environmental impacts of combustion and the emissions it produces. Some states, particularly New York and California, already reflect this environmental mindset in their boiler room regulations.

At Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation, we are dedicated to helping organizations address these challenges in their boiler room through advanced technology upgrades, regulatory compliance solutions, and operational adjustments.

Technology Upgrades: Considering environment and operations

Technology upgrades are one way for organizations to address environmental concerns.

Preferred’s FlexFit Controller Retrofit Package is a comprehensive solution that integrates state-of-the-art linkageless controls with features like O2 trim, draft control, and variable frequency drives (VFDs). These features help facilities achieve compliance with current emissions regulations while also being easily adaptable to future standards.

Our low-NOx Advanced Performance Inject-Aire (API) burners are designed to minimize electricity consumption, further addressing the delicate balance between emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

Additionally, Preferred is at the top of the market with our ability to utilize sustainable fuels like B-20, B-100, and Bio-diesels to meet environmental goals while maintaining an efficient boiler room. Our burners are UL-listed for use with biofuels and biodiesels and are actively installed and operating with these fuels in numerous locations throughout New York City, the northeastern United States, and Canada.

These upgrades not only respond to current regulations, but they also set up organizations well for the future too.

Flexible solutions: Maintaining Regulatory Compliance in a Changing Landscape

Whether it’s the EPA, or state regulations, regulatory compliance will continue to change as environmental effects are taken into consideration. Facilities must consider flexible solutions that can grow and change with the requirements.

Preferred’s API burners exemplify our commitment to using innovation to maintain compliance. API burners offer high electrical and fuel efficiency with low NOx emissions – less than 35 PPM on natural gas and under 80 PPM on #2 oil (without flue gas recirculation). For facilities looking to future-proof their systems, these burners can be field-modified to reduce NOx emissions even further, to below 9 PPM on natural gas and under 48 PPM on oil. Learn more about how Preferred upgraded NYC schools for lower emissions and better operations.

All this flexibility allows organizations to stay environmentally conscious without incurring unsustainable operating costs – a critical advantage.

Operational Adjustments: Balancing emissions and efficiency

System upgrades aren’t just environmentally responsible, they’re operationally advantageous.

Preferred’s burners are designed to be incredibly flexible, with configurable controls that meet current regulations, while operating at the highest electrical efficiency possible. Preferred’s API burner incorporates VFD control of forced draft fan speed for significant electrical reductions regardless of the type of fuel burned.

Looking Ahead

Whether or not the EPA’s proposed regulations become law, reducing NOx emissions remains an ethical and strategic priority. By upgrading technology, staying flexible, and optimizing operations, organizations can build a more sustainable future while also enhancing their bottom line.

Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation offers boiler room solutions that not only address these environmental concerns but also deliver operational benefits. We are ready to help facilities navigate these challenges with American-made solutions tailored to meet evolving needs. Together, we can meet today’s standards—and tomorrow’s challenges—with confidence.