(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 16, 2002 ) Electric power utilities are showing keen interest in safer means of air pollution control. Anhydrous and aqueous ammonia are used by power plants in SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems designed to reduce the emissions of toxic NOx (nitrogen oxides) into the atmosphere. Ammonia in these concentrations is considered a hazardous substance regulated by the EPA and OSHA and can cause serious injury as a result of accidental spill or over exposure. Urea, however, is a stable compound commonly found in fertilizer that can be safely transported directly to the power generation site and converted into ammonia, as needed, thereby eliminating the handling and storage risks.

Wahlco, Inc. of Santa Ana, California manufactures the patented urea to ammonia, U2ATM system, developed by EC&C Technologies, and shares the exclusive license to supply this system worldwide with Hamon Research-Cottrell. The U2ATM system was first launched in a full-scale demonstration in September of 2000 at the AES Alamitos Steam Station in Southern California and ran for 1500 hours, complying with NOx regulations and performing successfully in a side-by-side comparison to an existing aqueous ammonia system. The operation led to a permanent installation of two U2ATM system reactors at the AES Station in Huntington Beach, California where more than 5000 hours of operation have accumulated, to date, with availability well over 99.5%.

"The U2ATM system is proving to be safe, reliable and cost effective. Urea, with an ammonia equivalence of approximately 50%, provides lower operating cost when compared to aqueous ammonia and is a desirable alternative to the high risks of anhydrous ammonia," states James Clark, President and CEO of Wahlco. "We are currently working with seven utilities, totaling over 12,000 MW of SCR systems, who have chosen the U2ATM system for on-site urea to ammonia conversion."

The U2ATM system automatically adjusts to meet the ammonia needs of the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system and is compatible with all types of catalysts. There is no evidence of undesirable side reactions, such as organic or carbon residue.

Wahlco, founded in 1972, is a leading worldwide supplier of air pollution control systems, flue gas conditioning equipment, and ammonia systems for energy utilities and industrial clients. Located in Santa Ana, California, Wahlco is employee owned and operated, purchased by members of the management team in partnership with industry professionals in January of 2001. Wahlco, Inc. is not affiliated with Wahlco Engineered Products, Inc. or Wahlco Metroflex.

For further information on Wahlco and the U2ATM system technology, visit www.wahlco.com or call 714 / 979 - 7300.

------------------------

Produced for Wahlco

CONTACT:
James M. Clark, President & CEO
714 / 979 - 7300

------------------------

Contact Information:
Wahlco, Inc.
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
Email us


This is a press release. Press release distribution and press release services by EmailWire.Com: http://www.emailwire.com/us-press-release-distribution.php.