AEP, currently operating a five-combustor SHOCKSystem™, will commission the second system at their Rockport facility. Both systems are located in the economizer region and upon commissioning, will remove the existing ash accumulations before run cycles are adapted to maintain boiler cleanliness. Removal of these ash piles online will improve boiler availability, increase efficiency, reduce emissions and lower coal consumption. During the initial start-up period, the SHOCKSystem™ removed over 300,000 lbs. of ash and improved boiler efficiency by over 0.2%. The continued online use of the product helped the first unit reach all-time highs for production output within the AEP network.

"We are pleased that AEP has decided to move forward with the installation of a second five-combustor SHOCKSystem™ at the Rockport plant," said Greg Jones, Director of Pratt & Whitney Specialty Material Services. "The data from the first Rockport installation showed that the SHOCKSystem™ was able to maintain boiler cleanliness."

The SHOCKSystem™ is an industrial application of pulse detonation technology - an unsteady combustion process. The SHOCKSystem™ uses combustion-driven detonation waves, stronger than acoustic sound waves, to remove tenacious deposits from boiler heat transfer surfaces. Operating and maintenance costs are minimal compared to sootblowing costs. P&W introduced the SHOCKSystem™ to the utility market in 2005 and has since partnered with several utility companies and over 20 individual plant boilers.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, owning nearly 36,000 megawatts of generating capacity and delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP's Rockport plant is home to two 1,300 megawatt boilers, the largest coal boilers in the world.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial products. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries worldwide.