Flue Gas Conditioning

Abstract

Flue gas conditioning (FGC) systems offer an effective option for control of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions and enhances the performance of the Electrostatic Precipitators (EPs) when using coal of different properties. The increasing environmental awareness and the mandate of the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) in various countries to thermal power stations using coal-fired boilers for lowering Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) emissions has increased the urgency for reviewing options and alternatives. As compared to ESP retrofits or bag filters, the FGC systems in conjunction with existing EP offer cost effective and flexible alternatives for controlling SPM emission levels. The paper describes recent advances in FGC technologies. Chemithon's FGC technologies are in use at more than 170 thermal power plants world wide. The presentation reviews the flue gas conditioning technology as well as few case studies for high ash and low sulfur coal and highlights the economic advantages of a cost effective technology option.