Sulfate Formation in Oil-Fired Power Plant Plumes. Volume 1. Parameters Affecting Primary Sulfate Emissions and a Model for Predicting Emissions and Plume Opacity. Final Report

摘要

High sulfuric acid emissions with concomitant acid smuts and plume opacity concerns at oil fired utility boilers has been associated with combustion of high sulfur-, high vanadium-containing fuel. The purpose of this program was to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the formation of flue gas H sub 2 SO sub 4 and metal sulfates (MSO sub 4 ) and to determine the extent by which operating and controls parameters as well as the composition of the fuel affected those emissions. More than 200 flue gas measurements were made at a number of oil fired units and one coal fired unit, providing emissions levels of SO sub 2 , H sub 2 SO sub 4 , MSO sub 4 , total suspended particulate, and NO/sub x/. Parameters shown to significantly affect H sub 2 SO sub 4 and MSO sub 4 emissions were furnace O sub 2 level, sulfur and vanadium content of the fuel, the amount of corrosion inhibitor added to the oil, power level, and the composition of the fly ash. Correlations were developed which related the H sub 2 SO sub 4 and MSO sub 4 emissions at oil fired units with the parameters above; predictions of emissions appear to be accurate to within +-25%. Based on limited data from the literature, the correlations were extended to include a means for predicting plume opacity and in-stack opacity. Recommendations for controlling the levels of H sub 2 SO sub 4 and MSO sub 4 emissions as well as maintaining utility units in compliance with opacity regulations were made. Future research needs were indicated, including more studies relating H sub 2 SO sub 4 levels in flue gas with plume opacity and emissions studies at coal fired units. 85 references, 27 figures, 23 tables. (ERA citation 09:017237)