Status of Flue Gas Desulfurization Applications in the United States: A Technological Assessment

摘要

The removal of sulfur compounds from the stack gases of coal-burning, electric power plants has been a national issue for the past decade. Desulfurization of flue gases by devices commonly referred to as ''scrubbers'' is a major approach to the problem but their use has been the subject of continuing controversy. Still unresolved are questions concerning their suitability for commercial utility operations, the relative merits of one design over another, the feasibility and costs of sludge disposal for ''throwaway'' systems, the outlook for improved, second generation systems, and perhaps, most important, whether the complex chemistry and health effects of airborne sulfur oxides are sufficiently well understood to be sure that heavy investments in scrubbers will produce the desired results. Definitive answers to these questions do not yet exist, yet decisions must be made. This report is intended to be a basic reference and information source. The report does not attempt to provide ultimate conclusions, although there are a number of specific findings. It is primarily a descriptive assessment. Alternative technologies for meeting air pollution control regulations are discussed including: Use of low-sulfur, conforming coal; coal washing; supplementary control systems and tall stacks; solvent-refined coal; coal gasification and fluidized-bed combustion. The potential of flue gas desulfurization and these alternative technologies are discussed. Regulatory pressures relative to the installation of scrubbers are the result of the administrative and judicial implementations of the Clean Air Act. The financial costs of scrubber installations are compared with the most commonly applicable alternative: Burning western, low-sulfur coal. (ERA citation 03:036669)