Technologies for Controlling Pollutants from Coal Combustion

摘要

The paper is an overview of EPA's efforts in developing technology for controlling pollutants from coal combustion. SO2, NOx, and particles are the predominant pollutants emitted from the combustion of coal. One goal of current EPA research and development is to reduce the costs for controlling these pollutants. Several technologies have the capability to reduce emissions of one or more of these pollutants. Some of the technologies are currently available. Others will be available over the next 5-10 years, depending on market factors. One problem associated with most of the currently available technologies is high cost; e.g., the capital cost of scrubbers can range as high as 30% of the cost of the power plant. Some of the advanced technologies show great promise for more efficient removal of pollutants at lower costs. The cost saving potential of LIMB, E-SOX, Staged ESPs, and Electrostatic Enhancement of Fabric Filtration(ESFF), currently under development by the EPA, is particularly encouraging; e.g., the application of LIMB (about 60% SO2 removal) as a partial substitute for flue gas desulfurization (about 90% SO2 removal) may result in cost savings as great as $670 per ton SO2 removed. This estimate is based on a 300 MW utility boiler firing coal containing about 2% sulfur. EPA's research findings are encouraging.