Sulphur removal from flue gases in the utility sector: Practicalities and economics

Abstract

Sulphur dioxide control in the utility sector has come of age with established technologies supplied by companies with international reputations and good track records now taking major contracts on a regular basis. Although not employed as extensively as originally anticipated in the United Kingdom, subject to gaining the necessary consents and authorizations, a major contract may be placed for sulphur control on Orimulsion fired plant. World-wide use of desulphurization technologies continues to expand with many installations now under construction or in operation in areas such as the Pacific Rim and Eastern Europe to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations aimed at controlling unwanted environmental effects.

Previous papers from suppliers and operators have tended to concentrate on the theory of the process or the practical engineering aspects of on-site installation and operation. This paper considers the overall impact and cost of various systems and reviews established and developing systems of flue gas desulphurization processes. It focuses not only on the technology but also on the supply of raw materials, marketing and/or disposal of products, the economics of such systems and some of their potential environmental impacts both on and off site. In this respect the paper reviews all the major areas to be considered in the selection of a process for a particular site.