Flue gas desulfurization : cost and functional analysis of large-scale and proven plants

Abstract

Flue Gas Desulfurization is a method of controlling the emission of sulfurs, which causes the acid rain. The following study is based on 26 utilities which burn coal, have a generating capacity of at least 50 Megawatts (MW) and whose Flue Gas Desulfurization devices have been operating for at least 5 years. An analysis is made of the capital and annual costs of these systems using a comparison of four main processes: lime, limestone, dual alkali and sodium carbonate scrubbing. The functional analysis, based on operability, allows a readjustment of the annual costs and a determination of the main reasons for failure. Finally four detailed case studies are analyzed and show the evolution of cost and operability along the years.