flue gas desulfurization in thermal power plant
Flue gas desulfurization in thermal power plants is an important process that removes sulfur dioxide from the exhaust gases produced by combustion of fossil fuels. Its basic function is to diminish the emission of SO2, a main substance responsible for acid rain and respiratory problems. Typical technical features of desulfurization with flue gas are to use limestone or lime slurry for absorbing sulfur dioxide, and produce gypsum as a byproduct for use in the construction industry. The process generally proceeds according to this diagram: SO2 is absorbed in a wet scrubber system, where the flue gas goes through huge amounts of liquid slurry, allowing sulfur dioxide to react-producing Sulphite as a by-product. This technology is widely used in coal-fired power plants. It is a major means of meeting environmental regulations for plant emissions, and ultimately lightening the plant’s environmental burden.