SO2 scrubbing technologies:: A review

Electricity generating units may use sulfur dioxide (SO2) scrubbers to meet the requirements of Phase 11 of the Acid Rain SO2 Reduction Program. Additionally; the use of scrubbers can reduce mercury emissions. It is timely; therefore, to review, the commercially available flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies that have an established record of performance. Data on worldwide applications reflect that wet FGD technologies have been used at most of the installations, 522 out of 668, completed through 1998. In reviewing the SO2 removal performance of scrubbers, data reflect that most wet limestone and lime spray drying installations appear to be capable of about 90% SO2 removal. Advanced, state-of-the-art wet scrubbers cyan provide removal in excess of 95%. ibis paper also reviews recently reported advances in SO2 scrubbing technologies. Some of these advances have been aimed at improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of established processes. Other, like wet ammonia FGD, haze focused on developing new, processes, Costs associated with limestone forced oxidation (LSFO) technology are analyzed.