The Removal of So2 Using Gas Suspension Absorption Technology Demonstration Project a Doe Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document serves as a DOE post-project assessment of a project in Round 3 of the Clean Coal Technology (CCT) Demonstration Program titled, "Demonstration of SO 2 Removal Using Gas Suspension Absorption Technology." In October 1990, AirPol Inc. entered into a cooperative agreement to conduct the study, with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as the host and co-sponsor. The major objectives of the GSA demonstration were successfully achieved: • The process removed over 90% of the SO 2 in the flue gas with a low level of time consumption. • The process operated reliably. The GSA system is comprised of simple carbon steel (corrosion-free) components, can achieve high SO 2 removal efficiencies with a low level of lime consumption for a range of coal sulfur contents, has low maintenance requirements, does not require a dedicated operator, and has demonstrated an availability of virtually 100 percent. • Particulate emissions were well below the New Source Performance Standards. Substantially all of the hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride in the flue gas were absorbed in the GSA reactor. A high percentage of trace metals reporting to the gas stream also were removed by the system. The economics of the GSA process are favorable compared with conventional flue gas desulfurization using wet limestone. The capital cost for a GSA system is about 30% less, and the levelized annual costs for many applications are substantially lower. No problems were experienced with boiler operation or other emissions. The demonstration project produced valuable data for application to larger scale projects, and commercialization activities have begun. The GSA process is a promising technology that will aid U.S. utilities and other industries in achieving an effective, economic, and space-efficient solution to the SO 2 emissions problem. The Ohio Coal Development Office has awarded the city of Hamilton a grant to install GSA technology in the city's municipal power plant. This will allow Hamilton to meet environmental regulations while using high-sulfur Ohio coal for power generation.