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How to eliminate sulfuric acid gas from factory chimneys? What is the secret of FGD technology?
With the improvement of global environmental awareness, the emission of pollutants is subject to increasingly strict regulation. Among them, the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) has become the focus of attention. This gas, which comes from the burning of fossil fuels, is not only the main component of acid rain, but also causes serious harm to human health. So, how can factories effectively remove these harmful sulfuric acid gases? This is exactly the challenge that flue gas desulfurization technology (FGD) addresses.
Flue gas desulfurization is a collection of technologies that remove SO2 from emissions from fossil fuel power plants and other industries.
History of FGD technology
The history of FGD technology can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The earliest desulfurization technology was developed in the United Kingdom, and with the establishment of large-scale power plants in the 1920s, the problem of sulfur dioxide could no longer be ignored. In 1931, the first major FGD unit was installed at London's Battersea Power Station, marking an important step towards the commercialization of the technology.
Early large-scale FGD installations were temporarily suspended during World War II because the white vapor could be used by enemy aircraft to locate them.
Current desulfurization technology
Currently, FGD systems are generally divided into two categories: wet and dry. The wet flue gas desulfurization system uses a suspension of limestone or lime to remove SO2, which is very effective and has a removal efficiency of over 90%. The dry system sprays fine alkaline powder directly into the flue to achieve desulfurization. This method is relatively simple, but in some cases the efficiency is low.
Chemical process of desulfurization reaction
In the FGD process, the main chemical reaction is the conversion of SO2 into harmless calcium sulfate or other anions. In the wet system, common reactions are as follows:
CaCO3 + SO2 → CaSO3 + CO2This indicates that the limestone is converted into calcium sulfate after the reaction, which product can then be further processed to form the gypsum material required by the market.
FGD system on board a ship
In addition to applications on land, the International Maritime Organization has also developed guidelines for desulfurization systems on ships to ensure that they comply with relevant environmental protection regulations. This requires the port state where the ship is located to conduct corresponding inspections and supervision to ensure the effectiveness of the system.
If a scrubber system does not function properly, the port state has the power to impose sanctions on it.
Challenges
Although FGD technology has shown obvious effects in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, it still faces many difficulties in practical applications. First, the FGD system will produce a certain amount of wastewater. These wastewaters require further treatment to comply with environmental regulations.
Future Outlook
With further development of technology, the efficiency and economy of FGD are expected to continue to improve. Some emerging desulfurization technologies, such as desulfurization using electron beam irradiation combined with ammonia, show potential for future improvements.
How to balance environmental protection and economic benefits is an important issue that must be considered in the face of industrial development?
