With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and emphasis on sustainable development, the industry is seeking effective technologies to reduce the impact on the environment. Desulfurization technology, namely flue gas desulfurization technology (FGD), is such a key technology, which aims to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from flue gas. The technology plays a vital role in coal-fired power plants and other industrial processes that emit sulfur oxides.
FGD technology can remove more than 90% of sulfur dioxide in flue gas, which not only helps improve air quality but also plays an important role in combating climate change.
With the implementation of strict environmental protection regulations in many countries, various FGD technologies have emerged. The main desulfurization methods include: wet scrubbing, spray dry scrubbing, wet sulfuric acid method, SNOX system, etc., among which wet scrubbing is particularly widely used.
“According to industry data, FGD equipment can increase the removal efficiency of sulfur dioxide to more than 90%.”
The roots of FGD technology can be traced back to the United Kingdom in the 1850s. With the construction of large power plants in the 1920s, society's concern about sulfur dioxide emissions gradually deepened. In 1931, London's Battersea Power Station became the first large utility to install an FGD system.
As time goes by, FGD technology has become more mature around the world, and various equipment such as wet scrubbers and spray towers have been introduced to meet the ever-increasing environmental standards.
In addition to power plants, FGD technology is also increasingly used on ships. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has provided clear guidance on sulfur regulations for ship emissions, enabling ships to use exhaust gas scrubbing systems efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
“With a properly installed and maintained exhaust gas scrubbing system, a ship can effectively reduce its impact on the environment.”
FGD systems are usually divided into two stages: first the removal of volatile dust and then the removal of sulfur dioxide. The design of these systems must take into account their corrosive properties and select appropriate materials to ensure the durability and operability of the facility.
Most traditional FGD processes use calcium-based substances to neutralize sulfur dioxide and generate by-products. For example, gypsum can be used as an economic product in the building materials market. But in the face of increasingly stringent environmental standards, technology must continue to improve.
FGD technology can not only effectively reduce air pollution, but also help produce usable by-products, achieving a win-win situation for the economy and the environment. In the future, with the continuous advancement of green technology, the overall efficiency of the FGD system and its application scope will be further expanded.
"With the rise of renewable energy, FGD technology will be an indispensable part of future energy systems."
As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, are we taking enough action to support the long-term adoption and development of this critical technology?