A Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) System can reduce pollutants in flue gas emitted by plants by up to 90%. This technique removes sulphur dioxide (SO2), through spraying a limestone slurry into the flue gas which reacts with SO2 and forms calcium sulfate. The FGD system can also reduce acid rain damage to forests and waterways, improves air quality, meets regulatory requirements, increases productivity, and is cost-effective in the long run. The installation of the system typically takes between six months and a year, with costs ranging from $1m to $10m depending on size and efficiency.
Clearing the Air: New Technology Reduces Pollutants by 90%
Air pollution is one of the most critical issues that our planet is facing today. According to the World Health Organization, 90% of the global population breathes polluted air, which causes severe health issues. The sources of air pollution are numerous, including transportation, power plants, and industrial activities. The traditional measures of controlling air pollution were not efficient enough to reduce the pollutants, but the advancement in technology has brought new options to tackle this problem. One such innovative technology is the “Flue gas desulfurization (FGD)” system, which has proven to reduce pollutants by 90%.
What is Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) System?
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is a technique of removing sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas emitted by power plants, industrial plants, and other sources. This technique is also called “scrubbing,” as it cleans the flue gas before it gets released into the atmosphere. The FGD system consists of a series of chemical and physical processes that remove SO2 from the flue gas. The process involves spraying a limestone slurry into the flue gas, which reacts with sulfur dioxide and forms calcium sulfate. This reaction results in the reduction of SO2 in the flue gas by 90%.
The Benefits of FGD System
The FGD system not only reduces the pollutants but also has several other benefits:
1. Reduces Acid Rain
Sulfur dioxide is one of the major contributors to acid rain. When sulfur dioxide mixes with rain, it creates an acidic compound that falls on the earth’s surface. This acid rain causes damage to forests and waterways. The FGD system prevents sulfur dioxide from being released into the atmosphere, thus reducing the occurrence of acid rain.
2. Enhanced Air Quality
Air pollution can cause severe respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. The FGD system reduces the emission of SO2, which results in better air quality, reducing the number of health issues in the community.
3. Complies with Regulations
Many countries have emission standards and regulations that industrial plants must follow. The FGD system helps industries to comply with these regulations and prevents them from facing penalties or shutting down their operations.
4. Increased Productivity
The FGD system also improves the performance of power plants and industrial plants. As the system captures SO2, the equipment and machinery last longer and perform better, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.
5. Cost-Effective
The installation of FGD systems is cost-effective in the long run. Although it requires considerable investment initially, it results in lower gas emissions, less maintenance costs, and fewer fines.
FAQs
1. How much does the FGD system cost?
The cost of installing the FGD system depends on the size and efficiency of the plant, but the average cost ranges from $1 million to $10 million.
2. How long does it take to install the FGD system?
The installation of the FGD system can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the size and complexity of the plant.
3. Is the FGD system eco-friendly?
The installation of the FGD system is beneficial for the environment as it reduces the emission of SO2 and contributes to reduced pollution levels.
Conclusion
The Flue gas desulfurization system is a revolutionary technology that is helping industries to control air pollution by reducing the emission of sulfur dioxide. The FGD system not only reduces pollution but also has many other benefits like increased productivity, compliance with regulations, and cost-effectiveness. The installation of the FGD system can be a challenging task, but it is worth it in the long run, as it leads to a cleaner and healthier environment.
