How to control SOx Emissions ?

In continuation to the informative blogs today we will discuss about SO₂ i.e. Sulphur dioxide emissions. we are sure, you would like to know what are the source of generating SO₂ emissions, what are its ill effects on our health and what Technologies are available to control such emissions.

SO₂ emissions are found mainly in the exhaust flue gas of fossils fuel based Power Plants.  With the construction of large scale Power Plant in India, the problem associated with large volume of SO₂ from a single Site begins to concern the public. SO₂ emissions have serious of health hazards.  It causes irritation on skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs.  The higher exposure may create further complications like inflammation in the Respiratory System.  Inhaling SO₂  is very toxic and also can even cause death.

FGD i.e. Flue Gas Desulfurization is a set of Technologies used to remove SO₂ emissions from the environment. Stringent environmental regulations with respect to SO₂ emissions have been enacted recently in India.  SO₂ can be removed from the gas stream by different methods mentioned below:-

1. Wet scrubbing using slurry of alkaline sorbent such as lime stone, lime, caustic and sea water to scrub the gases.  This category is called wet FGDs.
2. Spray – Dry scrubbing using similar sorbent and slurries called semi Dry Technology.
3. Wet sulphuric acid process recovering sulphur in the form of commercial quality of sulphuric acid.
4. Dry sorbent injection systems that introduced in powdered hydrated lime or any other sorbent into exhausting duct.   

In end we would like to stat that the selection criteria for most optimum technology in a particular process, largely depends on the usage of byproduct generated like gypsum or sodium sulphite. The most common technology which is used in the Power & Cement Plants is lime based wet FGDs.

Hope, we have been able to give you some information on this burning subject.