Title: Impact of variables on efficiency of flue gas desulphurisation plant in Longannet Power Station (ScottishPower)

Authors: Alejandro Sanchez Lafuente; Stuart Edwardson

Addresses: University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside L69 3BX, UK; Cummins Inc., UK Yarm Rd, Darlington DL1 4PW, UK ' Centre for Materials and Structures, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, UK

Abstract: Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant has been recently installed at Longannet Power Station with the aim of removing sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the flue gases. The FGD plant produces a reduction of around 94% of the SO₂ emissions, contributing to meet the current SO₂ emissions legislation. Therefore, the use of the FGD plant contributes to extend the life of the power station. However, due to the nature of the sea-water scrubbing technology, the FGD plant, it produces an acidic effluent which needs to be controlled to meet the water discharge limits. The aim of this study is to improve the FGD plant efficiency. A thorough study of the FGD process derives to an expression for the pH and dissolved oxygen concentration in the discharge water. It serves to review the influencing factors affecting the efficiency of the FGD plant. In addition, the approximated prediction model derives to a new SO₂ load to flume limit, which is less conservative that the one in use. This would permit an increase of the FGD plant efficiency, minimising costs. Tests are recommended to obtain the unknown parameters in the proposed SO₂ load to flume limit. [Received: April 11, 2015; Accepted: September 19, 2015]

Keywords: coal fired power stations; Longannet Power Station; flue gas desulphurisation; FGD; seawater scrubbing; alkalinity; sulphur dioxide; SO2; acidic effluent; water discharge limits; variables; plant efficiency; Scotland; sulphur emissions; power station lifetime; pH; dissolved oxygen; flume limit.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2016.076549

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2016 Vol.12 No.2, pp.162 - 178

Received: 11 Apr 2015
Accepted: 19 Sep 2015
Published online: 12 May 2016 *

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