A Comprehensive Mathematical Model of Flue-Gas Desulfurization

When burned to produce energy, sulfur-containing fossil-fuels, such as coal or oil, often generate sulfur dioxide (SO₂). SO₂ is known to be damaging to humans (at high concentration levels) and to the environment, being one of the main precursors of acid rain. Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel, with reserves estimated to be in excess of 150 years at current consumption rates. Thus, technologies aiming at minimising the environmental impact of coal utilization are subject of vigourous research worldwide. Among these, flue-gas cleanup, such as Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD), is perhaps the one offering at present the lowest technological risk, and the fastest route to implementation. FGD can be achieved using a number of technologies , but the vast majority of currently-installed capacity is for wet scrubbers. Wet scrubbers combine high SO₂ removal efficiency, high reagent utilization, and compact designs.