Question

What are the major source of emissions in power plant and how can we reduce it?

Answer 1

The major sources of emissions in a power plant are combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil and the boiler. The emissions are and ways in which they can be reduced are:

1.sulfur dioxide(SO2)

Sulfur is present in the fuel in both organic and non organuc form. Inorganic forms are such a s pyrites.

Although it is very difficult to remove sulfur from the coal, there are certain analytical coal-cleaning techniques which can be used. 'washing' of coal has been done for many years. It reduces the emissions of sulfur dioxide after burning. Another methid is by using low sulfur fuel.

2.NO_x

These emissions are of two types i. e thermal emission which comes from the reaction of nitrogen and excess oxygen and fuel emissjon which comes from oxidation of nitrogen.

This emission can be reduced by installing low NO_x burners. This helps in proper conbustion by controlling fuel and air mixing due to which oxygen concentration is reduced.

3. Particulate matters.

Any combustion produces large amount kf particulate matter whose amount and size depends on type of boilers, their effectiveness and the type of fuel burned. These particulate matters are very hazardous for the humans.

Reduction strategy is by using electrostatic precipitators and fabric filters. It removes the particles from the exhaust by applying a very high-voltage electrostatic charge and further collecting the particles on charged plates.