Flue Gas Desulfurisation

Flue Gas Desulfurisation : Recently, the SC of India issued a directive to send notices to nine thermal power plants, including two managed by Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL), regarding the installation of Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) units.

• About FGD: Used to remove sulphur compounds, especially sulfur dioxide (SO₂), from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fuelled power stations.

o The process uses alkaline absorbents like ammonia, sodium sulphite, lime, or limestone slurry to chemically capture SO₂, removing up to 95% from flue gas.

o The wet process is the most common method, where flue gases are saturated with absorbents in aqueous solution.

o In wet limestone scrubbing, flue gas is sprayed in a scrubber tower with a water-limestone mix that reacts with SO₂.