ECO-SO2 System Benefits

The ECO-SO2 technology offers several operational and economic benefits in comparison to traditional wet and dry SO2 scrubbing systems.

Superior Emissions Control and Flexibility:

• The system provides high SO2 removal (99 percent) for high- and low-sulfur coals.
• The integral wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) captures SO3 and fine particulate matter to BACT standards.
• Oxidized mercury is captured and then isolated from the fertilizer co-product stream for separate disposal.
• The modular design can be adapted to different boiler sizes and configurations, and is suitable for retrofit and new plant applications.
• The system is constructed as an independent unit and then tied-in to the plant during a short outage.

Attractive Economics and Reduced Risk:

• In contrast to traditional scrubbing technologies, the ECO system does not produce any new solid waste streams or a wastewater stream. This eliminates the need for permitting associated with landfill disposal or a wastewater treatment system.
• ECO-SO2 subsystems can be located remotely from the absorber island, providing increased installation flexibility.
• The revenue generated by the sale of the ammonium sulfate fertilizer co-product offsets the reagent cost and part of the plant's operating expenses.
• Mercury collection is achieved downstream of primary particulate (ESP or fabric filter) and SO2 collection. As a result, ash sales are unaffected.

Hedge Against Future Environmental Regulations:

• The integral wet ESP removes acid mists and fine particulate matter, which are likely to be subject to more stringent regulation in the future. For some new plants under development, a wet ESP downstream of an SO2 scrubber is required by the air permit.
• The ECO-SO2 technology offers the potential to cost-effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) for sequestration. Powerspan has conducted laboratory testing of a CO2 capture process, and is proceeding with plans for a pilot test at FirstEnergy's R.E. Burger Plant. Powerspan is working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop the CO2 capture process.