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''Effect of auto-oxidation on treatment and disposal properties of lignite derived flue gas desulfurization sludge''

Conference · · Coal Technol. (Houston); (United States)
OSTI ID:5879772

Auto-oxidation or the natural conversion from CaSO/sub 3/ x 1/2 H/sub 2/O to CaSO/sub 4/ x 2H/sub 2/O occurs due to reductions of SO/sub 2/ loadings and the operating pH of lime/limestone FGD systems. Appreciable levels of auto-oxidation are prevalent on low sulfur fuels, e.g., western and lignite coal. Sludge treatment systems designed for maximum design conditions may deleteriously perform unless adequate design provisions are incorporated. Auto-oxidized FGD slurry, containing larger CaSO/sub 4/ particles, settle faster achieving higher densities. Thickener overload and consolidation can be prevented by proper drive mechanism design and underflow solids/density control. Utilization of an underflow surge tank allows a properly designed unit to temporarily store the autooxidized material and to maintain a constant and homogenous filter feed. Filtration rates and cake solids content are improved during auto-oxidation conditions, but provisions to avoid cake-cracking are recommended. The resultant higher filter cake, nonetheless, requires fly ash blending to ensure adequate transportability characteristics. Other areas of concern within the FGD System should be addressed, but these are beyond the scope of this paper. Performing a transportability analysis, for all ash and sulfur levels, identifies significant operating modes. Under some conditions, e.g., minimum sulfur, the combination of available fly ash and higher percent solids of auto-oxidized underflow, permits vacuum filter bypass. Combining fly ash and auto-oxidized material, enhances the blends' landfill suitability. Higher ash/sludge and CaSO/sub 4//SO/sub 3/ ratios increase Unconfined Compressive Strength and reduce the permeability coefficient. Properly designed FGD sludge treatment and fly ash blending systems are well-suited for lime/limestone FGD systems installed on low sulfur western or lignite coal-fired power plants.

Research Organization:
Waste Treatment Systems, General Electric Environmental Services
OSTI ID:
5879772
Report Number(s):
CONF-831112-
Journal Information:
Coal Technol. (Houston); (United States), Journal Name: Coal Technol. (Houston); (United States) Vol. 6; ISSN COATD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English