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Impact of FGD Gypsum Production
on Power Plant Operations and Gypsum Markets
Robert
B. Bruce, PhD1, David L. Tackett, P.E.2
Presented at PowerGen Conference; Orlando, USA, November 2004
Abstract:
Scrubbing of SO2 from coal fired
power plants has resulted in the production of large quantities of
byproduct calcium sulfate (gypsum) and/or calcium sulfite. These materials
are normally disposed of in wet or dry waste disposal areas. As a waste material there is no need to
meet product type specifications.
Unfortunately this changes when a utility converts their former
waste stream into a profit stream and are then required to meet gypsum
quality specifications. Changes in O&M procedures, equipment
performance monitoring and possibly even capital expenditures may be
required to comply with these specifications. If care is taken to oxidize, wash, and
control particle size, this by-product flue gas desulfurization (FGD)
gypsum or desulfogypsum (DSG) can be used to displace substantial
quantities of gypsum rock from mines and quarries across
North America. Although the gypsum products market is
growing, and the use of this byproduct gypsum has grown substantially over
the past few years; the supply of Desulfogypsum is likely to grow even
faster than demand and stockpiles of high quality gypsum are likely to
result. This new availability of FGD
gypsum has changed the cost structure and supply options for the gypsum
industry. This paper will illustrate
how the supply and consumption of FGD gypsum has grown over the past 10
years. It will show what new
products could be introduced to significantly increase consumption rates of
FGD gypsum, and how a utility could participate directly in the marketing
of these higher value gypsum products.
O&M problems and changing economics within the plant when a
waste stream turns into a profit stream will be discussed. Many different scenarios are possible
when a utility produces gypsum to sell into the market.
Please
contact us for publication pricing and
availability.
1Innogyps Inc., Unit 122,
7
Innovation Drive,
Flamborough,
Ontario,
L9H7H9,
Canada
2Tailored Business Solutions,
LLC,
479 Hickory Hollow Dr.,
Canfield,
Ohio
44406-1050.
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