High SO{sub 2} removal efficiency testing: PSI Energy`s Gibson Station High SO{sub 2} Removal Efficiency Test Program

A program was conducted at PSI Energy`s Gibson Generating Station to evaluate options for achieving high sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) removal efficiency with the Unit 5 wet limestone flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system. This program was one of six conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate low-capital-cost upgrades to existing FGD systems as a means for utilities to comply with the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). The Gibson FGD system employs four absorber modules of the Kellogg/Weir horizontal gas flow design and uses limestone reagent with two additives. Dolomitic lime is added to introduce magnesium to increase liquid-phase alkalinity, and sulfur is added to inhibit sulfite oxidation. The high-efficiency options tested involved using sodium formate or dibasic acid (DBA) as a performance additive, increasing the absorber liquid-to-gas ratio (L/G), and/or increasing the limestone reagent stoichiometry. The unit changed coal sources during the test program. However, the Electric Power Research Institute`s (EPRI) FGD PRocess Integration and Simulation Model (FGDPRISM) was calibrated to the system and used to compare options on a consistent basis. An economic analysis was then done to determine the cost-effectiveness of each high-efficiency option. The results from this program are summarized below