The electron-beam FGT process

• Published in: International journal of radiation applications and instrumentation. Part C, Radiation physics and chemistry Radiation physics and chemistry, 1990, Vol.35 (1), p.416-421
• Main Authors: Frank, Norman W., Hirano, Shinichi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dose; Heterogeneous; Homogeneous; NO x; SO 2; Stoichiometry
• ISSN: 1359-0197; 1878-1020
• DOI: 10.1016/1359-0197(90)90131-Z

The electron-beam process is one of the most effective methods of removing SO 2 and NO x from industrial flue gases. This flue gas treatment consists of adding a small amount of ammonia to the flue gas and irradiating the gas by means of an electron beam, thereby causing reactions which convert the SO 2 and NO x to ammonium sulfate and ammonium-sulfate nitrate. These salts may then be collected from the flue gas by means of such conventional collectors as an elecrtostatic precipitator or baghouse. This process has numerous advantages over currently-used conventional processes as follows: 1. 1) The process simultaneously removes SO 2 and NO x from flue gas at high efficiency levels; 2. 2) It is a dry process which is easily controlled and has excellent load-following capability; 3. 3) Stock-gas reheat is not required; 4. 4) The pollutants are converted into a salable agricultural fertilizer; 5. 5) The process has low capital and operating cost requirements. Test results from the most recent pilot plant in Indianapolis, Indiana, will be discussed showing various characteristics of process control, temperature relationships, radiation dosage, pollution removals at various conditions, and by-product collection usage evaluations. The results will show what will be required in future commercial installations and what accelerator equipment will be required, including various configuration of irradiation zone process design. The economic evaluation will include studies of cost sensitivity and by-product pay back. Various designs for large scale plants indicate the process will have a place in the future clean-up of environmental pollutants.