Restrict SO2 by 2022

Environment, Forests and Climate Change Ministry has made it mandatory for all Thermal Power Plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems to restrict the levels of SO2 discharge.

FGD systems as part of the new emission norms must be implemented by 2022, said speakers at a workshop organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 23 April 2019.

The workshop on ‘Importance of SO2 Analysis system in FGD process and challenges in India context’, deliberated issues and challenges in measurement of pollutants for complying to the new emission norms for thermal power plants.

It was highlighted during the workshop that the installation of FGD takes around 2.5 to 3 years, achieving the timely compliance to the new norm remains a serious challenge.

It, therefore, calls for stakeholders’ consultations to address various issues and challenges and explore the best suited technological options, said FICCI.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Rajeev Gautam, President, HORIBA India, emphasized the significance of measurements and analysis in the area of process control applications, which would help in timely compliance to the new emission norms.

Dr. Gerhard Rosspeintner, P&E Segment Leader, HORIBA Europe, explained about the various methods for SO2 measurement and overcoming challenges in Indian context.

Ensuring the optimal performance of FGD Technology in compliance to the new emission norms is dependent on accurate measurement of SO2 emissions which helps in controlling the overall operating cost of FGD.

However, in the Indian context, high quality of sulphur in domestic coal coupled with high dust level in flue gas and the tropical climate makes it very difficult for measuring the accurate levels of emissions.

There are other challenges like difficult operational conditions in thermal power plants, high PPM, high humidity and high ambient temperature which demand customized instrumentation.

Also, many pollutants like SO3 have a presence post-FGD implementation and lack of proper instrumentation will make it difficult to analyse the presence.

These issues and challenges require the right addressal for ensuring the timely compliance to the new emission norms.

Over 50 experts from different sectors covering Developers, EPC companies, Hi-Tech analyzer manufacturers and Research Institutions participated in the workshop. fiinews.com