Method for controlling wet-process flue gas desulfurization

Abstract

Optimum overall operation of a whole plant including a combustion unit such as a boiler and a wet-process flue gas desulfurization unit comprising an absorption column for removing sulfur dioxide from a flue gas from the combustion unit by absorption using a slurry of an absorbing agent such as limestone powder circulated through absorption column, recycle pumps for circulating the slurry through the absorption column and oxidation air blowers for supplying an oxidation air to the absorption column and a recycle tank is controlled by anticipating a future pH value of the circulating slurry and a future inlet sulfur dioxide content of the flue gas from a present pH value of the circulating slurry and a present inlet sulfur dioxide content of the flue gas and their change rates by computing, anticipating a future desulfurization ratio from both the anticipated pH value and inlet SO.sub.2 content and a recycle rate of the slurry, and controlling the recycle rate of the circulating slurry on the basis of the anticipated desulfurization ratio, where a desired desulfurization ratio can be readily and continuously maintained against any change in fuel species and load of a boiler with reduced utility consumption.