Atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) boilers have developed rapidly over recent years and are now offered commercially in several different configurations. SO2 reduction levels of 90 percent and above have been achieved by coal-fired AFBC boilers in the industrial size category. Based on the data available, industrial FBC NOx emissions have been consistently below 0.5 lb/million Btu. PM emissions of less than 0.5 lb/million Btu have been routinely achieved with fabric filters. AFBC boiler system costs were compared with costs for a conventional boiler equipped with an FGD system and with costs for a conventional boiler using low sulfur compliance coal. The conclusions drawn from the economic analyses are that (1) studied cost difference between AFBC Technology, conventional boiler/FGD systems, and compliance coal combustion are projected to be small over the SO2 emission range of 1.7 to 0.8 lb/million Btu and SO2 reduction range of 65 to 90 percent, and (2) that cost competitiveness among these technologies is not expected to change significantly as the emission limitations change over this range. Absolute economic competitiveness among these options will be sensitive to site-specific parameters and decided on a case-by-case basis.

Final. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "September 1984." "EPA/450-3-85-010." Includes bibliographical references. Contract Number: 68-01-6558.