The report gives results of an examination of various coal conversion processes proposed for sulfur removal, to determine the implications for particulate removal requirements when the converted fuels are burned. A substantial increase in the near future is foreseen for the use of high-sulfur coal for large scale steam raising. A major reduction in SO2 emissions from those sources will be required to meet state and federal standards, either by desulfurizing the fuel or by removing SO2 from the flue gas. Limited information is available on the combustion of synthetic fuels but, based on the data obtained and the nature of the fuels, little problem is foreseen in meeting effluent requirements for particulates. Other factors upstream of the combustion of those fuels (e.g., turbine blade erosion or methanation catalyst poisoning) seem more likely to determine particulate removal requirements. The costs of sulfur removal by flue gas desulfurization (FGD) were examined briefly. The cost savings potentially obtained by elimination of effluent particulate control systems with synthetic fuels were insignificant in affecting the substantial cost advantage of FGD versus fuel conversion.

"March 1976." Cover title. Prepared under contract no. 68-02-1318, task 17, ROAP no. 21ADK-004, program element no. 1AB012. Includes appendix. Includes bibliographical references (pages R-4 to R-24).