"March 1982." Includes bibliographical references.

Combustion of coal in conventional pulverized coal fired (PCF) steam-electric power generating stations results in the emission of atmospheric contaminants which include sulphur dioxide, particulates, and trace elements and compounds. To meet pending regulatory limits for the emission of sulphur dioxide, PCF stations will require flue gas desulphurization (FGD) facilities when burning medium to high-sulphur coals. While this technology has been successfully demonstrated, most FGD systems produce a wet, relatively hard-to-handle sludge, and significant problems with equipment reliability have been encountered. Fluidized bed (FB) combustion technology has been proposed as a viable alternative to conventional PCF combustion, since low-grade, high-sulphur coals can be burned in FB boilers without the problems associated with FGD. This study examines the energy conversion efficiency, air emissions, solid waste production, water requirements, wastewater production, and general environmental protection requirements of a model 400-MW atmospheric fluidized bed station. These aspects are compared to those of a conventional PCF station of the same size equipped with FGD and state-of-the-act environmental control facilities. The results suggest that FB technology is feasible alternative to conventional PCF technology where FGD is required to control sulphur dioxide emissions. The greatest potential application appears to be with medium to low-sulphur coals, where moderate calcium-to- sulphur ratios are required. This document is intended to be generic only. Assumptions made regarding power plant characteristics are based on industry experience as reported in the literature.