The report gives results of a field measurement program to determine the operability and reliability of the Chemico magnesium oxide venturi scrubber operating at Potomac Electric Power Company's Dickerson Generating Station, Frederick, MD. A continuous source-monitoring station was installed at the scrubber, complemented by a field analytical laboratory intended for the measurement and analysis of various process streams. These facilities continuously monitored process and emission variables between October 1974 and January 1975, during August 1975. Scrubber operation was evaluated during steady-state and transient operation, the latter including startups, shutdowns, and malfunctions. During the tests, the scrubber was available about 48% of the time, including all levels of operation. Approximately 80% of system availability was steady-state, with the system operating normally. The tests showed that, although scrubber availability was not ideal (due to logistics problems in supplying raw materials (MgO), and to mechanical problems mainly attributable to under-design in such areas as piping, slurry pumps, and other auxiliary equipment), the basic scrubber concent and design should meet critical criteria once these problems are remedied.

Contract 68-02-1401, tasks 1, 10, 24, and 25, Program element 1AB013, ROAP 21BAV. Issued Aug. 1977. Includes bibliographical references.