GE P&W FuelSolv - Slag Control Treatment Program at a Southeastern Utility - Manual (Page 8)

Page 8 Technical Paper
Figure 6: Visual and IR Photography, contrasting 11-30-10 with 12-17-10
Wastewater and Ash Pond Analyses
Two FGD water discharge samples were collected in
order to establish a baseline. No measureable cop-
per was detected and no significant change in op-
eration was noted. In future trials, additional
samples should be taken to provide a greater un-
derstanding of the normal state of the FGD compo-
site analysis.
Ash pond water samples were collected on Novem-
ber 19 and 20 (prior to the metal oxide addition) and
on December 12 (after the metal oxide feed) to de-
termine the effects of copper in the ash pond. The
trial team wanted to rule out any negative impacts
from copper carryover from the bottom ash sluice
into the ash pond and subsequent NPDES outfall. No
measurable copper was detected in the ash pond
on all three sample dates.
SO
3
Testing
The trial team also conducted two duct tests,
sampling flue gas to determine the sulfur trioxide
(SO
3
) concentration during varying operating con-
ditions and when chemicals were added to the
coal feed. Samples were collected from a single
point approximately seven feet from the duct wall
at a test port downstream of the SCR- the only
test port available at the furnace. Measurements
were conducted to observe the treatment regi-
men’s effect on “blue plume”. (There have been
studies on magnesium oxide’s effect on SO
3
in
fossil fuel-fired furnaces (Schmidtchen 2002)).
Ammonia injection was off during the testing to
avoid free ammonia interference with the analy-
sis. A third-party stack testing firm was contracted
to collect samples using the Controlled Conden-
sate Method (US EPA Method 8A) and analyze
them by High Performance Liquid Chromatog-
raphy (HPLC).
3A Level 5 Port D, 11-30-10
(note the minor slag)
3A Level 5 Port D, 12-17-10
(note the large formation on the wall)
3A Level 3 Port B, 11-30-10
(note the minor blinding)
3A Level 3 Port A, 12-17-10
(note the blinding and hot runny formation)