The value of FGD Gypsum

Reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal fired power plants has one side effect that adds to the
obvious environmental benefits. The flue gas desulfurization process produces high quality FGD
gypsum. Compared to mined natural gypsum, the industrially produced gypsum is more pure and
therefore offers a wide range of environmentally friendly applications.

This turns the output of flue gas desulfurization into a basic material for industries around the world. From agriculture for soil
improvement to panel products in construction, cement production, water treatment or glass
making.

Cost-effective operation

Turning the production of FGD gypsum into a cost-effective operation does however present strong
challenges at operational plant sites. The wet output from the desulfurization installation needs to be
transported to a facility where it can be dewatered. From there on, the FGD gypsum needs to be
stored at another facility and ready to be loaded into trucks. This requires ground space that is
usually not available. Also operators, power shovels and transport are needed. The main issue is:
how to achieve cost and space saving logistics for this by-product of desulfurization?

The all-in- one Eurosilo concept

To answer up to these challenges, we have developed a compact solution that has been adopted by
numerous coal fired power plants. The Eurosilo concept incorporates three functions into one unit,
requiring only a third of the ground space. Dewatering, storage and load out are all located in one
building with a fully automated silo system. This adds up to a huge advantage.

Instead of a separate dewatering, storage and load out facility there is a single cost effective solution. Next to that, the specially designed reclaim mechanism based on the slotted central column, offers high reliability in handling FGD gypsum or other cohesive material. Compared to conventional mass flow silos with a discharge plow feeder system, the Eurosilo increases the storage period from a few days to over three months without the risk of block ups.

Technical information

Jaap P.J. Ruijgrok, ESI Eurosilo, discusses the proven concept for non-free flowing bulk materials such
as FGD gypsum in a detailed paper that is available for download. For more information, fill in the form and download the whitepaper: How to handle poor flow characteristics of FDG Gypsum