Progress Energy
Roxboro, North Carolina

Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems feature a combination of design components to provide a high level of reliability and removal efficiencies. These include B&W’s signature tray tower design to provide superior gas to liquid contact and uniform flow distribution through the absorber spray zones; its patented inlet awning, interspatial headers to reduce absorber height, pump power requirements, and internal support costs; forced oxidation system; and advanced mist eliminators.

Boiler/Plant Information

• 3 x 700 MW (Units 2, 3 and 4),
• 1 x 400 MW (Unit 1)
• Boiler type: Pulverized coal fired
• Design fuel: Bituminous
• Additional environmental equipment: Electrostatic precipitator, selective catalytic reduction system, and waste water treatment system

Project Summary

• Engineering, procurement and commissioning of a wet flue gas desulfurization system
• System designed to remove 97% of the entering SO2 without organic acid addition
• Type: Limestone forced oxidation with gypsum byproduct
• Commercial operation:
  - April 2007 (Unit 2),
  - December 2007 (Unit 4),
  - May 2008 (Unit 3),
  - December 2008 (Unit 1)

B&W Scope

• Four wet FGD absorbers – functional design by B&W, supply by Stebbins
• Three limestone ball mill systems (2 operating, 1 spare)
• Four vacuum filter systems (3 operating, 1 spare)

Results

The project met engineering, fabrication and delivery objectives.