In a significant advancement for the energy sector, researchers have successfully overhauled the desulfurization wastewater treatment system at a coal-fired power plant in Shandong Province, China. This innovative project, led by Liu Guidong from the School of Energy and Power Engineering at Xi’an Jiaotong University, introduces an integrated high-efficiency clarification process that promises not only to enhance water quality but also to deliver substantial economic benefits.
Historically, the plant utilized a cumbersome triple-tank process to manage its desulfurization wastewater. This method struggled with high levels of suspended solids—recorded at an alarming 13,650 mg/L—and other contaminants, including heavy metal ions that exceeded safety standards. The new system, however, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. After a rigorous 168 hours of commissioning and testing, the new process achieved an effluent suspended solids level of just 1.5 mg/L and a chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) of 132.2 mg/L, far below the limits set by the Discharge Standard of Wastewater from Limestone-Gypsum Flue Gas Desulfurization System in Fossil Fuel Power Plants (DL/T 997-2020).
“The transition to an integrated high-efficiency clarification process has not only stabilized the treatment system but also significantly improved the quality of the effluent,” Liu stated. “This advancement is pivotal for coal-fired power plants aiming to meet stringent environmental regulations while also managing operational costs.”
The economic implications of this research are profound. The upgrade has cut annual operating costs from over 1 million yuan to approximately 500,000 yuan, highlighting a clear path toward more sustainable and financially viable energy production. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions coal-fired power plants to compete more effectively in a rapidly evolving energy market.
As the energy sector grapples with the dual challenges of environmental responsibility and economic feasibility, Liu’s research could serve as a blueprint for future developments. The successful implementation of this integrated system may inspire similar upgrades across other plants, potentially leading to widespread improvements in wastewater management practices within the industry.
Published in ‘Gongye shui chuli,’ or ‘Industrial Water Treatment,’ this study underscores a critical turning point for coal-fired power plants, demonstrating that innovation in wastewater treatment can yield both ecological and economic dividends. As the industry continues to evolve, the findings from Liu Guidong’s team could very well shape the future of energy production in China and beyond, fostering a more sustainable approach to one of the most traditional energy sources.
