Causes of Pollution in Thermal power plants

Causes of Pollution in Thermal power plants

Fuel burnt at thermal power plants contain harmful impurities which are ejected in to environment as gaseous and solid components of combustible products. Which will adversely effect the atmosphere and water. The gases coming out from the chimneys also harmful to the whole living nature.

The Flue gasses may contain the following:

1.      Fly ash

2.      Oxides of carbon and hydrogen

3.      Oxides of nitrogen and Sulphur (NO2 & SO2)

4.      Solid particles of unburnt fuel.

Pollutant may be defined as the “harmful solids, liquids and gaseous substances in the environment which tends to be injurious for the whole living organism”.

Factors influence the pollution of thermal power station

The following are the factors on which the pollution of surroundings can affected, Namely :

1.      Ejection of flue gases, heat and contaminated water.

2.      Type of fuel used.

3.      Method of combustion of fuel.

4.      Type of furnace used.

Effects of Pollutions

Due to the emission of hot flue gases in the environment may have harmful effects on animals, peoples, vegetables, building and structures.

1.      The vegetables are most effected with SO2 gas in the atmosphere.

2.      The leaves gets deteriorated due to SO2

3.      Living people and animals get affected with respiratory problems from NO2 (Nitrogen oxides).

Methods to control Pollution

The harmful effects from flue gases which are releasing/coming from thermal power stations can be controlled by adopting the following.

1.      By proper burning the coil in the furnace so that complete combustion takes place.

2.      By using better quality of fuel.

3.      By decreasing the discharge of solid ash particles i.e., the content of ash particles are different for various types of coal.

4.      By using modern as collecting devices (Electrostatic precipitators) so that the collecting efficiency of ash particles are more. Hence, the ash ejected in to the atmosphere is reduced.

5.      By selecting the proper design of chimney.

6.      The impurities should be diluted to concentrations which can do virtually no harm to both nature and man.

7.      By proper collection of fly ash using pumps etc.

8.      The steam after usage at the steam turbine is cooled at the cooling tower and then only left in the river (or) canal.