In the heart of Ukraine, a pressing challenge is being tackled head-on by researchers determined to align the country’s energy infrastructure with stringent environmental standards. Serhii V. Horianoi, a leading expert from the Thermal Energy Technology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute,” has been delving into the intricacies of flue gas cleaning technologies for solid fuel boilers in combine heat and power plants (CHPPs). His groundbreaking work, published in the Journal of Mechanical Engineering, offers a roadmap for Ukraine and beyond to meet modern environmental legislation while optimizing operational efficiency.
The issue at hand is stark: many of Ukraine’s CHPPs rely on gas cleaning equipment that has been in operation for over fifty years, woefully inadequate for today’s environmental demands. Horianoi’s research zeroes in on the primary pollutants—particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides—and evaluates the effectiveness, advantages, and limitations of various cleaning technologies. “The existing state of gas cleaning equipment does not meet current environmental requirements,” Horianoi asserts, underscoring the urgency for reconstruction, modernization, and the construction of new gas cleaning plants.
One of the key findings is the potential of fabric filters, electrostatic filters, and wet scrubbers with a Venturi tube to meet European directives on dust emission limits. However, Horianoi advocates for a more practical approach: leveraging the existing wet scrubbers with a Venturi tube, which are prevalent in most CHPPs, by significantly increasing the specific flow rate of liquid for irrigation. This strategy not only aligns with environmental goals but also offers a cost-effective solution for the energy sector.
For gaseous pollutants, Horianoi’s research highlights the promise of ammonium reagents. These reagents facilitate highly efficient desulfurization, producing ammonium sulfate—a valuable mineral fertilizer—and reducing nitrogen oxides to molecular nitrogen. “The use of an aqueous solution of ammonia in a wet scrubber with a Venturi tube will allow to simultaneously capture fly ash and sulfur dioxide in one device,” Horianoi explains, pointing to a dual benefit that could revolutionize emission control in CHPPs.
To tackle nitrogen oxide emissions, Horianoi recommends the selective non-catalytic reduction method. This approach is particularly advantageous from an investment and spatial perspective, making it a viable option for existing CHPPs looking to upgrade their emission control systems.
The implications of Horianoi’s research are far-reaching. As Ukraine and other countries strive to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the insights provided in this study offer a blueprint for sustainable and efficient flue gas cleaning. For the energy sector, this means not just compliance but also operational savings and potential new revenue streams from byproducts like ammonium sulfate.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Horianoi’s work published in the Journal of Mechanical Engineering (Mehanika) serves as a beacon, guiding the industry towards a future where environmental stewardship and commercial viability go hand in hand. The path forward is clear: embrace innovation, optimize existing infrastructure, and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy sector.
