Given its abundant reserves in North America, coal is an attractive source for energy supply. However, use of fossil fuels can exacerbate environmental pollution and result in acid rain caused by SO{sub}2 and NO{sub}x emissions. The Clean Air Interstate Rule finalized by the EPA in 2005 will result in mandatory installation of pollution control equipment on the majority of coal-fired electricity generation in the United States. The majority of FGD units worldwide employ wet scrubbing processes using lime or limestone slurries. The established materials of construction for wet scrubbers include coated carbon steels, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, stainless steels and nickel alloys. The selection of materials has to be made with respect to the corrosive environment (chlorides, acidity, temperature) and plant design. This paper reviews the cost-effective selection of corrosion-resistant materials for the various components of the FGD system and reports on the recent applications of high performance stainless steels in various parts of FGD units.
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