2.5.5 Advantages and disadvantages of steam power plant based on characteristics given43
2.5.6 Self Assessment 51. State the function of nuclear power plant2. Explain the main stages of nuclear power plant3. State 2 advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power plant44
3.0 Pollution that can be caused by coal and biomass while generating electricityPollution Coal Greenhouse gasesCoal is primarily carbon, so burning it releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main driver of global warming.Acid rain Combustion releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)), which react in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Acid rain damages ecosystems, corrodes buildings, and can harm human health.Particulate matter (PM)These fine, toxic particles, often called \"soot,\" penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. PM is linked to respiratory ailments like asthma, heart attacks, chronic bronchitis, and premature death.Heavy metals and toxinsCoal contains trace amounts of hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, and arsenic. These toxins are released during combustion and can contaminate air and water.Coal ash The ash leftover from burning coal contains high concentrations of toxic elements. When stored in landfills and ponds, these substances can leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water supplies. Burning coal releases large quantities of air pollutants that contribute to global warming, acid rain, and respiratory illnesses.45
3.0 Pollution that can be caused by coal and biomass while generating electricityPollution BiomassGaseous and particulate pollutantsBurning biomass releases carbon monoxide (CO), NO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). Emissions are often higher with low-efficiency stoves used in residential heating, which directly affects indoor air quality..Hazardous organic compoundsIncomplete combustion of biomass produces toxic organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.Deforestation and land degradationLarge-scale harvesting of biomass for energy can lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and reduced biodiversity if not managed sustainably. The process can also degrade soil quality by removing organic material that would otherwise decompose and enrich the soil.Water contaminationRunoff from biomass plantations can introduce fertilizers and pesticides into nearby water sources, harming aquatic ecosystems.Biomass, which includes wood and agricultural waste, is often promoted as a cleaner alternative. However, its combustion releases many of the same pollutants as fossil fuels, and in some cases, can have worse impacts on local air quality and human health46
3.1 Technology use to treat the pollution3.1.1 Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) An electrostatic precipitator(ESP) is a high-efficiencyfiltration device that useselectrical forces to removefine particulate matter, likedust and smoke, from aflowing gas. ESPs arecommonly used in industrialsettings, including powerplants and factories, tocontrol air pollution.47
3.1.1.1 Main stages of ESPStage 1: Particle ionization1.Gas flow:Polluted gas, containing dust orother particulate matter, enters theESP. A powerful electric field iscreated between high-voltagedischarge electrodes and groundedcollecting plates. The dischargeelectrodes typically consist of thinwires charged with a negativepolarity of several thousand volts.Particle charging: As the dustparticles pass through the electricfield, they collide with the ionizedgas molecules and acquire anegative electrical charge.Particle ionizationChargedparticletransportParticlecollectionDust removal48
Stage 2: Charged particle transportMigration : The negatively chargedparticles are then attracted to thepositively charged (grounded) collectingplates. The electrostatic force ofattraction drives the charged particlesacross the gas flow and toward thesurface of the collector plates. theelectric field, they collide with theionized gas molecules and acquire anegative electrical charge.Stage 3: Particle collectionAccumulation: The particles adhere tothe collecting plates and build up alayer of dust, which remains in placedue to both electrostatic attraction andthe natural cohesion of the particles.3.1.1.1 Main stages of ESP49
Stage 4: Dust removalDislodging: The accumulated dustmust be periodically removed toprevent re-entrainment back into thegas stream and to maintain efficiency.Rapping system: In a dry ESP, a\"rapping\" mechanism mechanicallystrikes the collector plates to shakeand dislodge the layers of dust.Hopper collection: The dislodged dustfalls due to gravity into collectionhoppers at the bottom of the unit.Disposal: The collected dust is thenconveyed away from the hopper fordisposal or recycling.3.1.1.1 Main stages of ESP50
3.1.2 . Fabric filterFabric filters, also knownas baghouses or bagfilters, are air pollutioncontrol devices thatremove particulate matter(dust, soot, fumes) fromindustrial exhaust gasesby forcing them throughfabric filter bags orcartridges. As the gaspasses through the fabric,particles are trapped onthe filter surface3.1 Technology use to treat the pollution51
3.1.2.1 Main stages of Fabric Filter1. Dust-Laden Air IntakeContaminated air enters the baghouse housing through aninlet plenum. This dirty air is then directed into the filterhousing, where it flows toward the fabric filter bags.2. Filtration:As the air passes through the fabric filter bags, the particlesare separated from the gas stream. Particles are capturedby the fabric through mechanisms like direct impaction,interception, and diffusion, forming a layer of dust, knownas a \"dust cake,\" on the bags' surface. This dust cakeenhances filtration efficiency by acting as a secondaryfilter for finer particles.3. Dust Cake Removal:To maintain airflow and prevent excessive pressure drop,the accumulated dust cake must be dislodgedperiodically.This is achieved through a cleaning mechanism, the mostcommon being:Pulse-Jet: Short bursts of compressed air are injectedthrough a manifold to dislodge the dust.Shaker: Bags are mechanically shaken to break the dustcake.Reverse Air: A reverse flow of air is introduced to clean thebags.The dislodged dust falls from the bags into a storagehopper at the bottom of the baghouse for collection anddisposal or recycling.1.DustLaden Air Intake2. Filtration3. Dust Cake Removal4. Clean Air Outlet52
4. Clean Air Outlet:The filtered air, now substantially free of particulate matter, exitsthe baghouse through the clean air outlet. This clean air canthen be safely released into the atmosphere or recirculatedwithin the facility.1.DustLaden Air Intake2. Filtration3. Dust Cake Removal4. Clean Air Outlet3.1.2.1 Main stages of Fabric Filter 53
3.1.3 Flue gas desulphurization (FGD)Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is aset of technologies that removessulfur dioxide (SO₂) from exhaustgases, typically from coal-firedpower plants and other industrialprocesses, to prevent air pollutionCommon methods involve usingan alkaline reagent, such aslimestone, in a wet scrubbingsystem to absorb SO₂ andproduce gypsum as a byproduct.This process is crucial for reducingacid rain, improving air quality,and protecting public health andecosystems by removing a keypollutant.3.1 Technology use to treat the pollution 54
Stage 1:Sulfur dioxide (SO2) absorption In this stage, the pre-treated fluegas is brought into contact with an alkaline sorbent, whichabsorbs and neutralizes the acidic (SO2) gas. Process: The flue gas enters a scrubber or absorptiontower.Sorbent: A spray of a reagent, such as a limestone orlime-based slurry, is introduced to react with the gas.Reaction:The (SO2) gas is absorbed by the liquid and reacts to form asolid calcium-sulfur compound, typically calcium sulfite(CaSO3).Stage 2: Byproduct handling The liquid-solid mixture from the absorbercontains the reaction byproduct, which is processed for disposalor further use. In wet FGD systems, this often involves anadditional oxidation step.Oxidation: Air is injected into the reaction tank to force theoxidation of calcium sulfite (CaSO3) into a more stable andcommercially valuable product.Dewatering: The gypsum slurry is then dewatered usingequipment like hydrocyclones and vacuum belt filters toseparate the solid gypsum cake from the wastewater.Handling: The dewatered gypsum can be sold for use inwallboard, cement, or agriculture, helping to offset the system'soperational costs.3.1.3.1 Main stages of FGD1.Sulfur dioxide (SO2) absorption2: Byproduct handlingStage 3: Clean gas release55
Stage 3: Clean gas releaseAfter the (SO2) has been removed, the treated flue gas is processed and safely released into the atmosphere.Mist elimination: A mist eliminator removes any leftover slurrydroplets from the gas stream, preventing carryover andcorrosion.Reheating (optional): To prevent condensation and corrosionin the stack, the cleaned flue gas may be reheated beforebeing discharged.Release: The clean, reheated gas is released through theexhaust stack, now in compliance with environmentalregulation3.1.3.1 Main stages of FGD56
3.1.4 Self assessment 51. Explain 3 methods used to treat power plant waste. 2. Construct the operational block diagram of fabric filter3. Construct the operational block diagram of ESP57
QR code for assessments 1 to 5 schemaQR code video for electricity generation58
QR code video for gas turbine workQR code video for hydrogen work59
3.2 ReferencesAdvantages and disadvantages of nuclear power plant. (2025) https://www.google.com/search?q=advantages+and+disadvantages +of+nuclear+power+plant&sca_esv=39Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD). (2025) https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+flue+gas+desulfurization &sca_esv=d97cd7beb237429d&ei=2727aNXLNtSu4 EPguzqwAQ&oq=what+is+flue+gas&gs_lp=EgxndMain stages of fabric filters air pollution control. (2025) https://www.google.com/search?q=main+stages+of+fabric+filters+ air+pollution+controlMain stages electrostatic precipitator. (2025) https://www.google.com/search?q=Main+stages+electrostatic+precipitator&s a=X&sca_esv=39d1a7f4746557b0&udm=50&source=lnms&fbs=AIIjpHxMichael Klepik (2025). Baghouse Filter Air Pollution Control: What Pollutants Does It Remove, Filtration Type, Construction, and Function. USA https://torch-air.com/blog/baghouse-filter-air-pollution-controlNational Grid (Malaysia. (2025, September 6). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grid_(Malaysia)60
3.2 ReferencesNuclear power plant. (2025, September 15). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plantPollution causes by coal and biomass. (2025) https://www.google.com/search?q=pollution+causes+by+coal+and+ biomass&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvb.Power Generation (2025) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/power-generationRasidah (2025). Generation. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/396290746_Chapter_2_GenerationThermal power station.(2025, July 11). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://torch-air.com/blog/baghouse-filter-air-pollution-controlWhat is Nuclear Power and How a Nuclear Power Plant Works. (2025).Electrical Technology https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2015/03/nuclear-power-the-last- option.html61