FGD Pilot Success in the USA

June 4th, 2019

Saltworks successfully concluded a 60-day on site pilot at a major US coal fired power plant with 100% up-time. The project treated challenging flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater to selectively remove chlorides for recycle and re-use internal to the coal stack scrubber system. By targeting the key concern—chlorides—this novel selective removal method provides an alternative to expensive complex treatments for discharge as explained in this brief video.

The pilot included a full-scale Saltworks’ FlexEDR Selective Stack, which acts as a “chloride kidney.” Within the stack, Saltworks’ novel monovalent selective anion exchange membranes pull chlorides out of the FGD wastewater under a DC electric field. Outside of stack, a robotized plant enables the process while adjusting to variable water quality and providing valuable data to the operator. The results will be presented at future conferences or contact Saltworks to learn more.

Diagram of monovalent electrodialysis reversal (mEDR) using selective membranes and FlexEDR technology
FGD Water Treatment Plant
Stack Diagram of FlexEDR Selective
Inner View of FlexEDR Selective Pilot Plant

This work was made possible through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (Award Number DE-FE0031678), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Southern Company. FlexEDR technology was also developed with support from the National Research Council Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), BC Innovative Clean Energy Fund, Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative, and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).

About Saltworks

Saltworks Technologies is a leader in the development and delivery of solutions for industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. By working with customers to understand their unique challenges and focusing on continuous innovation, Saltworks’ solutions provide best-in-class performance and reliability. From its headquarters in Richmond, BC, Canada, Saltworks’ team designs, builds, and operates full-scale plants, and offers comprehensive onsite and offsite testing services with its fleet of mobile pilots.

Related Resources

Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Treatment
Application

Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Treatment

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems are used to remove sulfur dioxide air emissions in coal-fired power plants. FGD wastewater is often saturated with calcium sulfate, while containing both metals and chlorides. Saltworks can help to boost FGD water cycles through selective chloride removal, or treat the FGD wastewater to zero liquid discharge.

photo of FlexEDR
Product

FlexEDR Electrodialysis Reversal

FlexEDR is a next-gen electrodialysis reversal (EDR) system for industrial wastewater desalination, solving scaling issues & boosting recovery.