Why is the sulfur percentage in fuels of major concern to power plant engineers____________________?
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Answer: D. has highly corrosive effect
Explanation
Sulfur compounds in fuels react with oxygen during combustion to form sulfur dioxide gases. These gases combine with moisture to create highly corrosive acids inside the exhaust system. This corrosive action rapidly degrades metal components within industrial boilers and chimneys. Sulfuric and sulfurous acids condense on cooler metal surfaces when flue gas temperatures drop. Fossil fuels like coal and heavy fuel oil naturally contain varying percentages of sulfur. Corrosion rates increase dramatically when metal temperatures fall below the acid dew point.
Power plant operators monitor fuel sulfur content to prevent catastrophic boiler tube failures. Environmental regulations restrict sulfur emissions to reduce acid rain and equipment damage. Special corrosion-resistant alloys are often required for components handling high-sulfur flue gases. Sulfur actually reduces the overall heating value of hydrocarbon fuels compared to pure carbon. High sulfur content tends to impair electrostatic precipitator efficiency rather than retard it. Sulfur does not promote complete combustion or assist with ash removal processes.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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