Flue gas is the gas that is released into the atmosphere when fuel is burned in various industrial processes, including power generation, manufacturing, and heating. The composition of flue gas depends on the type of fuel being burned and the combustion process. However, some common components of flue gas include nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other trace elements such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
Here are some approximate values for the composition of flue gas emitted from burning coal:
Nitrogen (N2): 65-75%
Carbon dioxide (CO2): 10-15%
Water vapor (H2O): 5-15%
Oxygen (O2): 1-3%
Sulfur dioxide (SO2): 1-5%
Nitrogen oxides (NOx): 1-3%
Particulate matter: <1%
The industry that emits the most flue gas is the power generation sector, which burns fossil fuels to generate electricity. Other industries that emit significant amounts of flue gas include cement production, iron and steel manufacturing, and oil and gas refining.
The emissions from flue gas can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. For example, carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, while sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain and respiratory problems. Particulate matter can also cause respiratory problems, as well as damage to the environment and infrastructure.
To reduce the environmental impact of flue gas emissions, many industries have implemented various measures, such as using cleaner burning fuels, improving combustion efficiency, and installing emission control technologies like scrubbers and filters.
The process of removing carbon dioxide from flue gas is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. Companies have been exploring various methods to accomplish this task, and one promising approach is the use of adsorptive membranes. This technology has several advantages over traditional methods, such as being 200 times faster and using 10 times less energy. Adsorptive membranes work by selectively capturing carbon dioxide molecules as they pass through the membrane, while allowing other gases to pass through unimpeded. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective method of carbon capture, which can help companies reduce their environmental impact and move towards a more sustainable future.