Reactivity of oil shale ashes in the binding of SO2

Abstract

The extensive use of fossil fuels in energy production causes serious pollution of atmosphere with SO2, CO2, NOx, etc. In Estonia the electricity production is based mainly on the pulverized firing (PF) of low-grade local fuel – Estonian oil shale (EOS) which is characterized by a low calorific value (~9 MJ kg–1) and a high content of mineral matter (65–70%) from which approximately 50% are carbonates. Since 2004, also two boilers based on circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) of EOS are in exploitation.