Energy efficiency and dose distribution of 300 kV - 800 kV electron beam system for the treatment of flue gas

The removal of SO2 and NOx from flue gas by using high energetic electron beams is an interesting new process. The removal cost depends strongly on the overall efficiency of the electron beam system. The overall efficiency is given by the degree of efficiency for the production of high energetic electrons, energy losses in the 'windows' that separate the vacuum chamber of the electron accelerator from the flue gas (window efficiency) and the dose distribution in the flue gas. Systems using conventional dc-power supplies (oil insulated) have advantages over high-frequency gas insulated power supplies. The 'window efficiency' and dose distribution are better for high energy systems (e.g. 800 kV) than for low energy systems (up to 300 keV), while the investment costs are higher for high energy systems. (author)