Analysis of the sulfur content in the Gubin lignite deposit for assessing the need for sorbent and the quantity of REA gypsum produced

The paper refers to the problem of complex management of mineral resources, especially to the long-term lignite deposit management. Based on data from the geological documentation of the Gubin deposit, this article analyzes the variability of total sulfur content in lignite seams planned for exploitation. The purpose of this analyzes is the assessment of the amount of sorbent required for desulfurization process and the quantity of byproduct of this process. For modeling of the deposit’s parameters, geostatistical methods were used including ordinary and universal kriging. Given the mining design, the total amount of sulfur in the lignite was determined within the proposed five-year advances of the exploitation fronts. The analysis took into account the planned, simultaneous mining of two lignite seams. For the purposes of this article, it was assumed that in the planned power plant by the Gubin deposit wet limestone scrubbing method will be used. Using the equation for the reaction that takes place in the flue gas desulfurization process, the mass of sorbent (CaCO3) was calculated which will be needed for total gas desulfurization, as well as themass of the gypsum which will be the product of this process. The lower lignite seam contains increased amount of the sulfur. Mining of this seam will cause significant increase of the demand on the desulfurization sorbent and, consequently, the higher supply of REA gypsum. The results of the analysis may be useful to determine the amount of sorbent required in the long term and for the development of a desulphurization byproducts management plan at the power plant located by the Gubin deposit. They can also be used for evaluating the impact of synthetic gypsum supply on the market for this commodity in the country.