The CFB Process

Summary

Thermo South, Inc. operates a modern coal-fired power plant on Mindanao Island, providing 260 megawatts of baseload power to 20 electric cooperatives. It's the first CFB power plant in the region, utilizing environmentally friendly technology to process coal efficiently. The plant features a massive coal storage dome, advanced CFB technology for heat generation, and a commitment to environmental protection with state-of-the-art air quality control and waste management systems. TSI ensures safety and efficiency in its operations, contributing significantly to the region's power needs.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Therma South, Incorporated is a modern coal-fired power plant providing baseload power capacity to the Mindanao island grid.
• 📈 The TSI complex spans 75 hectares, which is significantly larger than People's Park in Davao City.
• ⚡ TSI supplies 260 megawatts of power contracted to 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities, serving the power needs of Mindanao.
• 🌿 TSI is the first Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) power plant in Mindanao, utilizing environmentally friendly technology for coal processing.
• 🚢 Coal is delivered to TSI via ships, and a massive ship unloader transfers 1,500 tons of coal per hour to a conveyor system.
• 🏟️ The Coliseum-like coal dome can store up to 200,000 metric tons of coal, ensuring a reliable fuel supply.
• 🔄 The CFB technology at TSI uses a special process that is safe for the environment to generate heat from coal, turning water into superheated steam.
• 💧 Limestone is used in the process to react with sulfur dioxide gases, reducing harmful emissions and producing gypsum, a useful byproduct.
• 🔋 The steam generated powers turbines connected to a generator, converting mechanical energy into electricity, producing 300,000 KW per hour.
• 🌱 TSI prioritizes responsible power generation, utilizing modern technology to protect the environment, ensuring emissions are non-toxic and waste is minimized.

Q & A

What is the primary function of Thermos South, Incorporated (TSI)?

TSI is a coal-fired power plant that provides baseload power capacity to the Mindanao Island grid.

How much power does TSI provide to the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities?

TSI provides 260 megawatts of power, which is fully contracted to 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.

What type of power plant is TSI and what makes it environmentally friendly?

TSI is a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) power plant, which uses modern, environmentally friendly technology to process coal, one of the cleanest ways to generate power from a non-renewable source.

What is the size of the TSI complex and how is it positioned?

The TSI complex is 75 hectares, roughly 18 times the size of People's Park in Davao City, and is strategically positioned in a master plan site straddling Davao City and Davao del Sur.

How is coal delivered to TSI and what is the capacity of the ship unloader?

Coal is delivered to TSI via ships, and a massive track-mounted ship unloader transfers the coal to a conveyor system beneath it, capable of transferring 1,500 tons of coal from the ship per hour.

What is the purpose of the Coliseum-like coal dome and its capacity?

The coal dome serves as a storage facility for coal, spanning more than 11,000 square meters, and can hold up to 200,000 metric tons of coal.

How does the stacker reclaimer inside the coal dome contribute to the blending process?

The stacker reclaimer distributes the coal evenly inside the dome, allowing for blending to achieve the desired burning potential.

What is the role of limestone in the CFB technology used at TSI?

Limestone is fed into the furnace with coal and reacts with sulfur dioxide gases, helping to reduce harmful emissions and making the process more environmentally friendly.

How does the steam generated at TSI contribute to electricity production?

The steam, hot enough to melt zinc, powers huge steam turbines, which are connected to a generator, converting mechanical energy into electricity.

What measures does TSI take to ensure workplace safety?

TSI implements procedures and workflow systems to ensure an efficient, productive, and safe working environment.

How does TSI manage its byproducts and emissions to protect the environment?

TSI uses a cyclone collector to return ash and unburned fuel to the combustible chamber, a state-of-the-art air quality control system to ensure non-toxic emissions, and a high voltage system to catch airborne ash particles. Byproducts like gypsum from limestone are used as building material, and the steam is recovered through a condenser using seawater that is returned to the Davao Gulf.