H.-J. Feuerborn —European Coal Combustion Products Association e.V (ECOBA), Essen, Germany
FGD gypsum is produced in the wet flue gas desulphurisation process of sulphur oxide emitting processes, especially of those in coal-fired power plants. The production process includes the scrubbing of the sulphur from the flue gases into a slurry which is further processed by oxidation, classification, washing and dewatering to produce a FGD gypsum of high quality. Over the last years increasing amounts of FGD gypsum were produced which totalled to more than 10 million tonnes in Europe (EU15). After extensive research work in the 90’ies FGD gypsum is used as a raw material replacing natural gypsum, the major part is used in the gypsum industry. The use of FGD gypsum started with the former definition as « industrial by-product » or as « product » due to the processing steps in a seperate production unit at the power plants. Based on the definitions in the revised Waste Directive the producers consider it a by-product as the basic requirements are fully met and consequently registered FGD gypsum as calcium sulphate under the REACH regulation.
