Life cycle assessment of a fluidized bed system for steam production

A life cycle assessment (LCA) is reported of a fluidized bed steam plant utilized in a textile factory in Torbali, Izmir, Turkey. Soma lignite is consumed as primary fuel, which has a comparatively high sulfur content. The LCA steps are coal mining, coal transportation, coal cleaning, plant operation, limestone use for desulfurization, and landfill of ash and calcium sulfate. Production and decommissioning for mining and landfilling equipment are considered in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent as well as energy consumption. The assessment is conducted for a lifetime of 30 years of operation. It is found that the main source of carbon dioxide emission is the operation of the steam plant and that the main materials that have a major impact on energy use are steel and concrete.