Why is it important to monitor flue gas emissions?

Monitoring flue gas emissions is crucial primarily to ensure environmental compliance and optimize combustion efficiency. This practice helps in adhering to regulatory standards designed to protect air quality, as flue gases contain harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. By measuring these emissions, facilities can ensure that they operate within legal limits, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

Additionally, continuous monitoring enables operators to fine-tune the combustion process. By understanding the composition of flue gases, adjustments can be made to optimize fuel usage, leading to a more efficient operation. Enhanced combustion efficiency not only minimizes fuel costs but also reduces emissions, contributing to a sustainable operation and promoting better overall performance of the power generation process.