Investigating the causes of elevated sulphur dioxide emissions from coal-fired boilers at Delta beverages lager Southerton plant, Harare · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Chigumbura, B.

Title

Investigating the causes of elevated sulphur dioxide emissions from coal-fired boilers at Delta beverages lager Southerton plant, Harare

Abstract

The research is set out to investigate the causes of elevated sulphur dioxide emissions from the coal-fired boilers at Delta Beverages Lagers Southerton Plant. The plant is situated on the corner of Highfield’s and Manchester Road, opposite the Nestle Company in Harare. It is also close to high-density areas, which are Mbare and Highfields.
The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and a desktop review of company reports on coal usage rate and corresponding SO2 emissions. Qualitative data was collected using an observation checklist, which was used as a supporting document to support the data argument collected in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse factors leading to elevated sulphur dioxide emissions and the perceived influence of maintenance practices on SO2 emissions levels. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationship between coal usage rate and SO2 emissions.
Key findings from the study included that poor combustion efficiency, problems associated with burners’ performance, problems arising during the start-up or shutdown, problems arising after a boiler trip or restart are contributing factors to elevated sulphur dioxide emissions. The study also reveals that as the coal usage rate increases, SO2 emission levels also increase with a correlation of r=0.789. The p-value for the relationship is less than 0.05 and also less than 0.01, which shows that the observed correlation of 0.789 is statistically significant. Additionally, the study shows that equipment calibration is not constantly performed but rather occurs sometimes. The study showed that maintenance practices also contribute to elevated sulphur dioxide emissions.
The findings of the research conclude that there are several factors contributing to sulphur dioxide emissions and that as the coal usage rate increases, sulphur dioxide emission levels also increase. These are the significant drawbacks to achieving lower sulphur dioxide emission.

Date

JULY 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Sulphur Dioxide Emissions

Coal-Fired Boilers

Supervisor

Dr. Mabhungu.