View report page

40
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
During the year live complaints regarding smoke nuisance were received and 52 observations
on chimneys were made by sanitary inspectors; in two cases intimation notices were served
on the owners to abate the nuisance. No legal proceedings were necessary during the year.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION AND THE NEW POWER STATION.
Since the last annual report, the new Fulham Power Station has come into operation,
a potential source of enormous atmospheric pollution, with an incredible total flue gas discharge
rate of 330,000 cubic feet per minute.
To ascertain the sulphur activity in the atmosphere, five test points using lead peroxide
cylinders have been set up on a circle approximately ½ mile radius, it being indicated
as the result of experiments that the worst ground conditions occur at a distance of eight to
ten chimney heights away, in this case between 2,400 to 3,000 feet. A graph showing the
pollution record at these five points is reproduced on page 48.
The results obtained at these points compare favourably with those from three other
positions in London. It is difficult to trace any correlation between these results and the Fulham
Power Station, but the seasonal fluctuation indicates considerable pollution from domestic sources.
For the proper interpretation of these results it is necessary to take into consideration wind
direction and the installation of a recording wind indicator on the Station roof is a practical
requirement.
During the Inquiry prior to the extension of the Station a limit for Sulphur emission
of 0.03 grains per cubic foot (equivalent to 50 parts per million) was suggested, but by the
adoption of a new flue gas cleaning system of the lime treated non-effluent water type, an exceptionally
high rate of sulphur elimination has been obtained, the average figure being as low as
0.007 grains per cubic foot (12 p.m.) Interesting and probably unique experimental
apparatus for continuously recording the acidity due to the soluble oxides of sulphur and nitrogen
in the flue gases has been installed at the base of each shaft.
Dust can be said to be non-existent in the effluent gases, the residual being an extremely
small percentage of particles approaching the size of, and behaving like gaseous molecules,
practically impossible to eliminate. The overall efficiency of the flue gas washing system, for
sulphur grit and dust extraction, is of the order of 99.5 per cent.
Some nuisance arises from the "attempted" burning of wet debris collected from the intake
screens of the condenser cooling water and another method of disposal is indicated; its removal
as trade refuse would meet the case.
It is only when results such as the above are achieved and maintained that Electricity
has any claim to being a clean fuel, it being remembered that the original plant allowed sulphur
to be discharged into the atmosphere.
RAG FLOCK.
The sale and use of Rag Flock are nov; regulated by Section 136 of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936, which repeals the Rag Flock Acts of 1911 and 1928.