Scrubberless coal-use method readied

A new process for cleaning coal without scrubbers will be demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Electric Co. and the New York State Electric and Gas Corp. The two power companies will operate a $52 million multi-stream desulfurization facility that will have a 1,200-ton-per-hour cleaning capacity. Emission levels from the cleaned coal will be below the present levels allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The plant will save a $25 million capital investment for pollution equipment as well as the cost of operating and maintaining scrubbers. Utility customers will benefit by having lower rates. EPA officials, after testing the plant's coal-preparation system and comparing costs, are hopeful the system can be used by industry. New and more stringent emission standards may be met by combining less costly scrubbers with the cleaning plant.