Anita E. Gast

Publication Date

1967

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Parson, Ruben L.||Lahey, James F. (James Frederick), 1921-

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Earth Science

LCSH

Air--Pollution--Illinois--Chicago

Abstract

Problems of air pollution have been encountered by Commonwealth Edison Company during its eighty years of operation (1887 to 1966). Legislation dealing with these problems has been enacted by the city of Chicago and abatement procedures have been employed by the Company. Changes in the aspects of the problem due to increase of population, advancements in technology, and changes in the recognition of the problem necessitate a chronological presentation of the achievements that have advanced Chicago's air pollution abatement to its present state. Geography, climate, and terrain are all intimately related to the existence and understanding of the problem. Examination of the history, growth, and personnel of the Company and ancillary industries shows that certain active members stimulated interest which initiated activity correcting air pollution problems as they developed. In the course of its abatement investigations and testing, the Company: developed the most technologically efficient furnace firing; pioneered studies in removal of sulfur from stack gases; experimented with chimney design in order to control down-wash of gases; and sponsored research on commercial uses of fly ash. It was one of the first utility companies to use precipitators for removal of particulate matter; it improved the operation of existing precipitators; it set up efficiency standards for dust precipitator comparisons; and it helped develop the cyclone furnace. The two most recent innovations for abatement of air pollution by the Company have been the removal of a generating station from a populated area to the mine mouth, and the operation of the first privately owned nuclear powered generating plant.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

xiv, 199 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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