Removal of sulfur dioxide from simulated flue gas by magnesia spray absorption: parameters affecting removal efficiency and products

A bench-scale apparatus simulating a spray dryer was used to study magnesia flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology combined with spray absorption techniques for the removal of SO/sub 2/ from flue gas. The use of magnesia spray absorption technology requires fewer processing steps, reduces slurry and sludge handling as compared with limestone slurry systems, and yields a saleable sulfur byproduct. Simulated flue gases (SO/sub 2/ in N/sub 2/) were mixed with heated Mg(OH)/sub 2/ slurries and sprayed into a heated glass vessel. The inlet and exit gases were monitored for SO/sub 2/ concentration. Ranges of experimental conditions were as follows: gas flow rate, 7-10 L/min; SO/sub 2/ concentration in the inlet gas, 0.099-1.07%; slurry composition, 0.5-10% Mg(OH)/sub 2/; slurry flow rate, 1-7 mL/min; inlet gas temperature, 107-115 /sup 0/C; and dryer temperature, 73-114 /sup 0/C. The SO/sub 2/ removal efficiency ranged from 28% to nearly 100%, depending primarily on the reaction stoichiometry (Mg(OH)/sub 2//SO/sub 2/ mole ratio). The solid products were MgSO/sub 3/.3H/sub 2/O and MgSO/sub 3/.6H/sub 2/O, with the hexahydrate predominating at lower temperatures and higher humidities.