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Catalytic seawater flue gas desulfurization model.
F Vidal Barrero1, P Ollero, A L Villanueva Perales
1Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Seville, Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain. vidal@esi.us.es
Environmental Science & Technology
|December 17, 2009
Summary
A new model simulates seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) using activated carbon catalysis. This validated model aids in designing industrial SO(2) removal systems for cleaner emissions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Chemistry
Background:
- Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is crucial for reducing sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) emissions.
- Seawater FGD (SFGD) offers an alternative using abundant seawater as a scrubbing liquid.
- Catalytic oxidation of absorbed SO(2) to sulfate is an efficient SFGD pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive mathematical model for a seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) process.
- To incorporate complex physical-chemical aspects, including mass transfer, kinetics, and electrolyte behavior.
- To assess the model's predictive capability for industrial SFGD unit design.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model integrating mass-transfer, kinetics, and equilibrium equations.
- Consideration of the electrolyte nature of the seawater liquid phase.
- Validation of the model using data from a pilot-scale SFGD plant.
Main Results:
- The model accurately represents the SFGD process, including SO(2) absorption and catalytic oxidation to sulfate.
- Model validation with pilot plant data confirmed its predictive accuracy.
- Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the model's utility in understanding process parameters.
Conclusions:
- The developed SFGD model is a valuable tool for the design and optimization of industrial desulfurization units.
- The model accounts for key physical-chemical processes in SFGD, enhancing design reliability.
- This research contributes to more effective environmental control technologies for SO(2) emissions.
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