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New scrubbers tackle SO/sub 2/ (sulfur dioxide) emissions problems

Journal Article · · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)
OSTI ID:5141114

According to R. E. Moser (Brown and Root Inc.) at the Coal Technology '78 meeting, about 90% of existing scrubbing systems are based on calcium absorbents which present plugging and sludge disposal problems. Noncalcium-based gas scrubber processes being developed include the Saarberg-Holter process which uses a hydrochloric acid and slaked lime as the scrubbing medium, produces calcium bisulfite, which yields gypsum on oxidation, and eliminates erosion and plugging; the U.S. Bureau of Mines' sodium citrate process which absorbs SO/sub 2/ in a mixed solution of sodium citrate, citric acid, and sodium thiosulfate, and reacts the solution with hydrogen sulfide to yield sulfur and regenerated sodium citrate; dry adsorption systems being considered by Bergbau-Forschung G.m.b.H./Foster Wheeler Corp. and Catalytic Inc./Westvaco Corp. in which carbon adsorbs SO/sub 2/ and converts it to sulfuric acid via oxidation; the joint Shell Oil Co. and UOP Inc. closed-loop process based on fixed beds of alumina-supported cupric oxide with which SO/sub 2/ reacts to yield cupric sulfate, which is then reduced to sulfur and regenerated cupric oxide; the ammonia scrubbing system, which still has to eliminate the ''blue plume'' carryover of ammonia salt vapor; and a wet scrubbing process based on potassium thiosulfate absorbent.

OSTI ID:
5141114
Journal Information:
Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 56:45; ISSN CENEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English