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A sorbent regenerator simulation model in copper oxide flue gas cleanup processes

Journal Article · · Environmental Progress
 [1];  [2]
  1. Science Applications International Corp., Reston, VA (United States)
  2. Department of Energy, Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Federal Energy Technology Center
Sorbent regeneration is an important step in copper oxide flue gas cleanup processes because poor regeneration performance could require higher sorbent circulation rate and inventory, resulting in increased process costs. An advantage of the copper oxide processes is the simultaneous removal of SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x}. The sorbent absorbs SO{sub 2} and acts as catalyst in reduction reactions for high NO{sub x} removal. Therefore, CuO processes have the potential to offer a more efficient and economical way to reduce both SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} emissions as compared to other flue gas cleanup processes, which use two separate processes to curtail SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x}. The moving-bed process is capable of simultaneously removing 99% SO{sub 2} and 95% NO{sub x} from coal-fired combustor flue gas. This article describes a countercurrent moving-bed regenerator model using natural gas as the reducing agent. The model incorporates several aspects important for predicting the regenerator performance, such as gas expansion effects, deviation from first-order kinetics with respect to copper sulfate, and mass transfer limitations. The sorbent residence time predicted by this model is in good agreement with data obtained from the life-cycle test system at the Federal Energy Technology Center. The tests conducted include effects of reactor temperature, the methane to copper sulfate feed ratio, and sorbent residence time, on sorbent regeneration. The regenerator modeling also details the impact of gas velocity on the reactor performance.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
642275
Journal Information:
Environmental Progress, Journal Name: Environmental Progress Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 17; ISSN 0278-4491; ISSN ENVPDI
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English