Chemical Engineering & Technology, Vol.29, No.1, 130-145, 2006
Prediction of the removal efficiency of a novel two-stage hybrid scrubber for flue gas desulfurization
Emission of SO2 from various industrial sources occurs in varying concentrations and quantities. The operation of scrubbers as SO2 control devices is getting more and more attention as pollution control regulations are tightened. Experimental investigations on the scrubbing of SO2 in a novel two-stage hybrid (spray-cum-bubble column) scrubber using water and dilute sodium alkali are reported. Empirical and semi-empirical correlations are developed for the prediction of the performances of the bubble and the spray sections in terms of various pertinent variables of the system for water and alkaline scrubbing, respectively. The contribution of the mass transfer enhancement factor towards the removal of SO2 has been exploited while developing the semi-empirical correlation for the prediction of performance in alkaline scrubbing. The predicted values are in excellent agreement with the experimental values. Finally, the operating features of the scrubber and design aspects are discussed in order to develop our understanding for practical applications.