Flue gases, generated during the burning of fossil fuels in industrial processes, vehicles and power plants, represent a serious threat to the environment and public health. Among the various methods to reduce this pollution, dry flue gas desulfurization stands out for its reduction of water consumption, waste generation and environmental impact, as well as greater operational flexibility and potential energy and economic savings.
What is dry desulfurization?
Dry desulfurization is a process used to remove or reduce sulfur compounds in flue gas without the use of liquid solvents. Unlike wet desulfurization, which involves washing the flue gas with liquid absorbent solutions, dry desulfurization uses solid adsorbent materials or chemical reactors to capture and/or convert the sulfur compounds.
Dry desulfurization has several advantages, such as lower water consumption, reduced liquid waste generation and a smaller environmental footprint compared to wet desulfurization. In addition, some dry methods can operate at ambient temperature, which can reduce the associated energy costs. However, the choice of this method will depend on factors such as flue gas composition, scale of the installation and economic and regulatory considerations.
The future lies in desulfurization
In the current context, where directives are increasing the levels of requirements in terms of flue gas emissions, and where the trend is towards the circular economy and the recovery of waste (with its consequent generation of gases), more and more companies will find it necessary to install systems to treat their emissions at their own plant..
As we have already seen, the dry flue gas desulfurization method has clear advantages over wet methods. The product offering the best performance in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness is very likely to be established as the reference technology for companies. In this sense, sodium bicarbonate SOLVAir® has been qualified as a BAT (best available technology).
Sodium bicarbonate SOLVAir® for dry flue gas desulfurization
Sodium bicarbonate (also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium acid carbonate) can be used in some cases for dry flue gas desulfurization. This method involves the reaction of sodium bicarbonate with sulfur compounds present in the flue gas to form less harmful products
The basic chemical reaction involved is:
2NaHCO3 + SO2 + ½ O2 => Na2SO4 + 2CO2 + H2O
+ SO3 =>
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) reacts with sulfur oxides (SOx, in the form of sulfur dioxide SO2 or sulfur trioxide SO3) to form sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Sodium sulfate is a product widely used in detergent production, in the paper, textile and glass industries, as well as in many processes in the chemical industry in general.
Why use sodium bicarbonate SOLVAir® for dry flue gas desulfurization?
Compared to other products used for flue gas desulfurization, mainly lime, sodium bicarbonate SOLVAir® offers greater safety and lower toxicity as a less aggressive product, easier handling, higher availability and lower operational costs, good compatibility with existing equipment and, in terms of sustainability, less formation of harmful by-products.
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