Powdered Lime Composition for Flue Gas Desulfurization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current powdered hydrated lime compositions, even second generation ones, do not adequately enhance the capture of sulfur compounds like SO2 in flue gases, while requiring excessive reagents that generate by-products, posing challenges in emission standards compliance and treatment.

Innovation Solution

A powdered lime composition with calcium hydroxide particles having a BET specific surface area ≥25 m²/g and BJH pore volume ≥0.1 cm³/g, supplemented with an alkali metal content of 0.2-3.5% by weight, which improves SO2 capture performance without compromising HCl capture abilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional slaked lime is used for neutralizing acidic compounds in flue gases, then the process is simple and inexpensive, but a significant excess of calcium reagent is necessary which generates additional by-products and residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidexcess reagent and by-products
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the slaked lime by increasing its specific surface area (≥25 m²/g) and pore volume (≥0.1 cm³/g), which enhances its reactivity and neutralization efficiency, allowing for reduced excess reagent while maintaining effective acid gas capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material by combining slaked lime with specific additives (such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, or organic compounds) to produce a modified absorbent that achieves better neutralization performance with lower excess reagent requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If additives are added to quicklime slaking water to promote HCl capture, then gaseous HCl reduction performance improves at temperatures above 200°C, but no effect on SO2 reduction is mentioned

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHCl reduction performanceVSAvoidSO2 reduction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a multi-functional absorbent that simultaneously effectively captures both HCl and SO2 gases, unlike conventional additives that only improve HCl capture. The modified slaked lime achieves dual functionality through physical modification and additive combination, making it adaptable to flue gases containing multiple acidic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additives such as NaOH or CaCl2 are added to quenching water to promote desulphurization at low temperature, then SO2 capture improves near dew point, but the absorbent becomes deliquescent which may cause operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesulphurization performanceVSAvoidabsorbent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention carefully controls the type and quantity of additives used in the quenching water to achieve the desired pore volume and surface area while preventing excessive deliquescence. By optimizing these parameters, the absorbent maintains both low-temperature desulphurization performance and adequate stability for practical operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves superior SO2 reduction rates while maintaining excellent HCl capture performance, reducing the need for excessive reagents and by-product treatment, and also effectively captures HBr and HF, broadening the application of the dry process in flue gas purification.

Implementation Method 1

the neutralization reaction between gas and solid matter is not easy and a significant excess of calcium reagent is often necessary in relation to the quantity of acid to be neutralized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the additive results in making the absorbent deliquesce in the presence of humidity, which promotes the presence of a liquid film at the solid-gas interface and improves the capture of SO 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeliquescence: Deliquescence

Implementation Method 3

a powdered lime composition comprising calcium hydroxide particles, having a BET specific surface area equal to or greater than 25 m 2/g and a BJH pore volume equal to or greater than 0.1 cm 3/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP1896364B1Pulverulent lime composition, method for the production thereof, and use of the same
Publication Date: 2010.12.22 LHOIST RECH & DEV SA
  • EP1896364B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1896364B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a pulverulent lime composition comprising an alkali metal and having a specific surface BET which is equal to or larger than 25 m2/g and a total porous volume BJH of nitrogen desorption which is equal to or higher than 0,1 cm3/g. The invention also relates to a method for producing said composition, and to the use of the same for reducing the quantity of exhaust gas produced.