Wet Scrubber Sulfite Control for SO2 Removal Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wet scrubber systems for removing sulfur dioxide from process gases face inefficiencies due to variations in sulfur dioxide concentration, oxidation ratios, and gas flow rates, leading to suboptimal operation and increased energy and absorbent material consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling a wet scrubber by measuring the concentration of sulfite in the absorption liquid before mixing with absorbents, adjusting parameters such as oxygen supply, pH, and additive use based on real-time measurements to maintain optimal sulfite levels, ensuring efficient sulfur dioxide removal and energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time measurement and control of sulfite concentration is implemented, then sulfur dioxide removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesulfur dioxide removal efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sulfite sensor continuously measures the sulfite concentration in the absorption liquid, and a control unit adjusts operating parameters (oxygen supply, pH, additive dosage) based on these measurements to maintain optimal sulfite levels for maximum SO2 removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operation and visual monitoring with automated electronic control systems, including electronic sensors for sulfite measurement, electronic control units for parameter adjustment, and automated dosing systems for additives and oxygen supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If high sulfite concentration is maintained in absorption liquid, then sulfur dioxide absorption capacity is improved, but harmful effects increase due to sulfite blinding and reduced gypsum quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesulfur dioxide absorption capacityVSAvoidsulfite blinding and gypsum quality degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts operating parameters including oxygen supply rate, pH level, and additive dosage based on real-time sulfite concentration measurements to maintain sulfite levels within an optimal range that maximizes SO2 absorption while preventing sulfite blinding and ensuring high gypsum quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses oxygen supply and oxidation processes to convert sulfite to sulfate, preventing excessive sulfite accumulation that causes blinding, while carefully controlling the oxidation rate to maintain optimal sulfite levels for continuous SO2 absorption capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Device complexity

If conventional wet scrubber operation is used without real-time control, then device complexity is reduced, but energy consumption and absorbent material usage increase due to suboptimal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidenergy and absorbent material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-regulating control system that automatically monitors sulfite concentration and adjusts operating parameters without manual intervention, optimizing energy and absorbent usage while maintaining simple overall system architecture through automated self-adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach allows for efficient sulfur dioxide removal with reduced energy and absorbent consumption, maintaining optimal operation despite variations in process conditions, and provides accurate sulfite measurement and control, preventing sulfite blinding and improving gypsum quality.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the process gas with an absorption liquid in an absorption vessel to absorb sulphur dioxide from the process gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a system for detection of sulfite concentration in a wet scrubber liquid... controls the amount of oxidation air supplied by a blower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP2578292B1A method of controlling a wet scrubber useful for removing sulphur dioxide from a process gas
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2578292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578292B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2578292B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wet scrubber (1) for cleaning a process gas containing sulphur dioxide comprises an absorption vessel (2) for contacting the process gas with an absorption liquid to absorb sulphur dioxide from the process gas, a sensor (68,74) for measuring a sulphite concentration in the absorption liquid, and a control unit (52). The control unit (52) is adapted to receive a measurement signal from the sensor (68, 74) and to control, based on the measured sulphite concentration, at least one wet scrubber operating parameter influencing the concentration in the absorption liquid.