Evaluation of limestone impurities in the desfulfurization process of coal combustion gas

Abstract

Limestones have been used to capture SO2 emitted during the combustion of coal for decades. However, due to the complexities of the variables involved in this process, many issues are still being studied. Some tests were performed in a fluidized bed reactor, which was used to evaluate the performance of the limestones in the bed for flue gas desulfurization, burning low sulfur coal. Metamorphic dolomitic limestones of low cost were evaluated considering the impurity level and need for beneficiation. They were characterized chemically, physically and microstructurally (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, laser particle size analyzer, scanning electronic microscope). The data obtained were compared to a calcitic limestone of elevated purity and higher market value. The results showed little effect of the major impurities present in the dolomitic limestones in the calcination and desulfurization processes. Microcrystalline impurities showed a marked effect promoting grain sintering in calcination conditions of TGA/DTA tests in different atmospheres, as shown in SEM images. Dolomitic limestones generate more solid waste and capture less SO2 per kcal (a slightly decrease in the thermal efficiency of the reactor) compared to calcitic limestones. However, due to the lower cost, they were considered to be attractive for the FBC process (2 mg SO2/kcal at Ca/S=3).