Facing the Sulfuric Acid Aerosol Problem in Flue Gas Cleaning: Pilot Plant Experiments and Simulation

Experimental and simulation results of sulfuric acid aerosol formation during absorption of sulfuric trioxide in a wet flue gas scrubber (quench cooler) are presented. The complete characterization of the volatile aerosol with respect to number concentration and droplet size distribution is only possible by combining experimental and theoretical methods. Both experiments performed in a pilot plant and simulation results, reveal high number concentrations. A simulation tool predicts the formation of very small droplets that remain even submicron after coagulation in typical residence times of scrubbing systems and thus are difficult to precipitate.

Copyright 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research