SO2 Removal from Gas Streams by Ammonia Scrubbing: Process Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Reduction of the SO2 content by ammonia scrubbing in the incinerator of the Isfahan Refinery complex was investigated. An experimental continuous setup was designed to study the underlying process parameters affecting SO2 capture from air. The effects of various parameters was analyzed by a systematic experimental design based on response surface methodology with central composite design. The developed response surface model was found to be useful and robust to predict the degree of desulfurization of ammonia wet flow gas disulfurization reactors. The ammonia concentration had the most significant influence on the efficiency of the desulfurization process. The square of temperature affected the efficiency more than the temperature, whereas the gas flow rate had a minor influence on the separation efficiency.