Removal of SO2from simulated flue gases using non-thermal plasma-based microgap discharge

Abstract

The removal of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from simulated flue gases streams (N2/O2/H2O/SO2) was experimentally investigated using microgap discharge. In the experiment, the thinner dielectric layers of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were used to form the microgap discharge. With this physical method, a high concentration of hydroxyl (OH·) radicals were produced using the ionization of O2and H2O to further the conversion of SO2into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at 120° C in the absence of any catalysts and absorbents, which were captured with the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). As a result, the increase of discharge power and concentrations of O2and H2O increased the production of OH· radicals resulting in enhanced removal of SO2from gas streams. With the test and analysis, a number of H2SO4droplets were produced in experiment. Therefore, a new method for removal of SO2in semidry method without ammonia (NH3) additive was found. © 2006 Air & Waste Management Association.