The physical structures of a dolomite and a limestone and their reactivities as \'SO IND.2\' sorbents

Author(s)

Daniela Andresa Mortari

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-04-01

Examining board members

Paula Cristina Garcia Manoel Crnkovic; Fernando Eduardo Milioli; Araí Augusta Bernárdez Pécora

• Advisor: Paula Cristina Garcia Manoel Crnkovic

Abstract

Due to various effects caused by the presence of \'SO IND.2\' in gases released into the atmosphere, considerable attention has been given to techniques of removal of this pollutant from the combustion processes. This dissertation reports on studies related to the determination of the optimum conditions of temperature and particle size in \'SO IND.2\' sorption by a dolomite, called DP and a calcite, called ICB. Five ranges of granulometry (385, 460, 545, 650 e 775 µm) and temperature (from 745 to 920ºC) were studie for each limestone. The application of experimental design resulted in a response surface with maximum values of temperature and particle size. For DP, the highest conversions (52%) were obtained at 850ºC and particle size of 545 µm and the lowest conversions were obtained at temperatures over 900ºC and below 780ºC. For ICB, the best conditions were obtained at 815ºC and 274 µm (36.7% conversion). The correlation between response surface and physical structure parameters showed that the amount of small pores is an important factor in the reactivity of the sorbents. For both DP and ICB, the average of pore size is close to 0.01 µm, indicating that the diffusion mechanism should follow the Fick law. However, in limestone ICB a further development of micropores was observed, allowing concluding that the diffusion mechanism possibly follows Knudsen law, which justifies the lowest conversions by quick pore blockage, consequently making the inner layers inaccessible. These assumptions were evidenced by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in which a compacted and closed layer was showed on ICB sulfated surface. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/07215-4 - The physical structure of limestones and the reactivity as sorbents of atmospheric pollutant
• Grantee: Daniela Andresa Mortari
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master