NOx AND SOx CHEMISTRY IN PRESSURIZED FLUE GAS SYSTEMS: IMPORTANCE FOR CHEMICAL LOOPING COMBUSTION

Other conference contribution, 2014

The control of NOx and SOx in chemical-looping combustion systems is discussed with the focus on the importance of the pressurized flue-gas train. The chemistry of nitrogen and sulfur under pressurized conditions and the experiences gained from operating oxy-fuel combustion pilot plants that pertain to chemical looping are reviewed. In the flue gases from the combustion process, SO2 and NO are the principle NOx and SOx species. The oxidation of NO to NO2 is favored by low temperature and high pressure and is enhanced during the compression of flue gases. The oxidation of NO to NO2 in the flue-gas train is significant at pressures >15 bar. The solubilities of NO2 and SO2 in water are high and results in the formation of acids. Once NOx and SOx are absorbed, the liquid-phase N-S interactions lead to the formation of sulfuric and nitric acids. Thus, the chemistry of NOx and SOx is of importance for flue-gas conditioning of chemical-looping combustion systems. Similar to oxy-fuel combustion, the conditions in the chemical-looping flue-gas train offer new opportunities for the design of NOx and SOx removal processes.