Advanced separation technology for flue gas cleanup. Quarterly technical report Number 12

The objective of this work is to develop a novel system for regenerable SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} scrubbing of flue gas that focuses on (a) a novel method for regeneration of spent SO{sub 2} scrubbing liquor and (b) novel chemistry for reversible absorption of NO{sub x}. In addition, high efficiency hollow fiber contactors (BFC) are proposed as the devices for scrubbing the SO{sub 2} and NO{sub x} from the flue gas. The system will be designed to remove more than 95% of the SO{sub x} and more than 75% of the NO{sub x} from flue gases typical of pulverized coal-fired power plants at a cost that is at least 20% less than combined wet limestone scrubbing of SO{sub x} and selective catalytic reduction of NO{sub x}. In addition, the process will make only marketable byproducts, if any (no waste streams). During the first quarter of 1995, the authors continued work on Task 8, and also began working on Task 9. In Task 8, they have presented the modified experimental arrangement for testing the efficacy of Co(II)-phthalocyanine solution for NO{sub x} absorption as well as desorption over extended periods of time. The key feature of this new experimental setup is to continuously circulate the warm Co(II)-phthalocyanine solution (using a computer) through the HFC in order to avoid precipitation within the fibers. Also, this arrangement allows one to automatically acquire process data. In Task 9, the authors carried out preliminary design calculations to determine the performance of a rectangular module that will be supplied by Setec. Also, they designed and constructed the apparatus for testing these modules