A MECHANISTICALLY BASED MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF SULFUR DIOXIDE ABSORPTION INTO A CALCIUM HYDROXIDE SLURRY IN A SPRAY DRYER

Abstract

A mathematical model has been developed to predict So2 absorption and removal during the constant rate drying period of a spray dryer. The model, based on film theory, treats the atomized slurry droplets as spheres containing discrete sorbent particles of slaked lime with the fluid uniformly distributed around the individual particles. The model includes gas and liquid phase mass transfer coefficients as well as resistance to Ca(OH)2 dissolution. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted and a comparison was made between pilot-scale experimental data and model-predicted values of S02 removal efficiency.