CO2 and SO2 uptake by oil shale ashes

Abstract

In the present research, CO2 and SO2 binding ability of different oil shale ashes and the effect of pre-treatment (grinding, preceding calcination) of these ashes on their binding properties and kinetics was studied using thermogravimetric, SEM, X-ray, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis methods. It was shown that at 700 °C, 0.03–0.28 mmol of CO2 or 0.16–0.47 mmol of SO2 was bound by 100 mg of ash in 30 min. Pre-treatment conditions influenced remarkably binding parameters. Grinding decreased CO2 binding capacities, but enhanced SO2 binding in the case of fluidized bed ashes. Grinding of pulverized firing ashes increased binding parameters with both gases. Calcination at higher temperatures decreased binding parameters of both types of ashes with both gases studied. Clarification of this phenomenon was given. Kinetic analysis of the binding process was carried out, mechanism of the reactions and respective kinetic constants were determined. It was shown that the binding process with both gases was controlled by diffusion. Activation energies in the temperature interval of 500–700 °C for CO2 binding with circulating fluidized bed combustion ashes were in the range of 48–82 kJ mol−1, for SO2 binding 43–107 kJ mol−1. The effect of pre-treatment on the kinetic parameters was estimated.