The role of MgO in the binding of SO2 by lime-containing materials

Abstract

The results of investigation of MgO participation in the binding of SO2 with lime-containing materials as sorbents are presented. Experiments of SO2 binding into solid phase using model samples of reactive grade MgO and CaO varying the mole ratio of MgO/CaO from 9:1 to 1:9 were carried out. Besides, dolomite and limestone samples with different MgO/CaO mole ratio (from 1.24 to 0.13) and samples of ashes formed at combustion of Estonian oil shale (containing 35-40% of carbonates) and its semicoke were studied Initial samples, intermediate and final products were subjected to chemical, IR-spectroscopy, X-ray and BET specific surface area analyses. The results of the present study confirmed the active participation of MgO in the binding of SO2 into the solid phase. In addition to CaSO4 the formation of Ca,Mg-double sulphate CaMg3(SO4)4 and β-MgSO4 was observed. The presence of CaMg3(SO4)4 was fixed in a large temperature range 400-900°C and that of β-MgSO4 in between 500-700°C. The optimum temperature range for formation and durability of CaMg3(SO4)4 was 700-800°C.