Investigations on removal of SO2 from flue gas by aerosol formation in pulsed corona discharge process

The removal of SO₂ from flue gas by pulsed corona discharge in presence of ammonia was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the SO₂ removal mainly depends on thermal reaction of SO₂ with NH₃ and enhancements of 0%—25% by pulsed corona discharge in the range of the specific energy 0—5 Wh/Nm³. The aerosol mass concentration, mainly composed of ammonium sulfate, increased with specific energy dissipated into the reactor. With an initial concentration of 2000—2100 ppmv SO₂ and energy consumption of 3 Wh/Nm³, when a stoichiometric amount of ammonia is injected, the removal efficiency of SO₂ and percentage of ammonium sulfates in reaction products are all ≥80%. The collection efficiency of the reactor for aerosol is about 74% at a flue gas temperature of 60 to 65℃ and a water vapor content of 9% to 11% volume.