Electron beam process for SO2 removal from flue gases with high SO2 content

Flue gases with high SO₂ concentration are emitted from different industrial processes, e.g. combustion of coal with high sulfur content, copper smelting and sintering plant. The application of the electron beam process for SO₂ removal from such flue gases was investigated. A parametric study was carried out to determine the removal efficiency as a function of temperature and humidity of irradiated gases, dose and ammonia stoichiometry. At the dose 11.5 kGy 95% SO₂ removal efficiency was obtained when the temperature and humidity of irradiated flue gases and ammonia stoichiometry were properly adjusted. The synergistic effect of high SO₂ concentration on NO_x removal was observed. The collected by-product was the mixture of (NH₄)₂ SO₄ and NH₄NO₃. The content of heavy metals in the by-product was many times lower than the values acceptable for commercial fertilizer.