Simultaneous Removal of NOx and SO2 through a Simple Process Using a Composite Absorbent

Abstract

In this work, the feasibility of the simultaneous removal of NOx and SO2 through a simple process using a composite absorbent (NaClO2/Na2S2O8) was evaluated. Factors affecting the removal of NOx and SO2, such as NaClO2 and Na2S2O8 concentrations, solution temperature, the initial pH of solution, gas flow rate, and SO2, NO, and O2 concentrations were studied, with a special attention to NOx removal. Results indicate that a synergistic effect on NOx removal has been obtained through combination of NaClO2 and Na2S2O8. NaClO2 in the solution played a more important role than did Na2S2O8 for the removal of NOx. The above factors had an important impact on the removal of NOx, especially the solution temperature, the initial pH of the solution, and the oxidant concentrations. The optimum experimental conditions were established, and a highest efficiency of NOx removal of more than 80% was obtained. Meanwhile, tandem double column absorption experiments were conducted, and a NOx removal efficiency of more than 90% was reached, using NaOH solution as an absorbant in the second reactor. A preliminary reaction mechanism for NOx and SO2 removal was deduced, based on experimental results. The composite absorbent has the potential to be used in the wet desulfurization and denitration process, to realize the synergistic removal of multi-pollutants.