The Influence of the Porous Structure of Activated Coke for the Treatment of Gases from Coal Combustion on Its Mechanical Strength

Abstract

This study investigated influences of the open/close states of pores and porosity distribution of activated coke on the mechanical strength of common activated coke for the purification of coal-fired flue gas by analyzing pore structure, abrasive resistance, and compression strengths of 9 types of desulfurization and denitration activated cokes. Research conclusions are conducive to disclosing the influences of porosity characteristics of activated coke for the purification of coal-fired flue gas on mechanical strength, decreasing the physical consumption of activated coke in the recycling of flue gas purification systems, and lowering the purification cost of coal-fired flue gas. According to research results, pores in the ranges of 0–2 nm and 2–500 nm of activated coke are further developed after recycling using the coal-fired flue gas purification system, and the average compression strength of activated coke is about 70% of the added fresh activated coke. However, the abrasive resistance of the recycled activated coke which has a smooth surface is higher than that of the fresh activated coke. Open pores are the main cause of reduced compression strength of activated coke. Open pores in the range of 2–500 nm can destroy the compression strength of activated coke the most. The open/close states of pores cause no significant impacts on the abrasive resistance of activated coke, but pores with diameters ranging from 0–2 nm can destroy the abrasive resistance of activated coke most significantly.