Removal of $SO_2$ gas using Cu O -on -γ-alumina

Abstract

Removal of $SO_2$ gas from the flue gases was carried out using copper oxide adsorbent. Reaction among $SO_2$, $O_2$, and CuO can be represented as follows. CuO+ $SO_2$ + $\frac{1}{2}O_2$ = $CuSO_4$ Copper oxide adsorbents were manufactured by the method of impregnation of γalumina tablet in a solution of copper(II) nitrate. $SO_2$ breakthrough curves were obtained changing temperature and initial concentration in a tubular packed bed reactor. The kinetic parameters were estimated by fitting breakthrough curves to the theoretical kinetic model and the saturation capacities were calculated by the numerical integration of breakthrough curves. The effects of temperature on adsorption rate and saturation capacity were considered. Rate equation was obtained under the assumption that copper sulfate formation might be the ratedetermining step. And the equation representing breakthrough curves was obtained under the assumption of gas plug flow. By means of this equation the influence of space time on breakthrough curve was simulated.