A study on the desulfurization efficiency of limestone sludge with various admixtures

Abstract

The flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process is one of the most effective methods to reduce the amount of SO2 gas (up to 90%) generated by the use of fossil fuel. Limestone is usually used as a desulfurizing agent in the wet-type FGD process; however, the limestone reserves of domestic mines have become exhausted. In this study, limestone sludge produced from the steel works process is used as a desulfurizing agent. Seven different types of additives are also used to improve the efficiency of the desulfurization process. As a result, alkaline additive is identified as the least effective additive, while certain types of organic acids show higher efficiency. It is also observed that the amount of FGD gypsum, which is a by-product of the FGD process, increases with the used of some of those additives.