Electron beam flue gas treatment process for purification of exhaust gases with high SO2 concentrations

Exhaust gases with high SO2 concentrations are emitted from combustion of high sulphur fossil fuels and from different industrial processes (e.g. copper smelter and sintering plants). The application of the electron beam process for SO2 and NOx removal from such flue gases was investigated. A parametric study was carried out to determine the SO2 and NOx, removal efficiency as a function of temperature and humidity of irradiated gases, absorbed dose and ammonia stoichiometry. The efficiency 90-95% of SO2 removal Was obtained in the optimal treatment conditions with an inlet SO2 concentration of up to 15% vol. The synergistic effect of high SO2 content on NOx removal was indicated. The collected by-product was a mixture of ammonium sulphate and nitrate. The content of heavy metals in the by-products was many times lower than the values accepted for commercial fertilizers.