Absorption-desorption procedure for regenerable sulphur dioxide recovery

Absorption of SO2 from an SO2/air mixture into a sodium citrate buffer solution was performed using a 0.1 m diameter, Im height absorption column packed with 0.012 m nominal size ceramic Raschig-rings. The SO2 removal efficiency was measured as a function of the operating parameters: gas and liquid flow, temperature of absorption, SO2 inlet concentration, mole ratio in the reaction of NaOH and SO2 (MR) and stoichiometric ratio of the buffer (SR). Regeneration of the spent buffer was solved by using a porous polypropylene membrane. Economic analysis was performed for the industrial scale absorber-desorber system. Optimal values of the operating parameters at a minimum total cost of the absorber-desorber system were determined.