Chemical agglomeration of fine particles in coal combustion flue gas: Experimental evaluation

Fly ash fine particles emitted from coal-fired power plants are the primary atmospheric pollutant in China. The pressure, temperature, and velocity distribution of the flow field in a chamber was simulated to evaluate chemical agglomeration. The effect on the removal efficiency of composition, concentration, pH, K+ content, and zeta potential of the chemical agglomeration solutions as well as surfactant and flue gas temperature were evaluated. The results suggested that suitable solutions could significantly improve the removal efficiency of fine particles. Among these, kappa-carrageenan performed best and achieved a removal efficiency of 47.1%. Synergism was detected as two different chemical agglomeration solutions were mixed together: a mixture of kappa-carrageenan and konjac glucomannan attained a removal efficiency of 59.3%, higher than their individual values. The efficiency improved initially and then decreased as the solution K+ concentration increased. Also surfactants affected agglomeration: cationic and nonionic surfactants enlarged the removal efficiency by 9.0% and 3.7%, respectively, whereas anionic surfactants lessened average removal efficiency by 5.6%. Zeta potential influenced the removal efficiency as well: it peaked as the zeta potential was around 0 mV. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.