Abstract A process for reducing the fly ash and sulfur dioxide content of a flue gas stream comprising passing the flue gas through a first mobile-packing scrubber stage to effect collection of the bulk of the fly ash. The flue gas is then passed through subsequent mobile-packing scrubber stages. In these subsequent stages the flue gas is washed with a liquid in which an oxygen-containing compound of magnesium or calcium is present. The sulfur dioxide in the flue gas stream reacts with these compounds and the resulting liquids and solids are carried to a kiln, where the reaction products are decomposed. Sulfur dioxide is driven off and collected, and the magnesium or calcium compound is regenerated for reuse in part.
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said alkaline earth metal compound is magnesium oxide.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said alkaline earth metal compound is magnesium carbonate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said alkaline earth metal compound is calcium carbonate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said alkaline earth metal compound is calcium oxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said portion of liquid and entrained solids passed from said outlet of said subsequent mobile-packing scrubber stages to a kiln follows a separate path and is kept separate from the portion of liquid and entrained solids withdrawn from the outlet of said first mobile-packing scrubber stage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said liquid and entrained solids from said first mobile-packing scrubber stage are passed through a concentrator, and that portion of said liquid in which the aforesaid entrained solids are concentrated is removed for disposal and the remaining portion of said liquid and entrained solids is recycled to said first mobile-packing scrubber stage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that said liquid and entrained solids from said subsequent mobile-packing scrubber stages are passed through a concentrator, and that portion of said liquid in which the entrained solids are concentrated is passed to said kiln and the remaining portion of said liquid and entrained solids is recycled to said subsequent mobile-packing scrubber stages.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that the remaining portion of said solids produced in said kiln is withdrawn and is introduced into said first mobile-packing scrubber stage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 1 further characterized in that the remaining portion of said solids produced in said kiln is withdrawn and is introduced into the flue gas stream before the flue gas stream passes through said first mobile-packing scrubber stage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process Of claim 1 further characterized in that the flue gas stream is cooled to at least about 350* F. before it is passed through said first mobile-packing scrubber stage.