Effects of particle size distribution on limestone dissolution in wet FGD process applications

The kinetics of limestone dissolution in the wet type flue gas desulfurization (FGD) processes has been studied. The rates of dissolution and particle size reduction were measured in both batch and continuous reaction systems for limestone of different size distribution. A predictive model was developed based on mass transfer mechanism. It was in good agreement with experimental data. Moreover, the rate of dissolution for 25 limestones of different composition and size distribution were measured in apparatus with a sulfur dioxide absorber which simulated FGD processes. The model was also in good agreement with these results.