Fiberglass Catalysts for Controlled Conditioning of Flue Gases from Coal-fired Thermal Power Plants with Sulfur Trioxide

Abstract

To increase the efficiency of ash and dust removal in electrostatic precipitators, it is proposed to introduce microquantities of conditioning agents into the flue gas stream that improve the electrophysical properties of coal ash, such as sulfur trioxide. Structured catalytic systems for the oxidation of SO₂ present in flue gases were studied, based on platinum fiberglass catalysts that can be positioned directly in the flue duct, partially blocking its cross-section in the high-temperature zone (~450 °C). A modification of the catalyst layer configuration and its hydraulic resistance is recommended, which allows control of the gas volume passing through the catalytic block and, consequently, regulation of the SO₃ concentration in the flue gases before the electrostatic precipitator. It is concluded that this approach can significantly enhance the environmental efficiency of coal-fired thermal power plants without costly reconstruction of electrostatic precipitators, installation of a separate catalytic reactor or the use of an external sulfur source.