9360087 Ahmed Technologies based on the injection of lime directly into flue gas ducts in order to control sulfur dioxide show promise as being simpler and less costly than acid-rain control approaches. Up to now, typical sulfur dioxide removals with lime alone have been low (40 to 60 percent), and sorbent utilizations have been not satisfactory. Sorbent Technologies Corporation researchers have proposed a concept to significant improve sulfur dioxide remove efficiency and sorbent utilization. By coating the lime onto an inexpensive support phase, expanded vermiculite or perlite, and moistening the combination slightly before introducing it into the duct, extremely high sulfur dioxide removals were possible. By recycling the sorbents, high utilizations could be achieved. The concept was examined at U.S. SPA's North Carolina laboratories with good results. This Phase I project will continue the proof-of-concept testing at Sorbtech's laboratories, specifically aimed at developing a performance model and testing the model by characterizing how changes in process and sorbent variables affect sorbent performance. The new technology represents a low-cost solution to the current acid rain problem. If fully developed, it should be attractive to utilities and industrial firms that burn coal or fuel oil. ***
