Modeling Transport-Kinetic Interactions for SO2 Oxidation to SO3 in Particulate and Monolith Catalysts Using COMSOL Multiphysics

摘要

Development of next-generation chemical processes that have zero emissions is a key environmental objective for sustainable development. The manufacture of H2SO4 by the air oxidation of SO2 to SO3 is an important technology where an opportunity exists for new catalyst development and process innovation by reducing emissions of unconverted SO2 in process reactor tail gases owing to the sheer number (> 1500) and scale (ca. 500 to 4500 metric tons/day) of typical plants. The global supply of H2SO4 is projected to grow from 200 MM tonnes in 2006 to more than 258 MM tonnes in 2015 with a value of > $10 MMM [1]. An opportunity exists to develop new innovations in environmental catalysis and reaction engineering for an important technology that has a rich and long history with positive economic growth. Best Available Control Technologies (BACT) for controlling SO2 emissions from stack gases involves additional processing resulting are cost intensive and well-studied. However, emissions control technologies using front-of-pipe technology, such as new catalyst technology, improved reactor designs, and process operational strategies have greater potential to be more economical versus end-of-pipe scrubbing technologies.