Sequential capture of CO2 and SO2 in a pressurized TGA simulating FBC conditions.

Four FBC-based processes were investigated as possible means of sequentially capturing SO2 and CO2. Sorbent performance is the key to their technical feasibility. Two sorbents (a limestone and a dolomite) were tested in a pressurized thermogravimetric analyzer (PTGA). The sorbent behaviors were explained based on complex interaction between carbonation, sulfation, and direct sulfation. The best option involved using limestone or dolomite as a SO2-sorbent in a FBC combustor following cyclic CO2 capture. Highly sintered limestone is a good sorbent for SO2 because of the generation of macropores during calcination/carbonation cycling.