DESIGNS OF REACTORS USED FOR THE CATALYTIC PURIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS FROM SULFUROUS GAS
We have analyzed the designs of operating reactors for catalytically oxidizing SO2 to SO3. We have shown the general principles of such designs and their differences. Key issues are shown regarding the operation of catalytic reactors on granulated catalysts. We considered the potential ways of solving the problems of operating the existing reactors, as well as the ways to intensify the catalytic purification of industrial emissions from sulfur dioxide. We have developed the new, compact designs of reactors to operate on granulated and unitized catalysts. It is shown that using cellular catalysts in the reactors of the designs developed allows intensifying the process of oxidizing SO2 to SO3 with increasing the gas flow rate at slightly decreasing the flow resistance. Schematic diagrams of the new reactor designs are described, as well as the operation of the catalytic purification system from sulfur dioxide, followed by obtaining product sulfuric acid. Reactor designs developed are distinct in compactness and ease of use, maintenance, and repairs. Unit-shaped cellular catalysts for operating in the reactors proposed are easy to replace and allow operating at higher gas mixture temperatures and at higher SO2 concentrations in the gas mixture to be purified. Based on analyzing the experimental results, we have justified the reasonableness of the way to intensify the process due to increasing the gas flow rate in the channels of the unit-shaped catalyst. This paper presents the process flow diagram of purifying gas emissions from sulfur dioxide, followed by obtaining sulfuric acid. It also shows the similarity of such diagrams including contact reactors with differently arranged heat-exchange elements.