An SO2 converter with flow reversal and interstage heat removal:: From laboratory to industry

This paper gives a brief report on the research and development work in commercialization of an SO2 converter with flow reversal and interstage heat removal. It starts with modelling of the converter, and experimental verification of the model with a laboratory reactor and a pilot scale converter. To deal with strongly fluctuating SO2 concentrations fi om 1% to higher than 4%, an appropriate converter configuration is suggested based on simulation. The converter consists of three catalyst packed stages, and two interstage heat exchangers, with two temperature buffers mounted at both ends. A dual position control strategy to open or shut the interstage heat exchanger is developed, which has been proven to be effective. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.