THE REACTIVITY AND DURABILITY OF ZINC FERRITE HIGH-TEMPERATURE DESULFURIZATION SORBENTS

Cylindrical pellets of zinc ferrite high temperature desulfurization sorbent have been prepared using a number of formulation recipes and induration conditions. Physical and structural properties of the resultant sorbents were measured, and reactivity and durability screening tests were carried out using a single pellet electrobalance reactor. The formulation variables studied were ZnO to Fe203 ratio, Fe203 source, and the addition of inorganic (bentonite) and organic (methocel) binders to the sorbents. Pellet induration conditions ranged from 0.25 hours at 815°C to 4.0 hours at 1038°C. Stronger pellets having greater attrition resistance resulted when 5% bentonite was added to the formulation recipe and when the pellets were indurated at high temperature for extended times. In contrast, bentonite content was not a significant factor in determining sorbent reactivity and durability, both of which were improved by mild induration conditions. Sorbent regeneration temperature was found to be an important factor in improving reaction durability, as was the addition of 0.5% methocel to the formulation recipe. Pellets containing catalyst-grade Fe203 were more reactive than those containing pigment-grade Fe203. This effect, however, was less important than the effect of induration conditions. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.