| This thesis studied the use of the metal oxides as sorbents and high surface area acid traps for the reduction of sulfur trioxide and sulfuric acid in flue gas streams. Equipment was utilized to generate SO 3 through the oxidation of SO2. Generated SO3 was then injected into a flue gas stream for studying the effectiveness of acid traps. During additional studies, sulfur trioxide was also passed through a metal oxide bed to gauge sorbent effectiveness. Controlled condensation sampling equipment was used in order to determine sulfate concentrations in both testing configurations.;It was determined that acid trap would act as a demister at temperatures well below the sulfuric acid dew point. Here, the acid trap reduced the flue gas concentration of sulfuric acid by 22--42.5%. At flue gas temperatures just below the sulfuric acid dew point, trap effectiveness ranged from 0--30%.;This study also found no significant differences between the sulfate capture efficiency of CaO and MgO powders (-100 mesh). In general, variations in sulfate capture over time were attributed to sulfation of oxide particles. It was determined that initial sulfate capture ranged from 50--65%, while steady state sulfate capture approached 15--20%. |
