Thursday, January 21, 2021
Read our latest article in Process Heating where Derek Stuart discusses how knowledge of acid dewpoint temperature improves combustion efficiency and reduces maintenance issues.
A practical knowledge of the acid dewpoint and its effect on sulfur emissions can better enable process heater operators to reduce maintenance costs, lower emissions and improve combustion efficiency.This article reviews the key factors plant operators need to understand to achieve those benefits. It also describes how a portable acid dewpoint temperature monitor can provide a practical measurement of sulfuric acid in stack gases.
It is commonly known that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from process plants contribute to acid rain, and that many sites must monitor or control such emissions. Problems associated with sulfur trioxide (SO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) emissions, however, are less widely recognized. It also is less well known that sulfuric acid in stack gases contributes to serious and expensive maintenance problems.
When sulfur-containing fuels are burned, the sulfur is oxidized to SO2. If enough oxygen is available, some of that SO2 oxidizes further to become SO3. In most cases, the SO3 forms a small — but significant — fraction of the oxidized sulfur. Typically, this is a few percent of the total. Most solid and liquid fuels contain some sulfur, typically between 0.5 and 3 percent by weight.
Click here to read the full article