Investigation on the relationship between the fine particle emission and crystallization characteristics of gypsum during wet flue gas desulfurization process

The relationship between the fine particles emitted after desulfurization and gypsum crystals in the desulfurization slurry was investigated,and the crystallization characteristics varying with the operation parameters and compositions of the desulfurization slurry were discussed.The results showed that the fine particles generated during the desulfurization process were closely related to the crystal characteristics in the desulfurization slurry by comparison of their morphology and elements. With the higher proportion of fine crystals in the desulfurization slurry,the number concentration of fine particles after desulfurization was increased and their particle sizes were smaller,indicating that the optimization of gypsum crystallization was beneficial for the reduction of the fine particle emission. The lower p H value and an optimal temperature of the desulfurization slurry were beneficial to restrain the generation of fine crystals in the desulfurization slurry. In addition,the higher concentrations of the Fe3＋ions and the F- ions in the desulfurization slurry both promoted the generation of fine crystals with corresponding change of the morphology and the effect of the Fe3＋ ions was more obvious.With the application of the desulfurization synergist additive,it was beneficial for the inhibition of fine crystals while the thinner crystals were generated.

Origin of high particle number concentrations reaching the St. Louis, Midwest Supersite

Ultrafine particles are associated with adverse health effects. Total Particle Number Concentration（TNC） of fine particles were measured during 2002 at the St. Louis — Midwest supersite. The time series showed overall low level with frequent large peaks. The time series was analyzed alongside criteria pollutant measurements and meteorological observations. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify further contributing factors and to determine the association of different pollutants with TNC levels. This showed the strong contribution of sulfur dioxide（SO2） and nitrogen oxides（NO x） to high TNC levels. The analysis also suggested that increased dispersion resulting from faster winds and higher mixing heights led to higher TNC levels. Overall, the results show that there were intense particle nucleation events in a SO2 rich plume reaching the site which contributed around 29% of TNC. A further 40% was associated with primary emissions from mobile sources. By separating the remaining TNC by time of day and clear sky conditions,we suggest that most likely 8% of TNC are due to regional nucleation events and 23% are associated with the general urban background.