Pilot-scale validation of the kinetics of SO2 absorption into sulphuric acid solutions containing hydrogen peroxide

Sulphur dioxide removal efficiencies were measured in a pilot-scale column packed with Pall plastic rings, at 20 °C and atmospheric pressure, with sulphuric acid solutions (1.2–6.6 M) containing hydrogen peroxide (0.13–0.83 M) as the scrubbing liquid, for different sulphur dioxide partial pressures in the range of 100–500 Pa in the inlet air. A mathematical model previously developed to interpret laboratory experiments was adapted and used to treat the results of the pilot-scale runs for a wide range of operating conditions of gas and liquid flow rates, SO2 partial pressures in the gas phase, H2O2 and H2SO4 concentrations of the solution. A quite satisfactory agreement was found between kinetic parameters deduced from the tests achieved in laboratory and pilot-scale contactors up to 5 M in H2SO4. It appears, therefore, that this model can provide good predictions of the absorption performances of industrial columns and be really helpful to design scrubbers for SO2 abatement with hydrogen peroxide.