Removal of Sox, Nox, and particulate from combusted carbonaceous fuels

Abstract

The invention is a method for removing sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate from the products of combusted carbonaceous fuels. Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate are currently discharged to the atmosphere as flue gas in quantities highly detrimental to the environment. Potassium compounds, as are found in agricultural grade potash, are dispersed throughout the combustion products at the exit of the combustion zone of boilers. The potassium compounds decompose as a result of combustion temperatures in excess of their melting points. The potassium, as an ionic vapor, reacts with the sulfur and nitrogen oxide gases present, to form potassium sulfates, potassium nitrites and potassium nitrates. When the combined products stream, tranversing the boiler equipment train, cool sufficiently, the potassium, present in excess, condenses as potassium oxide on the surfaces of the particles present. The larger particles are removed from the non-condensed vapor and gas by the centrifugal and gravitational forces exerted within cyclones. The smaller particles are removed from the non-chargable vapor and gases by the electrostatic charge and attraction created within the precipitator. The dry particles discharged from the cyclones and precipitator are ready for ultimate end use as potash fertilizer without further treatment. The flue gas atmospheric emissions contain only trace quantities of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate.

Drawings

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.