Investigation of the SO2 Production Process by Combustion of Sulphur-Containing Substances Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

An extensive CFD model was developed capable of capturing the phenomena occurring during the combustion of sulphur and sulphur-containing substances to produce sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The model includes a comprehensive description of the combustion of liquid sulphur droplets, accounting for the different modes of sulphur molecules during the pyrolysis phase. To represent the conversion of injected sulphuric acid, a proper set of pyrolysis reactions was implemented. Further reaction mechanisms were embedded to model hydrocarbon combustion. By inclusion of turbulence effects as well as radiative heat transfer, a thorough model was designed, allowing for in-depth analysis of the combustion system investigated. This model was successfully applied to practical combustion conditions, providing a convenient tool for the optimisation of existing plants as well as for the scale-up or design of new combustion facilities.