1309-48-4   desulfurization

Magnesium Oxide (MgO), with the CAS number 1309-48-4, is widely used in flue gas desulfurization (FGD) processes. This application is particularly important in industrial settings, such as power plants, where sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions need to be reduced to comply with environmental regulations.

How Magnesium Oxide is Used in Desulfurization

In flue gas desulfurization, magnesium oxide reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to form magnesium sulfite (MgSO₃) or magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), which can then be removed from the gas stream. The general process involves the following steps:

Absorption:

Flue gas containing SO₂ is passed through a slurry or solution of magnesium oxide (MgO) in water.

The chemical reaction between MgO and SO₂ produces magnesium sulfite:

MgO+SO2→MgSO3

Oxidation:

If oxygen (O₂) is present in the flue gas, magnesium sulfite can be further oxidized to magnesium sulfate:

MgSO3+21O2→MgSO4

Byproduct Recovery:

The resulting magnesium sulfite or sulfate can be collected and processed for reuse or disposal.

Advantages of Using Magnesium Oxide for Desulfurization

High Efficiency: MgO has a high reactivity with SO₂, making it effective for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gas.

Regenerable Process: In some systems, the magnesium compounds can be regenerated, reducing waste and operational costs.

Environmentally Friendly: The byproducts (magnesium sulfite/sulfate) are non-toxic and can often be reused in other industrial processes.

Cost-Effective: Compared to other desulfurization agents, MgO is relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Applications in Industry

Power Plants: Coal-fired power plants use MgO-based FGD systems to reduce SO₂ emissions.

Industrial Boilers: MgO is used in smaller-scale desulfurization systems for industrial boilers and furnaces.

Waste Incineration: MgO is used to control SO₂ emissions from waste incineration facilities.

Byproducts and Their Uses

Magnesium Sulfite (MgSO₃): Can be further processed or used in other chemical applications.

Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO₄): Also known as Epsom salt, it has applications in agriculture (as a fertilizer) and medicine.

Safety and Handling

Storage: Store MgO in a dry environment to prevent it from reacting with moisture.

Handling: Use appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) to avoid inhalation or skin contact with the powder.

Environmental Impact: MgO-based desulfurization is considered environmentally friendly, as it produces non-hazardous byproducts.

If you need more details about the process or specific applications, feel free to ask!