Heavy oil combustion sulfer trioxide neutralization using magnesium hydroxide

In Mexico, 32 percent of electric energy is produced burning residual fuel oil. Some of the main air pollutants generated are CO2, CO, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. SO2 is an acid rain precursor, and SO3 when condensates form little drops of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), that is one of the main factors responsible for plume opacity in power plants that burn high sulfur fuels. Particulate matter that absorbs H2SO4 vapor acquires acid character and when this matter releases to the atmosphere affect local environment, as well as, buildings, cars, etc. Besides, SO3 produce corrosion problems in low temperature zone of steam generators. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of every possible solutions for this problem, combustion pilot tests were realized burning heavy fuel oil and using magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 as an additive on exit gases. The main objective of this additive is the neutralization of sulfur trioxide emissions transforming them to magnesium sulfate before releasing them to the atmosphere.