Measurement of alkali vapors in PFBC (pressurized fluidized-bed combustion) process stream and their removal with a fixed granular-bed sorber, October 1, 1986-September 30, 1987

A fixed granular-bed sorber is being developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for the control of the alkali vapor in a PFBC process stream. To achieve the objectives of this project, a high-temperature, high-pressure alkali sorber has been designed, fabricated, and installed onto the ANL laboratory-scale 15.2-cm-dia (6-in.-dia) pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) facility (PFBC/alkali sorber facility). The real-time alkali concentrations (sodium and potassium) in the process stream are measured by an Ames on-line alkali analyzer for both the sorber-inlet and sorbed-outlet gas streams. In addition to the Ames alkali analyzer, a batch-type alkali and particulate sampling train (APST) is installed as a back-up for the analysis of both alkali vapor and particulate in the sorber-inlet gas stream. The APST is designed on the basis of a cold-trap condensation method. Three experimental activities have been proceeding during this year: (1) laboratory calibration of the Ames alkali analyzer and the batch-type APST, (2) laboratory study on alkali-vapor capture by stainless steel, and (3) modification of the PFBC/alkali sorber to reduce particulate loading in the PFBC process stream. Results of each activity are presented in this report.