Attrition of an aluminate-based synthetic sorbent for regenerative sulphur capture from flue gas in a fluidised bed

Attrition tests have been performed on an aluminate-based synthetic sorbent intended for regenerative sulphur capture from flue gas in a fluidised bed coal combustor. A comparison with lime(stone) has also been made. Single-particle crushing strength tests have been used to investigate the role of breakage caused by static mechanical stress, while impact tests have been applied to study kinetic stress. Multi-particle fluidised bed tests have been used to examine attrition by thermal shock (thermal stress), coal combustion (thermal and chemical stress) and fluidisation (kinetic stress) independently. The attrition resistance of the synthetic sorbent is much higher than that of lime(stone). It appears however that the effect of coal combustion on sorbent attrition needs further research. The morphology of the sorbents is only slightly affected by the various tests mentioned above.