Bench scale evaluation of anion exchange resin based seed regeneration concept : for coal fired magnetohydrodynamics power system

Author

Bill Butler

Date of Award

12-1986

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Chemical Engineering

Major Professor

Atul C. Sheth

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation is based on the direct con version of heat to electricity by passing a high-temperature, high-velocity, electrically conducting working fluid through a magnetic field. In a coal-fired system, the working fluid is obtained by burning the coal and seeding the combustion gases with easily-ionizable material such as potassium or cesium. A combined cycle power plant includes an MHD topping system followed by a conventional steam turbine bottoming cycle. Such power systems not only have high overall efficiency (up to 60 percent), but they also have an inherent sulfur removal capability. The potassium compound used as "seed" plays a dual role by increasing the electrical conductivity of the plasma, and by reacting with sulfur dioxide and removing it from the gaseous effluent.

For economic and environmental reasons, the spent seed (predominantly K₂SO₄ formed by the reactions between the potassium and sulfur) must be recovered, desulfurized, and recycled back to the MHD power plant. At the University of Tennessee Space Institute, UTS I, a seed regeneration concept that is based on the use of weak base, anion exchange resins has been developed. In comparison to the other available options for seed desulfurization (which either need high temperature reduction of K₂SO₄ but remove sulfur as H₂S, or need low temperature double decomposition/precipitation type reactions but produce less desirable CaSO₄ type waste products needing landfill), this concept seems to be economical and needs only ambient process conditions. This resin based concept also does not produce any waste products that may need disposal by landfill. In general, this concept seems more attractive than the presently considered seed regeneration options.

In this thesis, the results from the bench scale evaluation of the ion exchange resin based seed regeneration concept will be presented. The math model that is used for data analysis, interpretation and scale up studies will also be described.

Recommended Citation

Butler, Bill, "Bench scale evaluation of anion exchange resin based seed regeneration concept : for coal fired magnetohydrodynamics power system. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1986.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/13661