Influence of key operational parameters on performance of multi‐stage packed spray tower for removing <scp> SO ₂ </scp> from flue gas by scrubbing seawater

Abstract Seawater flue gas desulfurization (SWFGD) process has been adopted by many coastal power plants due to its low operating cost. However, the key influencing factors that determine the performance of using multi‐stage packed spray tower (MPST) for removing SO 2 from flue gas by scrubbing seawater still require further investigation. In this article, effects of liquid/gas ratio, flue gas flow rate, packing height, packing type, SO 2 concentration at the inlet of MPST, and seawater properties including temperature and alkalinity on desulfurization efficiency and pressure drop were systematically studied. In addition, experimental data in this work were further analyzed by response surface methodology using Design‐Expert software. This study provides quantitative analysis of the interaction effects between key operational parameters in a hybrid multi‐stage packed spray tower for SWFGD. The interaction between packing height and flue gas flow rate was extremely significant for desulfurization rate, and the interaction between liquid/gas ratio and flue gas flow rate was extremely significant for pressure drop. Optimization of process parameters is critical to achieving low energy consumption and high energy efficiency in SWFGD engineering experiments, which provides necessary technical support and theoretical guidance for SWFGD engineering design.