A kinetic sensitivity analysis for the SO2 and NOx removal using the electron beam technology

The mathematical modeling of the phenomena taking place during the electron beam flue gas treatment is a complex endeavor due to the different time scales of the processes occurring as accelerated electrons are bombarding the flue gas. The paper presents a complex kinetic model for these gas phase interactions, consisting of 1034 chemical reactions with the participation of 115 reactive species. The mathematical model couples the complex gas phase kinetics with a liquid phase kinetic model, taking into account the nucleation and condensation phenomena occurring due to the presence of sulfuric acid. The modeling results for both coupled and uncoupled gas phase kinetics are validated against a set of literature experimental data with satisfactory outcome. The work aims to identify the most important chemical reactions influencing the pollutants removal, proposing a sensitivity analysis using the concept of generated entropy. To the best of the authors' knowledge a sensitivity analysis of this extent has not been performed for the electron beam flue gas treatment. The results of this analysis emphasize the link between the removal efficiencies of NOx and SO2, the importance of hydroxyl radicals and can aid in future model reduction efforts.