CO2 quality control in oxy-fuel combustion: A dynamic study on the absorption of SO2 into sodium based aqueous solutions relevant to scrubbing prior to CO2 compression

► Experiments on SO2 absorption were conducted in a well stirred reactor. ► SO2 absorption is gas phase controlled at pH > 7. ► CO2 is associated with sodium reagent loss as bicarbonate. ► SO2 has a lower absorption rate in CO2 than in N2 in gas phase controlled region. ► A pH operation range between 4 and 5.5 is recommended.