Removal of SO from smelting flue gas by using copper tailings with MnSO: factors optimization by response surface methodology.

The abatement of SO and the utilization of copper tailings are identified as two attention-attracting environmental issues in the copper smelter. In this study, to improve the flue gas desulfurization performance and the utilization of copper tailings, SO removal from smelting flue gas by using copper tailings combined with MnSO·HO was investigated. The effects of operation variables, including inlet SO concentration, absorption temperature, slurry concentration, and MnSO·HO amount, on the flue gas desulfurization performance were studied based on the response surface method. It was found that the effect of operation variables on SO removal follows the descending order: the inlet SO concentration, MnSO·HO concentration, absorbent temperature, and solid-liquid ratio. The interaction between the inlet SO concentration and MnSO·HO concentration is an important factor for breakthrough sulfur capacity. Elevated temperature and high initial SO concentration inhibited the efficient removal of SO. Moreover, a proposed equation exhibits good consistency in the prediction for the breakthrough sulfur dioxide capacity. Therefore, the results can provide a reliable reference and basis for industrial application for flue gas desulfurization with copper tailings.