Use of an Unsteady Process of SO2 Oxidation for the Treatment of Waste Gases from Nonferrous Metallurgical Plants.

An unsteady method of oxidation of sulfur dioxide is proposed which eliminates the drawbacks of industrial contact plants for sulfuric acid production. The proposed method is based on the possibility of bringing about an exothermal reaction in a thermal front forming and moving at a slow rate over a stationary catalyst bed. The thermal front is maintained in the bed by periodically varying the direction of supply of the reaction mixture. The results of operation of three industrial plants using the unsteady method are summarized, and the outlook for further use of this method is assessed.