A conceptual design of a fluidized bed flue gas desulfurization process has been developed based on the ability of coarse lime particles to react with the remove SO2 from combustion flue gases in a fluidized bed. Reduction of the sulfated lime particles formed in such a process has been demonstrated to provide reactivated particles. These particles can again react with the sulfur dioxide in a flue gas to form sulfates. The effluent from reduction has a high SO2 concentration and is suitable for the production of sulfuric acid. Experiments were performed to determine and improve the reactivity of different limestone and dolomitic sorbents in a fluidized bed, and to define conditions for regeneration of the sorbents. A conceptual design of a system was formulated from these data. A coarse particle, high-gas-velocity fluidized bed operating at 1600 f was found the basis of the best design. Regeneration was carried out with a producer-type gas at about 2000 f. Preliminary economics indicated that the system was not applicable in presently operating boilers but a grass-roots power plant might operate competitively. However, other general considerations, such as the large size and location of the equipment in the boiler train, make a commercial process appear unlikely in its present form. Adaption of this process to fluidized bed combustion schemes is promising. (Author)

Colophon title. "August, 1969." "Final Report"--Cover. PB-189 495. Includes bibliographical references (85-86)