THE FRACTAL DIMENSION OF CALCINED LIMESTONE AND ITS SULFUR-REMOVAL REACTIVITY

A method based on fractal geometry is suggested to simulate the porous structure of calcined limestone, in which a model similar to the Meng er sponge is employed for the porous calcine. The bulk fractal dimensi on is calculated on the basis of the experimentally obtained pore-size distribution density. The effects of various factors (such as particl e size, calcination temperature and environment, etc.) on the porous s tructure (i.e. on its bulk fractal dimension) are studied. Combined wi th the results of sulfur-removal experiments and theoretical analysis, it is concluded that optimum utilization will be achieved when limest one is calcined to a structure with bulk fractal dimensions between 2. 53 and 2.65. This fractal dimension is calculated under normal conditi ons and may provide an alternative ranking index for calcium-based sor bents. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.