Hello Tam,
SO2 emissions in a properly-operated cement kiln with a reasonable alkali/SO3 balance are due primarily to increased levels of sulphides and organic sulphur-containing compounds in the raw meal.
By 'properly-operated' I mean that the kiln oxygen should be continuously maintained at a level which prevents the formation of more than about 100-200ppm CO in the kiln inlet. Oxygen is required to ensure that SO2 can be converted to SO4-2 in the form of
alkali sulphates, which can exit the kiln within the clinker. Both of these things are important because if the alkali /SO3 balance is extremely low (ie excess SO3) and/or there is insufficient O2 in the kiln inlet, it is more likely that SO2 emissions will
be higher. High levels of chloride can also combine with alkalis in the lower preheater and so reduce the amount of alkalis available to remove SO3 from the kiln.
Sulphur in fuels and in AFRs introduced through the main burner is normally "scrubbed out" of the gas stream by the high levels of calcium oxide in the hot meal dust. In addition there is likely to also be some additional scrubbing of SO2 in the conditioning
tower, raw mill and raw meal baghouse because of the high levels of fine CaCO3 in this dust. Therefore very little SO2 is emitted as a result of sulphur introduced through the main burner or calciner burners. However, as mentioned earlier, this is contingent
on having a good alkali/SO3 balance, low chloride input and sufficient O2 at the kiln inlet.
AFRs containing sulphur (such as petcoke and rubber) should therefore not impact strongly on the SO2 emissions as long as these materials are fired in the main burner or calciner burners, and the Alkali/SO3 balance is adjusted to ensure the excess SO3 is
removed from the kiln as alkali sulphates in the clinker.
The following link points to an excellent document by the Portland Cement Association, which explains the formation and control of SO2 emissions in cement kilns;-
http://luisreyher.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/sn2460.pdf
Regards,
Ted.