The production of alumina from the Bayer process produces 1-3 tons of waste per ton of aluminum. This residue is known red mud, compound of minerals insoluble in concentrated sodium hydroxide, hematite and other iron oxides, quartz and titanium oxides. The red mud has in its composition varied levels of NaOH, depending on the specific industrial plant used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the process of absorption of gases from a boiler countercurrent with a suspension of red mud, in a spray tower and a packed column. Experiments were performed varying the type of absorption tower, temperature of the liquid phase and solids content in liquid phase to evaluate the reduction in content of gases of combustion in the output of absorption tower and pH variation with time of operation, it was possible to identify the time required for the occurrence of red mud neutralization, and also a reduction in the content of carbon dioxide, thereunto were performed measurements of the concentrations of gasesin the input and output packed column, and also measurements of temperature and pH. The absorption of CO2 existing in the gases of combustion for suspension of red mud occurs by the carbonation process, where the gas reacts with NaOH present in red mud, with water as catalyst. The results obtained after the experiments were satisfactory, and it was concluded that the process performed in absorption towers is efficient for pH reduction of red mud and reducing the content of CO2freed to atmosphere, providing a double profit for the environment.
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