The use of artificial neural network (ANN) in dry flue gas desulphurization modelling: Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) and Bayesian regularization (BR) algorithm comparison

This research project aims to investigate the efficacy of artificial neural networks (ANN) in mapping dry flue gas desulphurization (DFGD). Bayesian regularization (BR) and Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) training algorithms were used for DFGD modelling. The input layer feed data contained diatomite to Ca(OH)2 ratio, hydration time, hydration temperature, sulphation temperature, and inlet gas concentration, while the output layer metadata were sorbent conversion and sulphation responses. The hyperbolic tangent (tansig), sigmoid (logsig), and linear (purelin) activation functions were compared to ascertain the best network learning model. The number of hidden layer cells also varied between 7 and 10, given the existence of multiple output feed data. BR and LM performance evaluation was based on coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean square error (MSE) mathematical analysis. BR was a superlative training tool compared to LM, with lower RMSE and MSE values. The goodness of fit data for both techniques was close to unity, clarifying that ANN using BR and LM tools can be used to predict DGFD outcome. The shrinking core model was used to analyze the desulphurization reaction and concluding the chemical reaction was the reaction controlling step.