The regeneration by steam hydration of the sulfur capture ability of spent sorbent particles from Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) is addressed. The process is characterized in terms of effectiveness of sorbent reactivation, hydration degree, particle sulfation pattern, development of accessible porosity, and extent of particle attrition and fragmentation. Steam reactivation experiments were carried out in a lab-scale atmospheric FBC at 250 degrees C for 10, 30, and 180 min with 0.05 MPa steam partial pressure. The effectiveness of sorbent reactivation was assessed by reinjecting the reactivated material into the FB reactor operated at 850 degrees C under simulated desulfurization conditions and following the degree of calcium conversion and the attrition rate along with resulfation. The experimental results indicated that steam reactivation is effective in renewing the SO2 uptake ability of the exhausted sorbent particles. The regeneration mechanism based on the swelling upon hydration of the unreacted core, the generation of fissures and cracks, and the consequent development of accessible porosity is confirmed for the limestone under scrutiny. In addition to this, a remarkable result was that steam hydration induces, for the sorbent under investigation, a pronounced sulfur redistribution throughout the particle cross-section, which provides another pathway to the enhancement of the sulfur capture ability of the reactivated sorbent. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.