Effects of H{sub 2}O, SO{sub 2}, and NO on homogeneous Hg oxidation by Cl{sub 2}
- Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA (United States). Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy Research Center
Several researchers have determined that water (H{sub 2}O) and sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) in a flue gas stream have an impact on the amount of elemental mercury (Hg{sup 0}) that is homogeneously oxidized by a chlorine-containing species. Generally, it is concluded that H{sub 2}O inhibits Hg oxidation by chlorine (Cl{sub 2}). However, doubt remains as to whether SO{sub 2} promotes or inhibits Hg oxidation. Further, most published results seem to indicate that nitric oxide (NO) does not have a significant impact on Hg oxidation. This paper will present data taken in a laboratory-scale apparatus designed to test these observations. In this work, Cl{sub 2} is intentionally added to a synthetic flue gas stream containing known amounts of elemental mercury. This gas blend is similar to a flue gas obtained by burning Powder River Basin coal in a pulverized coal fired power plant and is subject to a time-temperature profile similar to a power plant. The results obtained show that H{sub 2}O, SO{sub 2}, and NO all have an inhibitory effect on the homogeneous oxidation of Hg by Cl{sub 2}. Further, the presence of H{sub 2}O increases the inhibitory effect of SO{sub 2} and NO. Two new reactions are proposed to explain these results, in which SO{sub 2} and NO react with Cl{sub 2}. The consequences of these reactions are a reduction in the oxidative interactions that take place between Hg and Cl{sub 2}, thus decreasing the amount of Hg oxidation that occurs. 10 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 20762210
- Journal Information:
- Energy and Fuels, Vol. 20, Issue 3; Other Information: HGSO@LEHIGH.edu; ISSN 0887-0624
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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