Mercury control studies yield some promising results for utilities and MWCs

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Air Pollution Consultant

OSTI ID:282955

Attention is being focused on releases of mercury ompounds from coal-fired power plants and municipal waste combustors (MWCs). Two investigations are discussed: `Factors Affecting the Utilization of Sorbents for Mercury Control,` and `Mercury Control in Municipal Waste Combustors and Coal-Fired Utilities.` Investigators tested several materials, including activated carbons based on wood, bituminous coal, or lignite. Zeolite, as well as carbon sorbents impregnated with sulfur or iodine, were also evaluated. Additionally, a hydrated lime additive was tested in conjunction with the lignite-based sorbent. Based on preliminary results, lignite-based and iodine-impregnated activated carbon (and mixtures of the two) showed the most promise for mercury control. Consequently, most subsequent tests involved injection of these materials. Sorbent specifications are listed. The test runs have led to numerous observations about mercury control during coal combustion. After the discussion of overall results, specific conclusions are reviewed. Results of recent bench-scale tests are reported in `Mercury Control in Municipal Waste Combustors and Coal-Fired Utilities.` The control performance of certain sorbents was evaluated, along with the effect of reaction temperature on the capture of different mercury species. 2 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 282955
• Journal Information: Air Pollution Consultant, Journal Name: Air Pollution Consultant Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 6; ISSN 1058-6628; ISSN APOCEH
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACTIVATED CARBON
ADSORBENTS
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
CLEAN AIR ACTS
COAL
COMBUSTION
COMBUSTORS
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
MERCURY
MERCURY CHLORIDES
MERCURY COMPOUNDS