The thief process for mercury removal from flue gas

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 2007 · Journal of Environmental Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.06.022· OSTI ID:913329

Granite, E J; Freeman, M C; Hargis, R A; O'Dowd, W J; Pennline, H W

The Thief Process is a cost-effective variation to activated carbon injection (ACI) for removal of mercury from flue gas. In this scheme, partially combusted coal from the furnace of a pulverized coal power generation plant is extracted by a lance and then re-injected into the ductwork downstream of the air preheater. Recent results on a 500-lb/h pilot-scale combustion facility show similar removals of mercury for both the Thief Process and ACI. The tests conducted to date at laboratory, bench, and pilot-scales demonstrate that the Thief sorbents exhibit capacities for mercury from flue gas streams that are comparable to those exhibited by commercially available activated carbons. A patent for the process was issued in February 2003. The Thief sorbents are cheaper than commercially-available activated carbons; exhibit excellent capacities for mercury; and the overall process holds great potential for reducing the cost of mercury removal from flue gas. The Thief Process was licensed to Mobotec USA, Inc. in May of 2005.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE - Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
• OSTI ID: 913329
• Report Number(s): DOE/NETL-IR-2007-194
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Management, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Management Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 84; ISSN 0301-4797
• Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Activated carbon
Flue gas
Mercury
Sorbent
Thief Process