Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 107, May 2003
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Page(s) | 979 - 982 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20030462 |
J. Phys. IV France 107 (2003) 979
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20030462
Chemical mechanisms in mercury emission control technologies
E.S. Olson, J.D. Laumb, S.A. Benson, G.E. Dunham, R.K. Sharma, B.A. Mibeck, S.J. Miller, M.J. Holmes and J.H. PavlishEnergy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, P.O. Box 9018, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9018, U.S.A.
Abstract
The emission of elemental mercury in the flue gas from coal-burning power plants is a major
environmental concern. Control technologies utilizing activated carbon show promise and are currently under intense
review. Oxidation and capture of elemental mercury on activated carbon was extensively investigated in a variety of
flue gas atmospheres. Extensive parametric testing with individual and a variety of combinations and concentrations
of reactive flue gas components and spectroscopic examination of the sulfur and chlorine forms present before and
after breakthrough have led to an improved model to explain the kinetic and capacity results. The improved model
delineates the independent Lewis acid oxidation site as well as a zig-zag carbene site on the carbon edge that
performs as a Lewis base in reacting with both the oxidized mercury formed at the oxidation site and with the acidic
flue gas components in competing reactions to form organochlorine, sulfinate, and sulfate ester moieties on the
carbon edge.
© EDP Sciences 2003