Status review of mercury control options for coal-fired power plants

During the last decade, a big progress has been achieved in the analysis and numerical treatment of Initial Value Problems (IVPs) in Differential Algebraic Equations (DAEs) and Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). In spite of the rich variety of results available in the literature, there are still many specific problems that require special attention. Two of such, which are considered in this work, are the optimization of order of accuracy and reduction of cost of functional evaluations of Explicit Runge - Kutta (ERK) methods.

Traditionally, the maximum attainable order p of an s-stage ERK method for advancing the solution of an IVP is such that
p(s)
 4
 
In 1999, Goeken presented an s-stage ERK Method of order p(s)=s +1,s>2.
However, this work focuses on the design of a new approximation algorithm that reduces the cost of functional evaluations and yet increases the attainable order higher 
U n and Jonhson [94]; and the classical ERK methods. The order p of 
the new scheme called Multiderivative Explicit Runge-Kutta (MERK) Methods is such that p(s) 2. The stability, convergence and implementation for the optimization of IVPs in DAEs and ODEs systems are also considered.

Numerical solution of initial value problems in differential - algebraic equations

Nanoparticles are a class of materials with properties distinctively different from their bulk and molecular counterparts. A critical review of the very broad topic of environmental nanoparticles is presented. Because of the vast nature of the topic, the review is focused primarily on gas-borne nanoparticles. The "life history of nanoparticles" is presented, tracking it from its formation to its potential use and eventual fate in the environment. Nanoparticle sources, anthropogenic emissions from industrial and occupational settings, and conversion and formation in the atmosphere are discussed. The ability to characterize and capture these nanoparticles (as would be necessary in a nanoparticle production system), as well as their control (of emissions from an industrial source) is discussed. A description on the use of nanoparticles in environmental technologies and the potential impact on the energy sector is provided. The potential effects on human health and the environment, both adverse and beneficial, are important aspects that need to be considered. As will be evident, the study of "environmental nanoparticles" is a new and fast-growing field. Much work remains to be done before we can fully harness the advantages of nanoparticles and ensure that there are no potential adverse consequences. A set of recommendations for additional work in each area is provided.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10473289.2005.10464656

Nanoparticles and the Environment

A laboratory-scale packed-bed reactor system is used to screen sorbents for their capability to remove elemental mercury from various carrier gases When the carrier gas is argon, an on-line atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer (AFS), used in a continuous mode, monitors the elemental mercury concentration in the inlet and outlet streams of the packed-bed reactor The mercury concentration in the reactor inlet gas and the reactor temperature are held constant during a test For more complex carrier gases, the capacity is determined off-line by analyzing the spent sorbent with either a cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer (CVAAS) or an inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) The capacities and breakthrough times of several commercially available activated carbons as well as novel sorbents were determined as a function of various parameters The mechanisms of mercury removal by the sorbents are suggested by combining the results of the packed-bed testing with 

Novel Sorbents For Mercury Removal From Flue Gas

Methods for removing mercury from flue gas have received increased attention because of recent limitations placed on mercury emissions from coal-fired utility boilers by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and various states. A promising method for mercury removal is catalytic oxidation of elemental mercury (Hg0) to oxidized mercury (Hg2+), followed by wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD). FGD cannot remove Hg0, but easily removes Hg2+ because of its solubility in water. To date, research has focused on three broad catalyst areas: selective catalytic reduction catalysts, carbon-based materials, and metals and metal oxides. We review published results for each type of catalyst and also present a discussion on the possible reaction mechanisms in each case. One of the major sources of uncertainty in understanding catalytic mercury oxidation is a lack of knowledge of the reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Thus, we propose that future research in this area should focus on two major aspects: determining the reaction mechanism and kinetics and searching for more cost-effective catalyst and support materials.

Survey of catalysts for oxidation of mercury in flue gas

Based on the available evidence of health effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been evaluating the need to regulate mercury releases to the environment. In response to the congressional mandates in The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), the EPA has issued the Mercury Study Report and the Study of Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions from Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Report. In spite of the enormous effort represented by these reports, as well as the efforts of both the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), in conducting the field measurement programs that form the basis for these reports, a definitive answer on the need for mercury regulation has not been found. However, the EPA, as well as other regulatory agencies and health researchers, have suggested a "plausible link" between anthropogenic sources emitting mercury and the methylation, bioaccumulation in the food chain, and adverse health effects in humans and wildlife.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10473289.1999.10463841

Mercury Measurement and Its Control: What We Know, Have Learned, and Need to Further Investigate

The thief process for mercury removal from flue gas.

A system and method for removing mercury from the flue gas of a coal-fired power plant is described. Mercury removal is by adsorption onto a thermally activated sorbent produced in-situ at the power plant. To obtain the thermally activated sorbent, a lance (thief) is inserted into a location within the combustion zone of the combustion chamber and extracts a mixture of semi-combusted coal and gas. The semi-combusted coal has adsorptive properties suitable for the removal of elemental and oxidized mercury. The mixture of semi-combusted coal and gas is separated into a stream of gas and semi-combusted coal that has been converted to a stream of thermally activated sorbent. The separated stream of gas is recycled to the combustion chamber. The thermally activated sorbent is injected into the duct work of the power plant at a location downstream from the exit port of the combustion chamber. Mercury within the flue gas contacts and adsorbs onto the thermally activated sorbent. The sorbent-mercury combination is removed from the plant by a particulate collection system.

William J. O'Dowd

Papers

Mercury Measurement and Its Control: What We Know, Have Learned, and Need to Further Investigate

The thief process for mercury removal from flue gas.

Thief process for the removal of mercury from flue gas

Recent advances in mercury removal technology at the National Energy Technology Laboratory

A technique to control mercury from flue gas: The Thief Process