A TXRF System for Mercury Emissions Monitoring

The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) require coal-fired power plants to limit mercury emissions to tenths to ten-thousandths of a pound/gigawatt-hour of gross electrical output. There is a need to develop instruments that can measure such low mercury emission levels. The goal of this project is to develop a TXRF based nano-sensor technology that can accurately, precisely, and continuously monitor and measure mercury emissions levels from coal- fired plants. During Phase I, a low cost, archivable nano-sensor tape with mercury detection resolution 200 times better than the best current technologies was developed and experimentally demonstrated, while reducing the need for flue gas pre-treatment and particulate matter removal at the same time. Emissions of other toxic materials such as selenium and arsenic can also be monitored with this technology. During Phase II, a commercially viable continuous emissions monitor will be designed and assembled based on the nano-sensor technology developed in Phase I. This monitor will be evaluated under laboratory condition during the first year, followed by installation and field testing at a coal power plant during the second year. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This highly accurate and highly precise technology will help reduce toxic mercury emissions from more than 7000 coal fired power plants throughout the world resulting in wide spread health benefits. In addition, the real time data can be used to control the mercury remediation equipment to minimize plant operating costs as well.