Mercury Sorbents for Elevated Acid Gas Flue Gas Streams

Commercially available sorbents for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired utility boilers are affected detrimentally by the presence of SO2 and SO3 in the gas stream. These contaminants present a significant challenge to a large portion of utility boilers, which will need to meet upcoming mercury emissions standards in an economic fashion. However, recent testing has indicated that costs can increase by a factor 4 or 5, due to the need for additional sorbent, compared to units facing no interference from SO2 and SO3. This project will develop advanced sorbent materials that can maintain economical mercury capture capability in the presence of elevated concentrations of SO2 and SO3. Phase I will involve the initial sorbent development and feasibility testing of the technology. Potential sorbents will be tested in the laboratory, followed by actual flue gas slipstream testing of the best performing sorbents. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The mercury control sorbent should find use in a significant fraction of the coal-fired utility boilers in the U.S., especially those units with elevated concentrations of SO2 and SO3.