Detection of Mercury at the Parts per Quadrillion Level Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy

50704-98-I Detection of Mercury at the Parts per Quadrillion Level Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy--ADA Technologies, Inc., 304 Inverness Way South, Suite 365, Englewood, CO 80112-5828; (303) 792-5615 Dr. Andrew D. Sappey, Principal Investigator Dr. Daryl Roberts, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82517 Amount: $75,000 Detection of mercury and mercury compounds in stack gas at the 1-5 ¿g/m3 level is required for coal-fired utility boilers to meet future regulations. An adequate technology does not exist at this time. This project will develop a mercury monitor that can detect mercury at a level of 0.002 ¿g/m3 using a novel laser-based detector. This project will to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize a mercury analyzer based on a novel measurement technology that is capable of detecting elemental mercury concentrations as low as 200 parts-per-quadrillion in flue gas. It will also be able to detect speciated mercury at a similar concentration. The analyzer will provide continuous measurements of elemental mercury and mercury adsorbed on fly-ash. The Phase I project will demonstrate detection of mercury and mercuric chloride at the 200 parts-per-quadrillion level using a novel measurement technology. Mercury will be detected continuously, whereas mercuric chloride will be detected discontinuously but with a short accumulation time of perhaps 15-30 seconds. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercial sales to coal-fired utilities and hazardous-waste incinerators will number from 500 to 1500 units in the United States alone. Worldwide, this number increases to approximately 4500 units. In addition to this market, the mercury monitor will prove useful for DOE Environmental Management applications, where remediation of mercury contamination at weapons facilities is in progress._