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Evaluating mercury transformation mechanisms in a laboratory--scale combustion system
1Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58203, USA. kgalbreath@eerc.und.nodak.edu
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 19, 2000
Summary
Mercury (Hg0(g)) rapidly oxidizes to mercury(II) (Hg2+X(g)) in combustion systems. Alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2) did not catalyze this mercury oxidation in complex flue gas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Combustion Science
- Mercury Speciation
Background:
- Mercury (Hg) is a toxic pollutant released during combustion processes.
- Understanding mercury oxidation pathways is crucial for emission control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mercury (Hg0(g)) oxidation in a combustion system.
- To determine the role of oxygen (O2) as an oxidant.
- To assess the catalytic potential of alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2) on mercury oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Mercury speciation measurements during Hg0(g) injections into O2-Ar and O2-N2 mixtures.
- Gas temperature monitoring in a refractory-lined heat exchanger.
- Injection of Al2O3 and TiO2 powders into coal combustion flue gas.
- On-line Hg0(g) and total mercury measurements.
Main Results:
- Rapid transformation (43-55% in <0.1 s) of Hg0(g) to Hg2+X(g) occurred in a heat exchanger (620-200°C).
- Oxygen (O2) was identified as the probable oxidant.
- Alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2) injections did not enhance Hg2+X(g) formation in flue gas.
Conclusions:
- Mercury oxidation to Hg2+X(g) is rapid in combustion systems, likely mediated by O2.
- Heterogeneous reactions on refractory surfaces or catalysis by refractory components (Al2O3, TiO2) may contribute.
- Alumina and titania were ineffective catalysts for mercury oxidation in complex coal flue gas, possibly due to interference or inherent lack of catalytic activity.
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