Mercury control testing in a pulverized lignite-fired system

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is evaluating and developing advanced and innovative concepts for controlling Hg emissions from North Dakota lignite-fired power plants with the goal of achieving 50%–90% Hg removal at one-half to three-fourths the current estimated costs. Pilot-scale tests were performed to evaluate potential sorbents and fuel additives for removing Hg from North Dakota lignite (Freedom and Center Mines) combustion flue gases. The Hg sorbents and Hg0 oxidation and sorbent enhancement additives were evaluated separately, and most were also tested in combination. A 580 MJ/h (550,000 Btu/h) pulverized coal combustion system was used to conduct sorbent injections and/or lignite additive additions upstream of three particulate control devices (PCDs): 1) an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), 2) a spray dryer and fabric filter, and 3) a retrofit advanced hybrid particulate collector (AHPC) filter (an ESP followed by an AHPC filter). ASTM International Method D6784-02 (Ontario Hydro method) and continuous Hg monitors were used to measure Hg species concentrations across the control devices. The effects of sorbent injection and coal additive addition rates on Hg removal were evaluated for each PCD option. The effects of continuous injection and batch addition of sorbents on the Hg removal performance of the ESP/AHPC filter system were also investigated. Increasing injection and additive rates and improving contact between the sorbents and flue gases generally promoted Hg capture. Most of the coal additives tested significantly enhanced PCD Hg removal, especially in the presence of a sorbent.