Mercury control technologies have gained significant traction, notably the activated carbon system, which stands as a widely adopted commercial air pollution control process. The surging emphasis on environmental safety and the stringent implementation of emission regulations have propelled the demand for pollutant control systems. This trend is poised to persist in the coming years, primarily fueled by the escalating global energy demands. Statistics from the US Energy Information Administration underscore coal's enduring prominence as the primary fuel source for electricity generation, constituting approximately 40% of the materials utilized in power generation.
Traditionally, oxidized mercury was captured within the flue-gas desulfurization scrubber. While this process efficiently separates acidic components from the flue gas stream, it also exhibits high efficiency in removing oxidized mercury species. However, inconsistencies in wet scrubber chemistry have been linked to potential re-emissions of already captured mercury, posing challenges in maintaining a consistent capture efficiency.
To mitigate these concerns and prevent re-emissions, the application of powdered activated carbon (PAC) injection has emerged as a solution. PAC injection ensures that the primary mercury sink within the conventional process chain remains within the flue-gas desulfurization by-product, specifically gypsum. Activated carbon's use enhances the mercury content in gypsum, consolidating the captured mercury within this by-product.
Moreover, the use of brominated activated carbon presents another effective method. Brominated activated carbon, when injected into the flue gas stream post-combustion, serves to capture mercury. Leveraging its intricate pore structure, activated carbon efficiently absorbs mercury from the flue gas. The treatment with bromine further enhances its capacity to oxidize and capture more mercury, thus augmenting its efficiency in mercury removal.
The integration of activated carbon and its derivatives into mercury control mechanisms underscores the industry's commitment to enhancing pollutant control technologies. These advancements not only address the challenges of mercury re-emissions but also pave the way for more efficient and reliable methods in capturing mercury from flue gas streams. As the demand for cleaner air and stringent emission standards persists, the evolution of technologies like activated carbon systems remains pivotal in ensuring environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance within the power generation sector.
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