Pratim Biswas

Research Project Profile

Evaluation of Mercury and Other Heavy Metals (Fine Particles) Capture Methodologies in Coal Combustion Systems

Co-PIs: Jiming Hao, Tsinghua University

Project summary

This project will evaluate options for control of mercury and heavy metals from coal combustion systems using different sorbents. The performance of various sorbent methodologies under different combustion conditions will be evaluated. A key objective will be to minimize the carbon in the fly ash mix to ensure its salability. This will be tested by strategies that reduce the amount of carbon used, or by use of non-carbonaceous sorbents. The objectives will be met through four integrated tasks: Task 1. Develop a fine carbonaceous particle sorbent method and test its effectiveness for Hg capture (to lower C-fly ash ratios); Task 2. Evaluate the efficiency of various non –carbon based sorbents for multi-pollutant removal (Hg and heavy metal fine particles). The sorbents tested will include TiO2-based, halogen-containing materials (such as KI and KBr) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts (such as vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten oxides and zeolites); Task 3. Perform a techno-economic evaluation by developing a model to determine the most effective sorbent (the model will account for the salability of the fly ash); and Task 4 – conduct pilot scale studies with a couple of optimal sorbents identified in the studies.

wu-engtn
tsinghua2

Finding Solutions to Ensure Clean,
Reliable Energy