Mercury oxidation catalyzed by carbonaceous surfaces: Impact of surface area and water vapor

摘要

This study evaluated the oxidation of mercury under simulated coal-fired power plant flue gas conditions. The effect of surface area and H2O on mercury oxidation catalyzed by the surface of activated carbon as well as on the performance of activated carbon for mercury uptake is evaluated under different experimental conditions. Approximately 17-20 μg/m~3 of elemental mercury in a simulated flue gas was fed at a flow rate of 1 L/min to a 20 cm long and 22 mm inner diameter quartz tube used as a fixed-bed reactor. The reactor was kept in a 50 cm long tube furnace, which was used to maintain the temperature of the fixed bed at 140 °C. In every experimental run, 40 mg of activated carbon was charged into the quartz tube along with 4 gm of glass beads, which were used to provide support for the sorbent. Prior to use, glass beads were washed with distilled water and heated to 500 °C for 4 hours.