Control of air toxin particulate and vapor emissions after coal combustion utilizing calcium magnesium acetate

The paper presents details and results of a study conducted to determine the efficacy of carboxylic calcium and magnesium salts (calcium magnesium acetate or CM), for the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO2 in oxygen-lean atmospheres. Experiments were performed in a high-temperature furnace that simulated the post-flame environment of a coal-fired boiler. Whilst a substantial degree of success was achieved in controlling SO2 and NOx emissions the method did not control vapour or particulate emissions within the respirable ranges. The effect of CMA sorbent on mercury vapor capture was investigated using CMA ash after combustion with the gases (SO2 and NOx) and was found to remove 40% of mercury. The paper includes a discussion on the environmental effects of acid deposition, particulates and volatiles released from combustion of coal. 76 refs., 14 figs., 6 tabs