Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing novel monodisperse chelate resins based on crosslinked polymer beads containing aminomethyl groups and/or aminomethyl nitrogen heterocyclic groups that have a high uptake capacity for heavy metals and rapid kinetics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for removing mercury from a gas stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a getter composition comprising bromine, bromochloride, sulphur bromide, sulphur dichloride or sulphur monochloride and mixtures thereof. In one preferred embodiment the getter composition is adsorbed onto a sorbent. The sorbent may be selected from the group consisting of flyash, limestone, lime, calcium sulphate, calcium sulfite, activated carbon, charcoal, silicate, alumina and mixtures thereof. Preferred is flyash, activated carbon and silica.

Abstract: When sulfur oxides are present in mercury vapor-containing gas, the adsorption of mercury vapor by activated carbon is inhibited. Therefore, there has been demand for development of a method for effective adsorption removal of mercury vapor even in the coexistence of sulfur oxides. Efficient and long-term removal of mercury vapor was made successful by contacting an activated carbon adsorbent consisting of 100 parts by weight of activated carbon impregnated with 5 to 70 parts by weight of only an alkali metal halide, with mercury vapor in sulfur oxide-containing gas.

Abstract: The use of a coupling agent containing a mercapto, disulfide, tretrasulfide and/or polysulfide end group provides a mercury removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The mercury removal media described herein is prepared by reacting an organophilic clay containing onium ions with a mercapto, disulfide, tetrasulfide, and/or polysulfide end moiety. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with the coupling reaction of the mercapto- or sulfide-end group-containing coupling agent.

Abstract: The use of two mercury and arsenic removal media: A) a sulfur-impregnated organoclay; and B) a coupling agent-reacted organoclay, wherein the coupling agent preferably contains a mercapto, disulfide, tretrasulfide and/or polysulfide end group provides mercury removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and synergistic mercury removal ability. The preferred mercury removal media described herein is prepared by reacting an organophilic clay containing onium ions A) with elemental sulfur; and B) with a sulfur-containing coupling agent, preferably containing a mercapto, disulfide, tetrasulfide, and/or polysulfide moiety.

Abstract: The use of a sulfur-impregnated organoclay provides a mercury or arsenic removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The Hg/As removal media described herein is prepared by impregnating an organophilic clay with elemental (free state) sulfur. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with impregnating the organoclay with sulfur.

Abstract: A sorbent composition comprising a vanadium compound and a ZrO2 support material is disclosed. Methods of making and using the composition to remove heavy metals or heavy metal containing compounds from a fluid stream are also provided. Such methods are particularly useful in the removal of mercury and mercury compounds from flue gas streams produced from the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing materials such as coal and petroleum fuels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of carbonaceous adsorption agents doped with elementary sulfur, in which sulfur is mixed with the adsorption agent, the mixture is heated to a temperature of between 120° C. and 150° C. and the temperature is maintained over a period of about an hour. The process is distinguished in that heating of the mixture is effected under a controlled oxygen-bearing atmosphere. The invention further concerns a process for waste gas cleaning using carbonaceous absorption agents doped with elementary sulfur. Preferably brown coal coke is used as the adsorption agent.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury from flue gas comprises: applying a precursor of a sticky substance to surfaces of carbonaceous sorbent particles; injecting the carbonaceous sorbent particles into contact with flue gas, wherein the carbonaceous sorbent particles adsorb mercury from the flue gas and at least one of a temperature of the flue gas and a component of the flue gas changes the precursor into the sticky substance that increases the stickiness of the carbonaceous sorbent particles; and removing the carbonaceous sorbent particles having mercury adsorbed thereon from the flue gas. In one embodiment, the precursor is ammonia or an ammonia compound and the sticky substance is ammonium sulfate. The method may further comprise applying bromine or a bromine compound to the carbonaceous sorbent particles.

Abstract: Pollution reduction processes may be incorporated with, or retrofit to fit with, existing combustion processes to assist with the reduction of pollutants produced in the combustion process. The thermal treatment of oil shale in the pollution reduction process produces kerogen, shale sorbent particles, or mixtures thereof, which may be reacted with a pollutant-containing gas or pollutant-containing gas having particulate matter entrained therein to reduce the pollutants in the gas. Apparatuses employing the processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for removing contaminants from a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the article comprising carbon nanotubes, which comprise at least one molecule or cluster attached thereto or located therein, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present in the article in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of contaminants in fluid that come into contact with the article. A method of making the nanomesh material used in such articles is also disclosed, as are methods of purifying fluids using these articles.

Abstract: A method for removal of mercury from a gaseous stream containing the mercury, hydrogen and/or CO, and hydrogen sulfide and/or carbonyl sulfide in which a dispersed Cu-containing sorbent is contacted with the gaseous stream at a temperature in the range of about 25° C. to about 300° C. until the mercury concentration in the gaseous stream after contacting the sorbent exceeds a predetermined breakthrough level, signaling a spent sorbent. Arsenic, cadmium and selenium present in the gaseous stream may also be captured along with the mercury. The spent sorbent is then contacted with a desorbing gaseous stream at a temperature equal to or slightly higher than the temperature at which the mercury adsorption is carried out, producing a regenerated sorbent and an exhaust gas comprising released mercury. The released mercury in the exhaust gas is then captured using a high-capacity sorbent, such as sulfur-impregnated activated carbon, at a temperature less than about 100° C.

Abstract: Solid adsorbents, following their use for mercury removal from flue gas, that do not interfere with the ability of air-entraining additives (such as surfactants) to form stable bubbles when added to fly ash containing the adsorbents. The interference is overcome by heating the materials used in the manufacture of the adsorbent so that magnesium hydroxide and/or one or more alkali compounds containing one or more silicate, aluminate, and/or phosphate moiety, added or already present in the materials, binds multivalent cations present in the materials that could otherwise interfere with the surfactant activity.

Abstract: A method for continuously removing mercury from a supply of combustion gas is provided. The method includes adjusting a power input to an electrostatic precipitator to control a quantity of fly ash emitted from the electrostatic precipitator. A turbulent flow of combustion gas is produced to suspend particulate matter including the quantity of fly ash contained in the supply of combustion gas. A substantial portion of the mercury is absorbed within the particulate matter including the quantity of fly ash. The supply of combustion gas is filtered to remove the particulate matter from the mercury. A quantity of absorption sites available for absorbing mercury is controlled by monitoring an emission of fly ash from the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated gas stream is provided that includes a comminution device 204 operable to effect size reduction of a plurality of sorbent particles and form a plurality of comminuted particles, a plurality of nozzles 224 distributed through the gas stream and operable to introduce the plurality of comminuted particles into the gas stream, and a particle removal device 104 operable to remove at least most of the introduced comminuted particles and form a treated gas stream. The comminution device is in direct fluid communication with the nozzles.

Abstract: A system for removing mercury from combustion gas. The system includes a combustion device, a stack, and a duct system that couples the combustion device to the stack. The system further comprises an injection system that is coupled to the duct system. The injection system injects sorbents including alkali-based sorbents and carbon-based sorbents into the duct system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream. The method is characterized in that at a temperature above 170° C. the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent that as the active component is comprised of a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds. According to a preference, the sorbent is kaolin, that may or may not be in the dehydrated form of meta-kaolin and is optionally obtained by thermal conversion of a material chosen from paper waste or residue from the paper industry. By this method it is possible to remove mercury at temperatures higher than room temperature. The invention also relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent at a temperature above 50° C., which sorbent comprises as active substance a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds, as well as with an oxidator.

Abstract: A metallic filter effectively removes mercury vapor from gas streams. The filter captures the mercury which then can be released and collected as product. The metallic filter is a copper mesh sponge plated with a six micrometer thickness of gold. The filter removes up to 90% of mercury vapor from a mercury contaminated gas stream.

Abstract: Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. The methods include injecting fluid cracking catalyst particles into a flue gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning filters for dust-laden waste gases, including several filter elements (2) which are arranged vertically in a filter housing (1) and which have an upper open end (16) and a lower closed end (15) with at least one feed line (9) for the dust-laden waste gases and at least one discharge line (11) for the cleaned waste gases, in addition to a device for injecting surges of compressed air into the open end (16) of the filter elements (2). In order to reduce pressure fluctuations in the filter and to provide efficient cleaning with pulsations of compressed air in the low pressure range i.e. from approximately 0.8 to 3 bars, the filter is divided into several filter modules (1) respectively including at least one filter element (2). At least two filter modules (1) are arranged in a filter housing (10) or a filter chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating an adsorbent includes an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolyte and an electrode unit that includes a first electrode made from the adsorbent in which a substance is adsorbed and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are soaked in the electrolyte. The apparatus also includes a power source that supplies a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for capturing mercury in a flue gas formed by solid fuel combustion including: combusting coal, wherein mercury released during combustion is entrained in flue gas generated by the combustion; generating a thermally activated carbon-containing sorbent by partially gasifying a solid fuel in a gasifier local to the combustion of solid fuel; injecting the gasified gas products into the combustion of coal; injecting the thermally activated sorbent in the flue gas, and collecting the injected sorbent in a waste treatment system.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for removing particulate and a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream including, in one embodiment, directing a gas stream comprising fly ash and a vapor phase contaminant into a particulate collection device, wherein the particulate collection device includes an upstream collection section and a downstream collection section; removing at least a portion of the fly ash from the gas stream in the upstream collection section; injecting a sorbent into the particulate control device between the upstream collection section and the downstream collection section; adsorbing the vapor phase contaminant onto the sorbent to produce spent sorbent; and removing the spent sorbent from the gas stream in the upstream collection section. An apparatus is also provided for performing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contaminant removal agent comprising a polyvalent metal sulfide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The agent removes mercury from process streams. The ion exchange to deposit the polyvalent metal on the substrate is preferably performed at a pH above the pHZPC.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from a coal fired power plant exhaust gas includes passing the exhaust gas through a bulk particle filter to remove coarse particles, introducing powdered activated carbon into the exhaust gas downstream of the bulk particle filter, introducing mercury laden powdered activated carbon containing exhaust gas into a fine particle filter to separate the mercury containing powdered activated carbon from the exhaust gas, separating the powdered activated carbon from the mercury at an elevated temperature in an inert gas environment and recirculating the separating powdered activated carbon into the exhaust gas upstream from the fine particle filter. The desorption is preferably effected at a temperature of about 300 to 500° C. for about 5 to 60 minutes. The method is adapted to remove mercury which may be on the order of about 1 to 1000 ppm to 1 to 10 micrograms/cubic meter of exhaust gas. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A process to facilitate mercury extraction from high temperature flue/fuel gas via the use of metal sorbents which capture mercury at ambient and high temperatures. The spent sorbents can be regenerated after exposure to mercury. The metal sorbents can be used as pure metals (or combinations of metals) or dispersed on an inert support to increase surface area per gram of metal sorbent. Iridium and ruthenium are effective for mercury removal from flue and smelter gases. Palladium and platinum are effective for mercury removal from fuel gas (syngas). An iridium-platinum alloy is suitable for metal capture in many industrial effluent gas streams including highly corrosive gas streams.

Abstract: Efficient removal of mercury from the exhaust gases of an industrial process or combustion process can be achieved using an adsorbent that can be regenerated by a simple and efficient method. The mercury is contacted with a sorbent material, the sorbent material being hydrogen mordenite or hydrogen clinoptilolite, for adsorbing mercury and causing the mercury to react with the sorbent material to produce mercury-laden sorbent material. The mercury-laden sorbent material can be heated to a temperature of at least about 400° C. so as to remove mercury from the mercury-laden sorbent material and to regenerate the sorbent material to allow reusing of the sorbent material for mercury removal.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury and mercury-containing compounds from a combustion gas in an exhaust gas system has the steps of providing a mercury sorbent; injecting the mercury sorbent into a stream of the mercury-containing combustion gas for a sufficient time to allow at least an effective amount of the mercury and mercury-containing compounds in the combustion gas to adsorb onto the mercury sorbent, and collecting and removing the mercury sorbent from the combustion gas stream. The mercury sorbent is prepared by treating a carbonaceous substrate with an effective amount of a bromine-containing gas, especially one containing elemental bromine or hydrogen bromide, for a time sufficient to increase the ability of the carbonaceous substrate to adsorb mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The points of injecting and collecting and removing the mercury sorbent may be varied, depending upon the exact configuration of the exhaust gas system.

Abstract: A process for the purification of flue gas, comprising the step of contacting flue gas with a carbonaceous material comprising a solid carbonaceous residue of synthetic rutile production from titaniferous ores.

Abstract: A method for efficiently removing vapor-phase contaminants from gas streams is described. A powdered adsorbent such as activated carbon is ground into a fine powder by wet grinding to form a slurry. Chemicals are added to the slurry to impregnate the sorbent to enhance sorbent effectiveness. The slurry chemical mixture is sprayed into the gas stream in the form of small droplets which evaporate to produce an aerosol of fine adsorbent particles. Vapor-phase contaminants in the gas stream adsorb onto the fine adsorbent particle surfaces and the adsorbent particles are removed from the gas stream by a conventional particle collection method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mercury removal method which can effectively remove very small amounts of mercury components present in a gas during wet gas purification such as coal or heavy oil gasification gas purification and petroleum refining. A mercury removal method for the removal of mercury present in a gas, the method comprising the steps of bringing a gas containing at least mercury and not less than 10 ppm of hydrogen sulfide into gas-liquid contact with an absorbing fluid under pressurized conditions so as to cause mercury to pass into the absorbing fluid; flashing the mercury-containing absorbing fluid under lower-pressure conditions to separate it into gaseous components and liquid components; and removing the mercury contained in the separated gaseous components by adsorption to an adsorbent.

Abstract: A particulate separation system for accurate measurement of vapor-phase mercury in a flue gas stream uses an inertial gas sampling filter in which the skin temperature of the filter element is controlled to allow vapor-phase mercury measurements while minimizing measurement artifacts caused by: (1) mercury thermally desorbing off particulates into the gas stream; and (2) mercury being removed from the vapor phase by collection on particulate matter at the gas/particle separation interface.

Abstract: A high-capacity regenerable sorbent for removal of mercury from flue gas and processes and systems for making and using the sorbent. A phyllosilicate substrate, for example vermiculite or montmorillinite acts as an inexpensive support to a thin layer for a polyvalent metal sulfide, ensuring that more of the metal sulfide is engaged in the sorption process. The sorbent is prepared by ion exchange between the silicate substrate material and a solution containing one or more of a group of polyvalent metals including tin (both Sn(II) and Sn(IV)), iron (both Fe(II) and Fe(III)), titanium, manganese, zirconium and molybdenum, dissolved as salts, to produce an exchanged substrate. Controlled addition of sulfide ions to the exchanged silicate substrate produces the sorbent. The sorbent is used to absorb elemental mercury or oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gas containing acid gases (e.g., SO2, NO and NO2, and HCl) and other gases over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A method of removing trace contaminants, such as mercury, from a flue gas by passing the gas over a sorbent structure on which is coated a renewable layer of sorbent. The sorbent structure can be a tube or plate and can be porous or non-porous and is placed inside a duct through which the flue gas flows. The sorbent particles comprise noble metal or activated carbon particles and can be injected into the gas stream before it passes over the sorbent structures. The sorbent structures can be periodically recoated with sorbent while the gas is still flowing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing trace contaminants from a gas stream or flue gas. In one embodiment, the present invention an apparatus for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream, comprising a gas duct configured to receive a gas stream comprising a trace contaminant; a plurality of substrates disposed within the gas duct; a trace contaminant sorbent disposed on at least a portion of each of the substrates; an isolation device for separating the portion of each of the substrates from the gas stream; and a regenerator for regenerating the trace contaminant sorbent. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing trace contaminants from a gas stream or flue gas. In one embodiment, the present invention an apparatus for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream, comprising a gas duct configured to receive a gas stream comprising a trace contaminant; a plurality of substrates disposed within the gas duct; a trace contaminant sorbent disposed on at least a portion of each of the substrates; an isolation device for separating the portion of each of the substrates from the gas stream; and a regenerator for regenerating the trace contaminant sorbent. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for removing mercury from flue gases of high-temperature plants, in particular power stations and waste incineration plants in which a bromine compound is fed to the if appropriate multistage furnace and/or the flue gas in a plant section downstream of the furnace, the temperature during contact of the bromine compound with the flue gas being at least 500° C., preferably at least 800° C. The combustion is carried out in the presence of a sulphur compound, in particular sulphur dioxide. Subsequently to the furnace, the flue gas is subjected to an if appropriate multistage cleanup for removing mercury from the flue gas, which cleanup comprises a wet scrubber and/or a dry cleanup.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury and mercury-containing compounds from a combustion gas in an exhaust gas system has the steps of providing a mercury sorbent; injecting the mercury sorbent into a stream of the mercury-containing combustion gas for a sufficient time to allow at least an effective amount of the mercury and mercury-containing compounds in the combustion gas to adsorb onto the mercury sorbent, and collecting and removing the mercury sorbent from the combustion gas stream. The mercury sorbent is prepared by treating a carbonaceous substrate with an effective amount of a bromine-containing gas, especially one containing elemental bromine or hydrogen bromide, for a time sufficient to increase the ability of the carbonaceous substrate to adsorb mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The points of injecting and collecting and removing the mercury sorbent may be varied, depending upon the exact configuration of the exhaust gas system.

Abstract: A carbon-based, adsorption powder containing an effective amount of cupric chloride suitable for removing mercury from a high temperature, high moisture gas stream, wherein the effective amount of cupric chloride ranges from about 1 to about 45 wt percent. Additional additives, such as potassium permanganate, calcium hydroxide, potassium iodide and sulfur, may be added to the powder to enhance the removal of mercury from the gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the purification of flue gas, wherein flue gas is contacted with a carbonaceous material, said carbonaceous material comprising the solid carbonaceous residue of synthetic rutile production from titaniferous ores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling or removing mercury, mercury compounds and high molecular weight organics, if present, from a resource recovery exhaust stream by separately adding a carbonaceous char to the flue gas while it is still within the unit. The char can be produced in situ by adding a carbonaceous material and allowing it to thermally decompose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a syngas of the CO/H2 or N2/H2 type, which consists in removing CO2 and possibly other gaseous impurities (water, etc.) before the gas undergoes a cryogenic process. These impurities are adsorbed by the gas stream to be purified passing over an NaLSX-type zeolite and then desorbed during a regeneration step which may be performed by raising the temperature (TSA) and/or reducing the pressure (PSA or VSA).

Abstract: An adsorption powder for removing mercury and other metals, dioxins, furans and other organic compounds from metal- and organic compound-comtaminated soil and method therefor. The adsorption powder may be characterized as containing from about 1 to 97% of carbon, from about 1 to 97% of calcium hydroxide, from about 1 to 97% of cupric chloride, and from about 1 to 60% of KI3 impregnated carbon.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adsorption powder effective for capturing mercury from a high temperature, high moisture gas stream comprising: about 1-97% carbon; about 1-97% of alkaline material; about 1-97% cupric chloride impregnated carbon, and about 1-60% carbon impregnated with KI3. Additionally, a method of removing mercury from high temperature, high moisture gas streams, using the adsorption powder of the invention, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and adsorption powder useful for the removal of mercury and other metals, as well as furans, dioxins and other organic compounds from high temperature and high moisture gaseous streams. The method utilizes an adsorption powder characterized as containing a carbon-based powder and an effective amount of cupric chloride suitable to remove metals and organic compounds. The powder may contain calcium hydroxide, sulfur, potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for removing vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream includes the step of adding a raw carbonaceous starting material into a gas stream having an activation temperature sufficient to convert the raw carbonaceous starting material into an activated material in-situ. The raw carbonaceous starting material can be either a solid-phase, liquid phase or vapor-phase material. The activated material then adsorbs the vapor phase contaminants, and the activation material containing the vapor phase contaminants is removed from the gas stream using a particulate collection device. The process is particularly suited for the removal of vapor phase air toxics, such as mercury, from the flue gas of a combustion process. An apparatus for the removal of vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream is also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adsorption powder effective for capturing mercury from a high temperature, high moisture gas stream comprising: about 1-97% carbon; about 1-97% calcium hydroxide; about 1-97% cupric chloride impregnated carbon, and about 1-60% carbon impregnated with KI3. Additionally, a method of removing mercury from high temperature, high moisture gas streams is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury and organic compounds from gaseous stream using an adsorption powder, characterized as containing a carbon-based powder and an effective amount of cupric chloride, the process characterized by the steps of: a) placing a solid phase mercury-containing contaminated soil into a rotary kiln/drum; b) heating the kiln/drum to form gaseous and solid components of the soil; c) transferring the gaseous component to an exhaust cleaning unit/afterburner, and transferring the soil component to a cooling unit; d) heating the gaseous component in the exhaust cleaning unit/afterburner; e) cooling the gaseous component; f) adding the adsorption powder to the gaseous component; g) transferring the powder-containing, gaseous component to a baghouse; and h) releasing the substantially mercury-free gaseous component to the atmosphere.