Abstract: A process for burning coal or other carbonaceous fuels captures sulfur and other undesirable compounds are captured and retained in non-reactive ceramic-like form after the combustion phase. The process involves addition of multiple element alkali powders and/or sorbents preferably containing oxidizing anions such as nitrates and nitrites, preferably based on calcium. In various embodiments, the remediation materials when applied in a complex powder and/or liquid containing multiple elements, result in higher sulfur capture than the materials would otherwise achieve on an individual basis. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbents contain elements that minimize or lower the melting point of the ash. This leads to lowered cohesiveness and toughness of the ash so that less ash builds up on the boiler and better heat transfer is obtained.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components ? reduce emissions of mercury and sulfur; ? reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ? increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ? increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; ? decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and ? make a highly cementitious ash product.