Abstract: Methods involve adding sorbent components, such as calcium oxide, alumina, and silica, as well as optional halogens as part of environmental control. Use of the sorbents leads to significant reductions in sulfur and mercury emissions that otherwise would result from burning coal. Use of the sorbents leads to production of waste coal ash that, while higher in mercury, is nevertheless usable as a commercial product because the mercury in the ash is non-leaching and because the coal ash has a higher cementitious nature by virtue of the increased content of the sorbent components in the ash. Thus, the methods involve adding powders having qualities that lead to the production of a cementitious coal ash while at the same time reducing emissions from a coal burning facility.

Abstract: An inorganic binder composition has a first constituent which is a poly(sialate) or a poly(sialate-siloxo) admixed with a second constituent which has one or more of: fly ash F, fly ash C, fumed silica, Al2O3, pozzolan, ground slag, nepheline syenite, anhydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous aluminum silicate, hydrous sodium hydroxide, silicic acid, potassium salt, and sodium salt. The binder is used to recycle and reuse revert materials from metal smelting operations.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing carbon dioxide present in an industrial effluent fluid stream containing carbon dioxide. A scrubbing material comprising a first component, a second component (distinct from the first component), and preferably water, is contacted with the effluent fluid stream. The first component comprises a source of calcium oxide and a source of alkali metal ions. The second component comprises a slag having one or more reactive silicate compounds. Methods of reducing carbon dioxide from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided. Carbon dioxide emission abatement systems are also disclosed. Methods of recycling industrial byproducts are further provided.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions for coal contain nitrogenous components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon combustion. The sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; directly into the fireball during combustion; are added to the fuel before combustion and into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone, preferably where the flue gas temperature is at least 500° C. The sorbent compositions comprise a source of nitrate ions, a source of nitrite ions, or a combination of nitrate and nitrite sources. The sorbents are added as solids or as solutions in water. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions further comprise a source of halogen such as bromide.

Abstract: Cementitious materials including slag and geopolymer can be added to conventional cement compositions, such as Portland cement, as a partial or total replacement for conventional cement materials. The slag may comprise silicates and/or oxides of calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron, aluminum, manganese, titanium, sulfur, chromium and/or nickel. The geopolymer may comprise aluminum silicate and/or magnesium silicate. In a preferred embodiment, curing of concrete materials by the action of water on the cementitious materials is enhanced with the addition of an activator component selected from calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium nitrite, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, and sodium bromide.

Abstract: Cementitious materials including stainless steel slag and geopolymer can be added to conventional cement compositions, such as Portland cement, as a partial or total replacement for conventional cement materials. The stainless steel slag may comprise silicates and/or oxides of calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron, aluminum, manganese, titanium, sulfur, chromium and/or nickel. The geopolymer may comprise aluminum silicate and/or magnesium silicate. In a preferred embodiment, curing of concrete materials by the action of water on the cementitious materials is enhanced with the addition of an activator component selected from calcium bromide, calcium nitrate, calcium nitrite, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, and sodium bromide.