CHEMICAL-REACTIONS OF MERCURY IN COMBUSTION FLUE-GASES

Atmospheric Hg is present in different physical and chemical forms, which determine its atmospheric transformation and transport capacities. The chemistry of Hg in flue gases is thus of importance for the deposition pattern around point source emissions. In order to apply Hg cleaning methods in flue gases its speciation is also of importance. To investigate this under realistic conditions, a 17 kW propane fired flue gas generator was used, while the kinetics of specific Hg reactions were investigated in a continuous flow reactor. Elemental Hg is readily oxidized by Cl2 and HCl both at room and at elevated temperatures (up to 900-degrees-C) but not by NH3, N2O, SO2 or H2S. It reacts with O2 if a catalyst, such as activated carbon, is present. A slow reaction between Hg and NO2 has also been noted.