Benefits of Amended Silicates over Activated Carbon

Amended Silicates for Mercury Control have many benefits over activated carbon, as shown in the tables below.

Challenges of Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon (PAC & BPAC) for Hg Control
Only Adsorbs Mercury -  It also Desorbs Mercury - All Hg will eventually leach
Mercury Must be Oxidized by a Halogen (Bromine, Chromine, or Iodine) First
Limited to Low Sorbent Utilizations - i.e., Typically < 0.2%
FLAMMABLE and EXPLOSIVE - Silo Fires have been a problem in the U.S
Often Requires Halogen Addition to Coal to Help Oxidize the Mercury -  Corrosion!!!
Contaminates the Fly Ash so that it Cannot be Used in Concrete - Difficult to Treat
PAC & BPAC are Poisoned by SO3 / H2SO4 - Often Requiring Hydrate Injection
Hydrate/Trona Injection Capture Halides Which increases BPAC Rate 3-4 Times
Combined with Halogen (Br or I) Injection, Contaminates Waste Water
BPAC Causes Severe Corrosion of Storage Silos, Including Structural Damage

 

While Amended Silicates are not hindered by any of those challenges listed above for activated carbon, Amended Silicates do have many additional benefits.  Check out the benefits in the table below:

Benefits of Amended Silicates

Amended Silicates for Hg Control
Non Carbon, mineral based products
Relatively captures both Hg0 and Hg2+
Stabilizes all metals in the fly ash - reduces leaching
NOT FLAMMABLE  NOT CORROSIVE
No Halogens in the Products - Does NOT Need Halogens
Preserves fly ash sales -  Eliminates liability of landfills
Compatible with Hydrate/Trona Injection
Tolerant to SO3 / H2SO4
Small Carbon Footprint