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Mercury emission control
Elemental mercury slips through most pollution control equipment. Bromide turns it into a form the equipment already captures.
- Hg⁰ → Hg²⁺oxidation
- Coal feedtypical application point
- Existing equipmentFGD, filters, ACI
Why oxidise mercury
Coal contains traces of mercury, released as elemental vapour (Hg⁰) when it burns. Elemental mercury is poorly captured by electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters and wet scrubbers. Oxidised mercury (Hg²⁺, for example as HgBr₂) is water-soluble and sticks to fly ash and carbon, so existing equipment removes it.
How calcium bromide is used
Calcium bromide solution is typically applied to the coal before it enters the boiler, for example by spraying it on a belt conveyor. In the hot furnace the bromide becomes reactive bromine species that oxidise mercury downstream.
- Dose is tuned per boiler and coal, usually measured in parts per million of bromine on coal.
- Pair with the plant's existing scrubber, filter or activated carbon injection.
- Monitor mercury with continuous emission monitors or sorbent traps.
Plant considerations
Bromine can raise corrosion risk in cold-end equipment and adds bromide to scrubber wastewater. These effects are managed through dose control, materials and water treatment; trials on the actual unit settle the details.
Frequently asked questions
Does calcium bromide remove mercury by itself?
No. It oxidises mercury so that your existing scrubber, filter or carbon system can capture it.
How much is applied?
It depends on the coal, the boiler and the control equipment. Dose is set by on-site testing.
Are there side effects?
Possible corrosion in cold-end equipment and bromide in wastewater. Dose control and materials selection manage them.
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