Halogenated Polyamide Thermopolymer for Mercury Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mercury capture from flue gases, such as flue gas desulphurization systems (FGDs) and selective catalytic reduction systems (SCRs), are expensive and uneconomical for smaller coal-fired power plants, and existing halogenated carbon technologies face challenges with mercury desorption at elevated temperatures, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A combustion system utilizing a thermopolymer substrate with a mercury-receptor, such as halogenated polyamides or polysulfones, to capture mercury from flue gases, where the polymer substrate can withstand high temperatures and is combined with a collector for efficient mercury removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogenated activated carbon is used to adsorb mercury from flue gas, then mercury capture capability is improved, but halogen desorption occurs at elevated temperatures limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining halogenated polyamide particles with activated carbon. The halogenated polyamide component provides thermal stability and maintains mercury capture capability at elevated temperatures, while the activated carbon provides high surface area for adsorption. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that complement each other's strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing halogenated polyamides with specific thermal properties. The halogenated polyamide contains halogen atoms bonded to the polyamide structure, creating a material that maintains structural integrity and mercury binding capability at temperatures where conventional halogenated activated carbon would degrade or desorb halogen.
2Reliability
If FGDs and SCRs are used for mercury removal, then mercury capture efficiency is improved, but system cost increases making them uneconomical for smaller power plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable halogenated polyamide-activated carbon composite particles that are injected into the flue gas stream. These particles perform mercury capture function and are then discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and maintenance-intensive FGD or SCR systems. This approach provides an economical solution for smaller power plants by replacing capital-intensive infrastructure with a simpler, consumable material approach.
3Reliability
If iodine compounds are physically adsorbed on carbonaceous materials, then mercury adsorption is enhanced, but iodine desorption occurs at moderately elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where halogenated polyamide provides chemically bonded halogen that is thermally stable, complementing the physically adsorbed iodine on activated carbon. The halogenated polyamide component maintains its halogen content at elevated temperatures through chemical bonding to the polyamide structure, preventing the desorption problem that plagues physically adsorbed halogen compounds.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively captures mercury from flue gases at elevated temperatures, providing a cost-effective solution for smaller power plants and preventing mercury release into the environment, while maintaining thermal stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
halogenated activated carbon is suitable for use in adsorbing mercury from a flue gas
Implementation Method 2
Carbonaceous materials will both physically adsorb bromine species (Br2 and HBr) and chemically react with them
Data Source
AI summary
A combustion system having improved mercury collection. The system includes a combustion chamber for burning a fuel containing mercury, whereby burning produces a flue gas stream containing mercury and a device for removing mercury from the flue gas stream. The device includes a thermopolymer substrate; and a mercury-receptor attached to the substrate. In one embodiment, the system may further include a collector downstream of the device for collecting the mercury attached to the thermopolymer. The inventions further include alternative methods of mercury removal and preparation of the polymer substrate.