Reduction of inherent mercury emissions in PC combustion. Semi-annual technical progress report No. 1, June 28, 1995--December 31, 1995

At present, mercury emission compliance presents one of the major potential challenges raised by the Clean Air Act Amendments. Simple ways of controlling emissions have not been identified. The variability in the field data suggest that means exist to reduce inherent mercury emissions, if these can be identified and controlled. The key mechanisms appear to involve the oxidation of the mercury to Hg{sup {plus}{plus}}, generally producing the less volatile HgCl{sub 2}. A portion of this may condense on ash particles in time to be collected by cold-side particulate removal equipment. This research focuses on identifying the rate-limiting steps associated with inherent mercury capture. Key areas are enhancement of mercury oxidation and providing a sufficient amount of an appropriate surface (e.g., ash aerosol) under the correct conditions to promote inherent capture. 7 refs., 1 fig