Method and apparatus for removing vapor phase contaminants from a flue gas stream

An apparatus for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream, comprising:

• a gas duct configured to receive a flue gas stream comprising a trace contaminant;
• a plurality of metal plates disposed within said gas duct, wherein each of said metal plates is positioned substantially parallel to one another;
• a trace contaminant sorbent disposed on at least a portion of each of said metal plates;
• an isolation device for separating said portion of each of said metal plates from the flue gas stream;
• a cleaning mechanism for cleaning each of said metal plates in-situ and concurrently as the flue gas stream passes through said gas duct;
• and
• a regenerator for regenerating said trace contaminant sorbent.

A method for removing a trace contaminant from a gas stream, comprising:

• passing a gas stream comprising a trace contaminant through a gas duct;
• contacting said trace contaminant with a trace contaminant sorbent disposed on at least a portion of a substrate within said gas duct;
• adsorbing said trace contaminant with said trace contaminant sorbent;
• isolating said portion of said substrate from said gas stream;
• cleaning said substrate in-situ and concurrently with said passing of said gas stream through said gas duct;
• and
• regenerating said trace contaminant sorbent in-situ and concurrently with said passing of said gas stream through said gas duct.