Method and Apparatus for the Removal of Carbon Dioxide from a Gas Stream

An apparatus for removing at least a portion of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, comprising:

• an absorber tower;
• a packed bed positioned in said absorber tower;
• and
• a wet electrostatic precipitator positioned in said absorber tower.

A method for removing at least a portion of carbon dioxide in a gas stream and for producing gaseous carbon dioxide, comprising:

• contacting a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide with an alkaline liquid stream comprising sodium hydroxide;
• absorbing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide into the alkaline liquid stream to produce a form of carbonate;
• reducing a pH of at least a portion of the alkaline liquid stream comprising the form of carbonate to produce gaseous carbon dioxide;
• and
• collecting the gaseous carbon dioxide.

A method for removing at least a portion of carbon dioxide in a gas stream, comprising:

• contacting a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide with an alkaline liquid stream;
• absorbing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide into the alkaline liquid stream to produce absorbed carbon dioxide;
• catalyzing a reaction of the absorbed carbon dioxide to produce a form of carbonate and water;
• and
• using the water in a flue gas desulfurization system.

A method for removing at least a portion of carbon dioxide in a gas stream, comprising:

• contacting a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide with an alkaline liquid stream in a wet electrostatic precipitator comprising a power supply;
• absorbing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide into the alkaline liquid stream;
• and
• oxidizing elemental mercury in the gas stream by repeatedly modulating the power supply between DC and AC.