Apparatus and method of using sound waves to reduce sorbent consumption in dry sorbent injection air pollution control systems

A method for reducing emissions produced in a combustion system having a gas flow path from a combustion chamber to an exhaust downstream of the combustion chamber, the method comprising:

• introducing a sorbent material into the gas flow path at a first location;
• generating sound waves;
• and
• applying the sound waves to the flow stream at a second location;
• wherein at least a portion of the generated sound waves travel downstream in the direction of gas flow;
• and
• wherein the sound waves enhance mixing and mass transfer of the sorbent and pollutants in the gas.

A system for reducing emissions from a combustion process in a combustion chamber comprising:

• a flue gas duct having a first opening in fluid communication with the combustion chamber and a second opening downstream of the first opening such that emissions from the combustion chamber flow through the flue gas duct in a gas stream from the first opening to the second opening;
• a sorbent injection system adapted to inject a sorbent material into the gas stream at a first location in the flue gas duct;
• one or more sound generators, wherein the one or more sound generators are adapted to introduce sound waves into the flow stream at a second location in the flue gas duct;
• wherein the sound waves enhance mixing and mass transfer of the sorbent and pollutants in the gas.