Control of mercury emissions from solid fuel combustion

A method for removing mercury from flue gases generated by the combustion of coal, the method comprising:

• milling a starter batch of activated carbon to provide a contact batch of activated carbon having a median particle size (d50) less than 15 microns, where d50 represents 50% of the particles by mass in the contact batch, the starter batch having a greater median particle size than the contact batch;
• injecting the contact batch into contact with the flue gas at a contact location between an economizer and an air preheater, whereupon the activated carbon of the contact batch adsorbs mercury from the flue gas;
• transporting the contact batch to the contact location with substantially no intermediate storage of the contact batch following the milling of the starter batch to prevent agglomeration of the activated carbon in the contact batch prior to injection;
• and
• removing the activated carbon having mercury adsorbed thereon from the flue gas at a removal location.

A method for removing mercury from flue gases generated by the combustion of coal, the method comprising:

• milling a starter batch of activated carbon to provide a contact batch of activated carbon having a median particle size (d50) less than 8 microns, where d50 represents 50% of the particles by mass in the contact batch, the starter batch having a greater median particle size than the contact batch;
• injecting the contact batch into contact with the flue gas at a contact location having a temperature between 600° F. and 800° F., whereupon the activated carbon of the contact batch adsorbs mercury from the flue gas;
• transporting the contact batch to the contact location with substantially no intermediate storage of the contact batch following the milling of the starter batch to prevent agglomeration of the activated carbon in the contact batch prior to injection;
• and
• removing the activated carbon having mercury adsorbed thereon from the flue gas at a removal location.