Mercury CEMS Will Be The Focus Of The McIlvaine “Hot Topic Hour” September 6

Every eight weeks we are reviewing the rapid developments in mercury continuous emission monitoring systems.  How reliable and accurate are the CEMS now being sold?  What is the status of the instrumental reference method and the whole basis for determining the accuracy of the CEMS?  What role do sorbent traps play?  How are CEMS being used as process analyzers to control ACI introduction?

For more information on participating in this and other “Hot Topic Hours”, click on:  http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/FGDnetoppbroch/Default1.htm .

Here are some of the highlights from the last Mercury “Hot Topic Hour” on July 12:

John Schakenbach, USEPA was the lead speaker.  John summarized the status of both the sorbent trap instrumental reference methods.  They are posted and will be final in October if no adverse comments are received.

Terry Marsh of Shaw focused on the Appendix K sorbent trap alternative to CEMS.  He observed that selecting a reliable analytical method for trap analysis is a key to ensure data integrity, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.  A problem in spiking the traps is solved by using two mass flow controllers to control the bubbling rate and, therefore, precisely spike the targeted Hg concentration into the third section of the carbon trap.

Over 100 Mercury Freedom CEMS have been shipped by ThermoFisher.  Michael Corvese also reported that 30 HgCl₂ generator modules have been shipped.  Field operation shows greater than 70 percent oxidation.

DP&L J.M. Stuart is operating a Met Team Appendix K system on its 605 MW unit which includes SCR and ESP.  Jim Wright of Clean Air Engineering reported that 1,500 hours of operation have been logged with minimal O&M problems.  QA/QC targets are being met.  Spike recovery issues are under control.

Joel Thompson cited features of the Sick Maihak mercury CEM and the extensive experience in Europe on municipal incinerators.  Some units are operating on coal-fired boilers in Europe. Initial units are being installed in the U.S.

Bob McIlvaine

847-784-0012

rmcilvaine@mcilvainecompany.com