Process for promoting mercury retention in wet flue gas desulfurization systems

Abstract

A system and method is proposed for removing mercury from a process gas stream containing mercury. The proposed invention provides for contacting an aqueous desulphurization liquor with a flue gas stream to capture mercury that may be contained in the flue gas stream. A promoter is mixed with the liquor to prevent oxidized mercury in the liquor from reducing into elemental mercury.

1 . A system for removing mercury from a flue gas stream, the system comprises:
 reaction vessel configured to receive a flue gas stream containing mercury;   an aqueous liquor supply;   liquid to gas mass transfer device disposed within the interior of the reaction vessel; and   the liquid to gas mass transfer device is configured to contact the flue gas stream with the aqueous liquor supply.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the aqueous liquor supply comprises an oxidizer. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the oxidizer is a strong oxidizer. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the aqueous liquor supply further comprises water and a reagent. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the oxidizer is a strong oxidizer. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the strong oxidizer comprises hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the reagent comprises limestone. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the reagent comprises lime. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sprayer device disposed within the interior of the reaction vessel and configured to introduce the absorbent supply into the reaction vessel. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the reaction vessel is further configured to receive an oxidizer supply via a designated inlet to the reaction vessel. 
   
   
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