Integrated Environmental Control For Coal Fired Power Plants

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals, harmful to both the environment and human health. Hg is released into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources and its emission control has caused much concern. This book introduces readers to Hg pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources and systematically describes coal-fired flue gas mercury emission control in industry, especially from coal-fired power stations. Mercury emission control theory and experimental research are demonstrated, including how elemental mercury is oxidized into oxidized mercury and the effect of flue gas contents on the mercury speciation transformation process. Mercury emission control methods, such as existing APCDs (air pollution control devices) at power stations, sorbent injection, additives in coal combustion and photo-catalytic methods are introduced in detail. Lab-scale, pilot-scale and full-scale experimental studies of sorbent injection conducted by the authors are presented systematically, helping researchers and engineers to understand how this approach reduces the mercury emissions in flue gas and to apply the methods in mercury emission control at coal-fired power stations. Readers will arrive at a comprehensive understanding of various mercury emission control methods that are suitable for industrial applications. The book is intended for scientists, researchers, engineers and graduate students in the fields of energy science and technology, environmental science and technology and chemical engineering.

Fossil-fuel power plants account for the majority of worldwide power generation. Increasing global energy demands, coupled with issues of ageing and inefficient power plants, have led to new power plant construction programmes. As cheaper fossil fuel resources are exhausted and emissions criteria are tightened, utilities are turning to power plants designed with performance in mind to satisfy requirements for improved capacity, efficiency, and environmental characteristics. Advanced power plant materials, design and technology provides a comprehensive reference on the state of the art of gas-fired and coal-fired power plants, their major components and performance improvement options. Part one critically reviews advanced power plant designs which target both higher efficiency and flexible operation, including reviews of combined cycle technology and materials performance issues. Part two reviews major plant components for improved operation, including advanced membrane technology for both hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) separation, as well as flue gas handling technologies for improved emissions control of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, ash and particulates. The section concludes with coverage of high-temperature sensors, and monitoring and control technology that are essential to power plant operation and performance optimisation. Part three begins with coverage of low-rank coal upgrading and biomass resource utilisation for improved power plant fuel flexibility. Routes to improve the environmental impact are also reviewed, with chapters detailing the integration of underground coal gasification and the application of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage. Finally, improved generation performance is reviewed with coverage of syngas and hydrogen (H2) production from fossil-fuel feedstocks. With its distinguished international team of contributors, Advanced power plant materials, design and technology is a standard reference for all power plant engineers and operators, as well as to academics and researchers in this field. Provides a comprehensive reference on the state-of-the-art gas-fired and coal-fired power plants, their major components and performance improvement options Examines major plant components for improved operation as well as flue gas handling technologies for improved emissions control Routes to improve environmental impact are discussed with chapters detailing the integration of underground coal gasification