Proposed Standard aims to control mercury emissions.
Press Release Summary:
"Guide for Determination of Hg Adsorption Capacity of Powdered Activated Carbons Used for Removal of Hg from Flue Gas" will help regulate mercury emissions from flue gases in coal-fired power plants. This standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D28.04 on Gas Phase Evaluation Tests, whose chair, Larry Brey, indicates manufacturers of activated carbons and companies that sell/install mercury emissions control systems to power utilities would be its primary users.
Original Press Release:
Proposed ASTM Standard to Aid in Control of Mercury Emissions in Coal-Fired Power Plant Flue Gases
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., September 8, 2009-Mercury emissions from flue gases in coal-fired power plants are a large source of atmospheric mercury in the United States, but no standard for determination of mercury adsorption currently exists.
One promising method of controlling these emissions involves the injection of powdered activated carbon into the flue gas. A proposed new ASTM International standard would evaluate the performance of activated carbon for removal of elemental mercury in a simulated flue gas. WK24211, Guide for Determination of Hg Adsorption Capacity of Powdered Activated Carbons Used for Removal of Hg from Flue Gas, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D28.04 on Gas Phase Evaluation Tests, part of ASTM International Committee D28 on Activated Carbon.
Larry Brey, lead specialist, 3M Co., and chair of D28.04, says that manufacturers of activated carbons and companies that sell and install mercury emissions control systems to power utilities would be the primary users of WK24211. In addition, utilities might use the standard in evaluating commercially available activated carbons for use in their facilities.
"This is a completely new and potentially very large market for activated carbon and one of great interest to all manufacturers of activated carbons," says Brey. "This is also important to the environmental and regulatory agencies since coal-fired power plants are a significant contributor to atmospheric mercury emissions."
For technical information contact Larry Brey, 3M Co., St. Paul, Minn. (phone: 651-733-2277; labrey@mmm.com). ASTM Committee D28 meets Oct. 21 during the October committee week in Atlanta, Ga.
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