Sorbent Evaluation Services 

One of the most common approaches to reducing mercury (Hg) emissions at sources subject to stringent emissions limits is the injection of sorbents such as powdered activated carbon (PAC). Full-scale testing of the different types of sorbents is not only expensive but can also cause disruptions to a plant’s operations and affect the process in unpredictable ways.

To help the industry more easily, in terms of cost and plant impact, evaluate sorbents, the Ohio Lumex Laboratory and Field Services Departments offer Sorbent Evaluation Services for control technology vendors as well as end-users. Our capabilities include measuring the relative effectiveness of sorbents in removing mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) from process gas streams of industrial facilities such as power plants, cement kilns, etc. 

 

Some common applications include:

 

For Control Technology Vendors

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• Comparing various formulations of powdered activated carbon (PAC) or other sorbents

• Quality control/assurance – testing different production batches to ensure that performance is consistent and meets expectations

• Testing performance of control technologies under varying conditions (temperatures, gas matrices, etc.)

For End Users (Plants)

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• Low cost/impact testing of different control technologies without going through the hassle and expense of full-scale trials of dozens of potential products.

• Preemptively check the performance of product before injecting into the process to ensure it meets requirements.

• Post facto testing of products in case removal efficiency does not meet expectations in order to determine whether the product is the cause.

 

Ohio Lumex offers several sorbent evaluation options including laboratory testing under simulated conditions as well as two options for field testing using the plant’s actual gas stream.