Mercury monitoring in a cement kiln application

March 2014 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

This application note discusses the adaptability of the Mercury Freedom System to the unique conditions in a cement plant. Results from a series of installations in cement plants are discussed in relation to the new regulatory requirements and changing process flow conditions. Further, this application note examines the suitability of the current design of the Mercury Freedom System to the cement application and identifies potential areas of improvement, if required.

Abstract

The Thermo Scientific Mercury Freedom system was originally designed to meet the requirements of the Clear Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) promulgated for the US coal-fired utility industry. Subsequently several hundred systems were installed and operating in coal-fired power plants across the United States, passing stringent Relative Accuracy Test Audits (RATAs) under varying plant conditions. The CAMR was vacated in 2009, however many plants continue to operate the systems to monitor vapour phase mercury emissions for effective process control. In September 2010, the U.S. EPA promulgated the Portland Cement MACT rule, which requires all cement plants in the US to monitor mercury on a continuous basis at the cement kiln.

The cement kiln offers significantly different conditions than a coal-fired plant. Mercury levels exhibit large swings due to changes in raw mill condition and dust management procedures within a plant.

In summary, field tests have proven that the current design of the Mercury Freedom System is fully capable of meeting the requirements of the cement industry and Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to focus on enhancing the range and sensitivity of the instruments to meet more stringent needs as they may arise in the future.

Web exclusive: to download the full application note visit http://instrumentation.co.za/+C18625

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