ONLINE STACK GAS/CEM SYSTEMS

ONLINE STACK GAS/CEM SYSTEMS

The P S Analytical range of mercury continuous emissions monitors (CEMs) is designed to handle all types of industrial and research applications. The CEM is based on modules which allow the systems to be customised to specific user requirements. The majority of CEMs fall into three broad categories which can be summarised as general purpose, dedicated monitoring or compact instruments.

It is estimated that over half the mercury emissions to the atmosphere are caused by anthropogenic activities. (Further information is available from the EPA website). The majority are caused by the burning of fossil fuels for power generation but significant amounts are also produced from waste incineration, crematorium and smelters.

Mercury is emitted from combustion processes in three forms: (1) elemental mercury Hg0, (2) oxidised mercury HgII and (3) particulate mercury HgP.

The oxidised and particulate forms of mercury have a relatively short atmospheric residence time and affect the area closer to their source whereas elemental mercury can stay in the atmosphere for times varying from 8 to 16 months and therefore can be wind transported over vast distances with consequent global environmental impact.

Mercury continuous emissions monitors are increasingly used at any industrial plant which uses combustion technology and produces significant mercury emissions.

Full scale plant systems need to be able to handle harsh operating conditions with minimal operator attention. Conversely lab scale systems have to be able to handle rapid changes in operating conditions set up which requires more operator intervention.

Pilot plants can vary in size from just above lab scale to full scale plants so analyser requirements can vary greatly.
We describe systems for full scale plants here with recommendations for pilot plant and lab systems.
The operational systems consist of Mercury CEM analyser with an appropriate probe/sample conditioning system..