Mercury pollution watchdog to set up in Geneva

C-MPR™

New Approach

A completely new and exciting approach for the simultaneous removal of NOx, SOx and Hg from flue gas. Unlike common solutions, this patented technology enables an absorption/extraction process as a single solution while simultaneously treating all three pollutants.

Proprietary technology

Superior to other processes, the C-MPR™ utilizes a proprietary absorption liquid formulation (based on modified ionic-liquids and oxidizers) implemented in a wet scrubber. NOx, SOx and Hg contained in the flue gas stream react with an oxidizing agent in order to form soluble elements that enter the scrubber. The unique absorbing liquid is constantly circulated within the scrubber in a “closed cycle” in which the flue gas impurities are captured as a stable complex.

Throughout the next phase of the process, the absorbed impurities are extracted into an aqua phase via a mixture-settler to form useful products with high commercial value, such as fertilizers or concentrated acids.

The absorbing liquid’s unique physical properties and the system’s engineering design assures that no liquid is being emitted to the environment.

Selective extraction

Another advantage of this technology is the selective extraction ability it offers. The superior absorption liquid runs through a multi-stage extraction process. At each stage of the process, a specific pollutant is easily separated from the mixture. This unique process concentrates both sulfuric acid and nitric acid which is essential for producing them in aqua phase. In addition, all forms of mercury remain in the absorption liquid and can be stabilized and removed by a side process while the liquid is regenerated for reuse.

Removes all pollutants

The system removes all mentioned pollutants, demonstrating exceptional removal rates of NOx (above 85%), SO2 (above 90%) and Hg (above 95%), along with significant environmental and financial benefits. This new approach offers a dramatic change from both economic and environmental perspectives compared to existing technologies currently in place.
The system, which can be custom made and installed as a retrofit, is a scalable solution which can be implemented to various industrial processes.

C-HgR™

A novel approach

A novel approach innovating the way mercury (Hg) is removed from industrial gas emissions.

Elemental mercury is extremely difficult to remove due to its absorption characteristics and the current applied solutions suffer from clear known disadvantages and inefficiencies:

Limited removal efficiency varies depending upon the gas conditions and combination of installed APC. Intensive usage of consumable adsorbents and impact on properties of byproduct limit their sales/re-use. Disposal/Recycling costs of the contaminated byproducts and absorbents and damage to the infrastructure due to corrosion caused by chemical additives, Hg is then redistributed and re-emitted to the environment with the by-products created throughout the process and the environmental contamination by Hg is consequently unavoided.

Innovative absorption process

Clairion is addressing these challenges with its C-HgR™ – – an innovative proprietary absorption process using a unique liquid formulation of modified ionic liquids and oxidant agents implemented in a wet scrubber. The flue gas stream contaminated with the mercury particles enters the scrubber in which the unique liquid is constantly circulated. The chemical reaction in which the mercury is simultaneously oxidized and captured in the liquid as a stable complex occurs within the device.

Liquid regeneration process

In a separate process, the liquid is then regenerated through a simple process. The liquid regeneration process transfers the mercury into an insoluble stable form (HgS) that can then be safely disposed of, while the absorbent liquid is regenerated for re-use. This can be done periodically (from months to years) as a service off-site or offered continuously on-site as an integrated process (depending upon both the site’s characteristics and the customer’s specific needs).
The offered approach and structure ensure both a highly efficient chemical reaction and short contact time between the flue gas and liquid. The system removes all mercury forms, including elemental mercury. Clairion’s streamlined process demonstrates exceptional mercury removal at rates of > 95% along with significant environmental and financial benefits.

A closed and greener process

C-HgR™ offers a dramatic change from an environmental perspective. In part to the unique engineering design and properties of the absorbing liquid, the process is equally closed and fully regenerative. The stable complex prevents evaporation of oxidizers and mercury reemission while successfully deals with vapor pressure and runaway of liquid droplets. Aside from the small quantities of HgS that are safely disposed of, there are no other contaminated byproducts that need to be handled.