Alstom (Paris, France; www.alstom.comwww.alstom.com) and Reliant Energy, Inc. have announced the contract signing for the purchase of Alstom’s advanced mercury removal system, Mer-Cure.
The deal follows the successful launch of Alstom’s Mer-Cure product line in 2007, marking Alstom’s entry into this new market. Mer-Cure delivers reductions in flue gas mercury emissions of up to 90% and more, at low sorbent consumption rates, thus trimming operation and maintenance costs.
The system works by injecting a carbon based sorbent into the gas duct where it absorbs the mercury present in the gas. Its patented technology enhances the conditions needed for high mercury removal by making full use of the effective temperature range for oxidation, longer in-duct residence time and a proprietary sorbent additive that accelerates mercury oxidation. Data from plants utilizing Mer-Cure shows that the unique method of sorbent injection drastically reduces the amount of sorbent required, even with mercury removal rates in excess of 90%.
The system will be installed at Reliant’s Shawville, Conemaugh, Titus, Portland and New Castle power stations in Pennsylvania. Delivery is scheduled for early 2009.