Study on the control of condensable particulate matter by spraying activated carbon combined with electrostatic precipitator

Abstract

Condensable particulate matter (CPM) is a primary particulate matter that exists in the form of gas or vapor phase before discharge, but after discharge, it rapidly turns into a particulate substance due to cooling and dilution. The composition of CPM is very complex, and it poses a threat to the environment and human health. However, there is a lack of research on the control of CPM. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of activated carbon (AC) injection coupled with low-low temperature electrostatic precipitator on the adsorption of CPM in the flue gas of a 300 MW ultra-low emission coal-fired power plant. The sampling system was conducted according to ISO 23210–2009 and U.S. EPA method 202. Results shows that the adsorption removal efficiency of CPM by ACs ranged from 14% to 33%, and the adsorption removal effect of AC on inorganic components in CPM was better than that of organic components. AC had significant adsorption effects on Cl− and NH4+ but had weak adsorption effect on NO3− in CPM. AC with larger specific surface area, more abundant pore structure, and richer surface chemical functional groups has better adsorption effect on metal elements such as Na, Ca, Mg, K, and Al in CPM is better than that of Fe. As for the organic components in CPM, the adsorption effect of AC for esters was considerable, but its adsorption on organosilicon was limited.