Cost effective vapour phase mercury monitoring via sorbent trap

The sorbent tube system is very simple to use, as has been demonstrated during worldwide trials and is the method of choice USA, as set out in USEPA 30b and 12b. The EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) will call for annual monitoring of mercury beyond 2016 and, as set down in the new BREF documents requirements this will require more frequent mercury monitoring and control on some plants. For many plants, the sorbent tube method will be both simpler and more cost effective solution.

The XC6000 and XC30B Sampler
The MercSampler has been designed especially for performing periodic or long term vapour phase mercury sampling via sorbent trap. 
How it works: A known volume of flue gas are extracted from a stack or duct through paired, in-stack sorbent media traps at an appropriate flow rate. Collection of mercury on the sorbent media in the stack mitigates potential loss of mercury during transport through a probe/sample line. For each test run, paired train sampling is required to determine measurement precision and verify acceptability of the measured emissions data. A field recovery test which assesses recovery of an elemental Hg spike to determine measurement bias is also used to verify data acceptability. The sorbent traps are recovered from the sampling system, prepared for analysis as needed, and analysed by any suitable determinative technique that can meet the performance criteria.

The MercSampler simplifies sampling requirements by automating data acquisition, sample flow adjustments, leak checks, calculations, temperature control, and calibrations. Data is easily transferred to a Microsoft Windows Based PC through USB Interface. The MercSampler performs dual sorbent trap sampling at flow rates up to 2.0 lpm. It can be operated with your choice of mercury probes and gas conditioning systems, including our popular SGC-4000HGP Stirling Gas Conditioner. Features include; Fully automated for paired sampling, Dual dry gas meters and mass flow sensors, Alerts for port and traverse point changes, Simple data export, Compact portable system, Eight isolated type K thermocouple channels, USB interface, Easily configured with Windows based PC. The MercSampler console was designed and configured to meet requirements for multiple applications; primarily Mercury sampling, but can also be used with USEPA methods 6, 18, 30 (most VOST methods), gas sampling, and more. With over 25 years’ experience in the design, manufacturing and distribution of source sampling equipment for measuring emissions to international, European and US EPA guidelines, including gaseous/isokinetic methods and mercury sorbent trap sampling. 

The Background
In 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) finalised the global legally binding instrument (LBI) on mercury. This LBI includes targets for mercury reduction and requirements for best available technologies for reduction. In order for the LBI to function, there must be valid monitoring methods available to monitor emissions. The current European methods for mercury monitoring – wet chemical methods and AMS/CEMs – are both expensive and challenging. The sorbent tube system is very simple to use, as has been demonstrated during UNEP Coal Partnership studies in Russia and South Africa. The LBI will result in significantly increased use of this methodology in developing countries and economies in transition. 

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