Comprehensive effect of increased calcium content in coal on the selenium emission from coal-fired power plants: Combined laboratory and field experiments

Coal combustion is the major contributor to global toxic selenium (Se) emissions. Inorganic elements in coals significantly affect Se partitioning during combustion. This work confirmed that the calcium (Ca) in ash had a stronger relationship with Se retention at 1300 degrees C than other major elements. Ca oxide chemically reacted with gaseous Se, and its sintering densification slightly affected Se adsorption capacities (44.45 - 1840.71 -> 35.17 -1540.15 mg/kg) at 300 - 1300 degrees C. Therefore, Ca in coals was identified as having potential for hindering gaseous Se emissions, and coals with increased Ca contents (2.74 -> 5.19 wt%) were used in a 350 MW unit. The decreased Se mass distribution (3.54%-> 2.63%) in flue gas at air preheater inlet (320 -362 degrees C) confirmed the effectiveness of increased Ca content on gaseous Se emission reduction. More gaseous Se further condensed and was chemically adsorbed by fly ash when passed through an electrostatic precipitator, resulting in a significant increase in the Se content of fly ash. Additionally, the corresponding Se leaching ratio decreased from 4.88 35.74% to 1.87 - 26.31%, indicating enhanced stability of Se enriched in fly ash. This research confirmed the feasibility and environmental safety of sequestration of gaseous Se from flue gas to fly ash by increasing the Ca content in coals.