Elemental Mercury and Nitrogen Oxides
The low-temperature oxidation process (LoTox) developed by BOC corporation (now part of the Linde Group) has extensive multi-pollutant reduction capabilities. Engineers at WRI’s Combustion Test Facility (CTF) are overseeing various evaluations of this innovative process. The LoTox process is based on injecting ozone in the flue gas to oxidize elemental mercury to a form that is water soluble. Tests conducted in the CTF confirmed nitrogen oxide reduction efficiencies greater than 90 percent and revealed mercury oxidation ranging from 70 to 90 percent, depending on the rank of coal, residence time, operating temperature, and stoichiometric ratio of O₃/NO_x. 

LoTox Schematic

Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Dioxide
In collaboration with Mobotec USA and the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory and National Energy Technology Laboratory, WRI is evaluating oil shale multi-pollutant reduction capabilities in our Combustion Test Facility. The hydrocarbon and mineral contents of oil shale are considered key components for reducing both NO_x through reburn and SO₂ through reacting with the calcium in the minerals. Initial test results are encouraging, and further evaluation is under way with selected oil shales from the U.S. and around the world.