Standard test method for mercury content evaluation in solid mineral fuels

Abstract

In addition to carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen, fossil fuels contain other chemical elements, some of which may be hazardous to human health and the environment. Mercury and its compounds are one of the most dangerous among them. Therefore, information about mercury contents in coals and products of their processing is extremely important for both mining and processing enterprises and consumers. Mercury compounds may be accumulated in coal mining and processing wastes, and if they transfer into water-soluble forms, may lead to damaging of the environment. In the view of above, a standard method for the determination of mercury content has been developed, which is applicable not only to coals and products of their processing, but also to coal mining and combustion wastes. Also, to control the correctness of measurements by the developed method, reference samples with a certified mercury contents were developed.