Methods and apparatus for pollution control which are well suited for use
in a coal power plant are described. Ash is collected and injected into
the flue gas stream at a location upstream of a cooling module. The ash
acts as an absorbent and/or reactant material onto which condensate may
condense. By re-introducing ash to keep the condensation forming wet
areas within the system, lower cost materials which are less corrosion
resistant than needed for wet operating conditions can be used. Mercury
recovery and SO3 removal is facilitated by the cooling process and
re-introduction of collected ash. Activated carbon and/or an alkali
absorbent material may be added. Use of a dry ESP and/or fabric filter as
opposed to a wet ESP for particulate collection leads to cost benefits.
Energy recovered by the cooling of the flue gas may be re-used to heat
turbine condensate leading to improved energy efficiency.