METHOD FOR THE REMOVAL OF MERCURY FROM A STREAM OF FLUE GAS OBTAINED FROM THE COMBUSTION OF COAL AND SORBENT-MIXTURE

A method for the removal of mercury from a stream of flue gas obtained from the combustion of at least one coal includes the steps of introducing a kaolin- or metakaolin-containing sorbent into the stream of flue gas for removing mercury from the stream of flue gas and contacting the mercury with the kaolin or metakaolin-containing sorbent in the presence of active free silica. Further to the introduction of the kaolin- or metakaolin-containing sorbent into the stream of flue gas, a source of active free silica is introduced so as to increase the active free silica content of the flue gas resulting from the combustion by the introduction of additional free silica. The flue gas has a temperature of at least approximately 900° C., for example >1000° C. at the point where the kaolin or metakaolin-containing sorbent is introduced.