Appeal No. 2002-0864
Application 09/022,817
exhaust gas in the presence of a specific denitrating catalyst
to convert mercury compounds therein to mercury chlorides, while
simultaneously removing nitrogen oxides. On this record, we
answer this question in the negative.
As found by the examiner (Answer, page 5), Kubisa
discloses treating a combusted waste gas containing at least
sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and mercury with an added
amount of a mercury chlorinating agent, i.e., hydrogen chloride,
to remove mercury in the form of mercury chlorides at a
temperature of 800 to 850°C. See also Kubisa, pages 1-3.
Kubisa discloses that converting mercury into mercury chloride
allows the efficient and effective removal of the mercury content
in the waste gas possible. See pages 2-3. According to Kubisa
(page 6), the resulting waste gas can then be further treated to
remove sulfur oxides and nitric oxides.
Given the similarity between the waste gas and the
admittedly known power furnace boiler gas above (Brief, page 5),
we concur with the examiner that the prior art references as a
whole would have provided sufficient suggestion and/or motivation
to employ a mercury chlorinating agent, such as hydrogen
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