NO_x and SO_x fuel gas treatment system based on sulfur enriched organic oil in water emulsion

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x x=1,2) and sulphur oxides (SO_x x=2,3) are the main gaseous air pollutants emitted in large scale from fossil fuels combustion. These gases are toxic and are of major health and environmental concerns. The environmental regulations limit the pollutants concentrations emitted to the atmosphere. Existing technologies used to decrease the pollutants concentrations are FGD (Flue-Das Desulfurization) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction).^1,2 However, these technologies require large footprints, use expensive catalysts and high working temperatures (350-400^oC).

Here, we suggest a new wet catalyst based on sulfur enriched oil emulsified with water (3-5w% Sulfur dissolved in oil mixed with water). The NO_x should be preoxidized using H₂O₂ or O₃. By using a wet scrubber (spray tower) concept the gases are converted to NO₃^- and SO₄^2- unions is the aqueous phase. With the addition of ammonium hydroxide, the fertilizers NH₄NO₃ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ are produced.

The reduction in emissions of SO_x and NO_x at 60˚C are >99% and 75%, respectively. The condition for the catalyst production and the wet scrubbing process are discussed in detail.

References

1. Busca, G., Lietti, L., Ramis, G., & Berti, F. (1998). Chemical and mechanistic aspects of the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia over oxide catalysts: A review. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 18(2), 1–36.

Srivastava, R. K., & Jozewicz, W. (2001). Flue gas desulfurization: The state of the art. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, 51(12), 1676–1688.