Aqueous absorption of NOx induced by sodium chlorite oxidation

Author

Chen-Lu Yang, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Fall 12-31-1989

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Science - (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Science

First Advisor

Henry Shaw

Second Advisor

Joseph W. Bozzelli

Third Advisor

Richard B. Trattner

Abstract

Aqueous scrubbing in alkaline media for the removal of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) from flue gases using NaClO₂ as an oxidant is being investigated in the Chemical Engineering Department of New Jersey Institute of Technology. This thesis presents the findings of an experimental program that was conducted to estimate the capability of NaClO₂ aqueous solution to oxidize insoluble NO to soluble NO₂ in order to increase its solubility and thus prevent NO_x emission from entering the atmosphere from flue gases emitted by municipal incinerators or power plants.

The key findings of this program are:

* NO is not absorbed by NaOH aqueous scrubbing solutions.

* NO₂ is essentially quantitatively absorbed in NaOH aqueous scrubbing solutions.

* Addition of NO₂ improves No absorption in NaOH solution.

* NaClO₂ containing aqueous scrubbing medium quantitatively oxidizes NO to nitrate.

* Concentrations greater than 0.1M NaOH inhibit No absorption in 0.008M NaClO₂ containing aqueous scrubbing media.

* Aqueous scrubbing media containing less than 0.1M NaOH quantitatively absorb NO induced by NaClO₂ oxidation.

* The presence of 5% Oxygen in flue gases reduces by 11.5% NO absorption induced by NaClO₂ oxidation.

* Mass transfer rather than chemical reaction kinetics seems to dominate the NO absorption process.

Recommended Citation

Yang, Chen-Lu, "Aqueous absorption of NOx induced by sodium chlorite oxidation" (1989). Theses. 1329.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/1329