Non-Combustion Sources

of Nitrogen Oxides
Production and Utilization of
Nitric Acid
Industrial Processes
Agricultural Processes
 Advantage Disadvantage

The total volume of gases The concentration of NOx

emitted is much smaller in the exhaust gases from
than that from the processes can be
combustion significantly larger than
Most industrial sources those from combustion
are under fairly strict
control.
Control of Nitrogen Oxide
Emissions
Possible Approaches to controlling
NOx in combustion:
1. Modify the combustion processes
to prevent the formation of NOx.
2. Treat the combustion gas
chemically after the flame to
convert the NOx to N2.
 Industrial Sources
Nitric Acid Plants:
Scrubbing with solutions of NaOH
and KMnO4.
(The KMnO4 converts NO to NO2 and
captured by NaOH.)
Electrochemical Regeneration
Removal of molecules adsorbed
on the surface of the adsorbent
with the use of electric current in
an electrochemical cell.
Nitrogen Oxide Control
Modification
 Two-Stage Combustion
Also known as Reburning
Involves mixing part of the combustion air
with the fuel.
Transfers the heat from the flames to what
is being heated then adds the remaining
air and finishing the combustion.
 Two-Stage Combustion
Advantage Disadvantage

Cheap Requires a large firebox

for the same combustion
rate.
Difficult to get complete
burning of the fuel in the
second stage.
Amount of unburned fuel
or CO in exhaust gas is
increased.
Nitrogen Oxide Control by
Postflame Treatment