REFERENCE

1. Environmental Engineering Principles and Practice, Richard O. Mines, Jr., School of

METHODS TO TREAT TOXIC Engineering, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, USA, Wiley Blackwell, 2014.

GASES IN AIR EMISSION 2. Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science, Fourth Edition, Susan J. Masten,
Michigan State University—East Lansing, MI, Mackenzie L. Davis, Emeritus, Michigan State
University—East Lansing, Mc Graw Hill Education, 2020

GASEOUS CONTAMINANTS

?
 GASEOUS CONTAMINANTS
SO2 H2SO4

Primary NOx CO

Primary GASEOUS HF HCl

CONTAMINANTS
Secondary
HC VOC

R-SH R-S-R
 NO2 O3

GASEOUS
CONTAMINANTS
Secondary H2SO4

SO2
NOX
Caused by burning fossil fuels
- 94% to 95% of the sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide.
Formed
- 0.5% to 2% of the fuel sulfur is converted to sulfur trioxide, SO3.
- Sulfur trioxide remains in the vapor state until temperatures decrease below
- During the combustion of fuels
approximately 300°C. At this temperature, sulfur trioxide reacts with water as
indicated in Reaction.
- Released from nitric acid plants and other types of industrial processes
involving the generation and/or use of nitric acid

Because of its corrosiveness, it is important to keep gas streams at

temperatures above the sulfuric acid dewpoint.
NO and NO2 are collectively termed “nitrogen oxides” or “NOx”. This term does not
Damage to air pollution control equipment, ductwork, and fans can occur if
include nitrous oxide (N2O), which is emitted in very small quantities from some types of
the gas temperature is below the sulfuric acid dewpoint in localized areas.
stationary sources.
 NOX CO AND OTHER PARTIALLY OXIDIZED ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS
CO formation
The ambient concentrations of NOx are usually well below the NOx NAAQS. • Incomplete combustion of fuel.
• It forms when either the gas temperature or the gas oxygen concentration is
This is due to the rapid photochemically initiated reactions and liquid phase reactions insufficient to provide complete oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide as
(clouds and fog droplets) that result in the conversion of nitrogen oxides to secondary shown in Reaction.
reaction products.
It is more difficult to complete the oxidation of CO to CO2 than to complete the
In fact, NO2 is the main chemical compound responsible for the absorption of the oxidation of any partially oxidized organic compound.
ultraviolet light responsible for driving photochemical reactions.

CO readily participates in photochemically initiated reactions that result in smog

formation. It is emitted from automobiles, trucks, boilers, and industrial furnaces.
NAAQS: National Ambient Air Quality Standards

VOCS AND OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS VOCS AND OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

VOCs
• Organic compounds that can volatilize in industrial processes and participate in
photochemical reactions once the gas stream is released to the ambient air.

• Almost all of the several thousand organic compounds used as solvents and
as chemical feedstock in industrial processes are classified as VOCs.

• The few organic compounds that are not considered VOCs because of their
lack of photochemical reactivity are listed in Table 1-1.
 VOCS AND OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS HCI AND HF

HCl and HF
• Acid gases
• Be released from processes:
 Waste incinerators, fossil fuel-fired boilers, chemical reactors, or ore roasting
operations.
 From air pollution control systems oxidizing chlorine- or fluorine-containing
organic compounds.
• They are gases at the normal stack concentrations
• However, at very high concentrations HCl can nucleate to form sub micrometer
acid mist particles.

HCI AND HF H2S AND SULFUR COMPOUNDS

HCl and HF
Sulfur compounds (TRS)
• Extremely soluble in aqueous liquids. H2S
Emitted primarily from kraft pulp mills.
• Because of their acidic properties, they are strong irritants. • Emitted from metallurgical,
petroleum, and petrochemical  Hydrogen sulfide, H2S
• Both compounds have significant adverse health effects at elevatedprocesses.  Methyl mercaptan, CH3SH
concentrations.  Dimethyl sulfide, (CH3)2S
• Fugitive emission of hydrogen  Dimethyl disulfide, (CH3)2S2
• They are both regulated as toxic air pollutants under Title III of the CAAA of 1990 sulfide can occur from sour gas
wells and certain petrochemical  Extremely strong and unpleasant odors.
processes.
The concentrations of HCl and HF formed during waste  Water soluble: they all participate readily
incineration and fossil fuel combustion are directly related to the • H2S is highly soluble in water in atmospheric reaction processes that
chloride and fluoride concentration of the waste or fuel being and can be easily oxidized to eventually yield SO2.
fired. form sulfur dioxide.
 NH3
OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
 NH3 is a common raw material used in a large number of synthetic organic chemical
manufacturing processes.

 However, the emissions of NH3 are usually quite small.

Primary
 The overall emission of NH3 to the atmosphere is well below the natural emissions
that are due to microbial activity. or
 NH3 is not considered a toxic compound at the levels generated by anthropogenic or secondary?
natural emissions.

 NH3 is of interested primarily because it is a reactant in two main types of nitrogen

oxides control systems. A small fraction of the NH3 feed in these NOx control systems
can be emitted to the atmosphere.

OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS

O3

An oxidant: forms in the troposphere because of the photochemically initiated

reactions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide.

The control techniques information relevant to ozone control concerns precursor

compounds such as nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds, and carbon
monoxide.

Process of Photochemical Smog Formation

OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
Dissociation of nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide takes
place in sunlight. Then they combine with trace OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
hydrocarbons. Consequently, this produces a large
number of pollutants. This process takes place in three
Process of Photochemical Smog Formation
stages as follows: Besides ozone, there are also a number of other pollutants in photochemical smog which
•Sunlight causes the photo-dissociation of nitrogen and are below:
oxygen. This yields the ozone and the atoms of oxygen.
•The reaction of oxygen atoms with water takes place. 1. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)- This pollutant is notable for causing eye and respiratory
This results in the formation of hydroxyl radicals. irritation. Furthermore, it is responsible for eye-watering when there is heavy pollution.
•Hydroxyl radicals oxidize hydrocarbons which results in
the formation of hydrocarbons radicals. 2. Nitrous acid (HNO2)- This is a mildly toxic compound, Moreover, this compound
•The oxidization of hydrocarbons takes place which causes respiratory discomfort.
results in the formation of a class of chemicals. This
class of chemicals is aldehydes. 3. Nitric acid (HNO3)- This pollutant is a strong acid. Furthermore, it is an essential
•Aldehyde oxidizes to formaldehyde peroxides as well as component of acid rain. In higher concentrations, this can burn skin and eyes.
aldehyde peroxy acids. Most noteworthy, these are the
pollutants that lead to the creation of many health
problems.

OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS

Which of the following is not a pollutant in photochemical smog?

During what time period does ozone form the most?
A. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)

B. Nitrous acid (HNO2)

C. Caesium-137

D. Nitric acid (HNO3)

 OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS

The formation of high ambient levels of ozone is highest during “ozone

season,” a period that is usually defined as May through September. The
intensity of sunlight for the photochemically initiated reactions is highest during
this time period. The air temperatures available for thermal reactions What about rural ozone?
associated with the photochemical reactions also contributes to the high levels
of ozone and photochemical oxidant formation during the summer months.

OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS

What about ozone in the stratosphere?

Ozone can also form, to a limited extent, in clean rural environments.
Why was it formed?
The “pollutants” involved in these reactions are low levels of organic compounds
emitted from vegetation and low levels of nitrogen oxides emitted from natural Good or bad?
biological activity. The photochemical reactions are similar to those in polluted
urban areas.

However, the concentrations of rural ozone are limited by the very low
concentrations of nitrogen oxides that are usually available.
 OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
In the stratosphere, ozone forms OZONE AND OTHER PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
naturally from the irradiation of
molecular oxygen by sunlight.
The control of precursor gases, such as nitrogen oxides emitted
The presence of ozone in the into the troposphere to minimize ground level ozone
stratosphere is beneficial because it concentrations, will not have an adverse effect on the beneficial
absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the ozone levels in the stratosphere. The formation mechanisms for
sun. ozone in the stratosphere are different from those in the
troposphere.
What causes the depletion of the
stratospheric ozone What should we do with tropospheric ozone?
concentrations? stratospheric ozone?

MINI QUIZ
1.What fraction of the sulfur present in a
fossil fuel is converted to sulfur dioxide in a
utility or industrial boiler? 3. What categories of air pollutants are 5. What category of sources is most 7.What category of sources
a. 25% to 30% responsible for the formation of responsible for VOC emissions? has the highest NOx
b. 50% to 75% photochemical smog? Select all that a. Transportation (automobiles, trucks, emissions?
c. 75% to 90% apply. planes) a. Transportation (automobiles,
d. 94% to 95% a. Volatile organic compounds b. Fuel handling and distribution trucks, planes)
e. 100% b. Nitrogen oxides c. Solvent utilization b. Fuel handling and
c. Sulfur dioxide d. Fuel combustion distribution
2. What factors influence the formation of d. Ammonia e. None of the above c. Solvent utilization
NOx in a boiler? e. TRS compounds d. Fuel combustion (electric
a. Temperatures f. Carbon monoxide 6. What category of sources is most utilities)
b. Oxygen concentrations responsible for sulfur dioxide emissions? e. None of the above
c. Fuel nitrogen content 4. Ozone is a ______________ air a. Utility and industrial boilers
d. All of the above pollutant. a. primary b. Industrial processes
e. a and b b. secondary c. Transportation
d. None of the above

1.What fraction of the sulfur present in a
fossil fuel is converted to sulfur dioxide in
a utility or industrial boiler?
d. 94% to 95%
2. What factors influence the formation of
NOx in a boiler?
d. All of the above
3. What categories of air pollutants are
primarily responsible for the formation of
photochemical smog? Select all that
apply.
a. Volatile organic compounds
b. Nitrogen oxides
f. Carbon monoxide
4. Ozone is a ______________ air
pollutant. b. secondary
5. What category of sources is most
responsible for VOC emissions?
c. Solvent utilization
6. What category of sources is most
responsible for sulfur dioxide emissions?
a. Utility and industrial boilers
7. What category of sources has the
highest NOx emissions?
a. Transportation
CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS
CONTAMINANTS
Six major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
gaseous contaminants.
1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces
2. Absorption into liquids and Biofiltration
3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds
4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds
5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids

CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS ADSORPTION ONTO SOLID SURFACES

CONTAMINANTS Difference between physical and chemical adsorption

Five major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
gaseous contaminants.
(49 oC) (38 oC to 205 oC)

1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces

2. Absorption into liquids and Biofiltration

3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds

4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds

5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids

 ADSORPTION
Low pollutants concentration (< 10 ppm) Large scale applications (10 – 10,000 ppm)
SALIENT FEATURE OF ADSORPTION PROCESS
 Simple  Complicated
 Non-regenerative  Regenerative (1) Prior to becoming saturated with the solvents, the adsorbent is isolated from the gas stream
and treated to drive the solvent compounds out of the solid adsorbent and into a small
volume, high concentration gas stream.
(2) The desorbed gas stream is then treated to recover and reuse the solvents.
(3) The adsorbent is cooled (if necessary) and returned to adsorption service.
(4) Because the adsorbent is treated and placed back in service, these adsorption processes are
termed regenerative.
(5) Adsorption processes usually operate at efficiencies of 90% to 98% over long time periods.

ADSORPTION ONTO SOLID SURFACES

STEPS IN ADSORPTION PROCESS
Adsorption occurs in three steps
Step 1: The contaminant diffuses from the
bulk gas stream to the external surface of the
adsorbent material.

Step 2: The contaminant molecule migrate

external surface to the macropores,
transitional pores, and micropores within each
adsorbent.

Step 3: The contaminant molecule adheres to Adsorption steps

the surface in the pore.
 ADSORBENT REGENERATION METHODS One carbon bed (tank) is typically
being regenerated, while the others
Following four main methods used commercially for regeneration: are in service treating emissions.
Thermal Swing: The bed is heated so that the adsorption capacity is reduced to a lower level. The
adsorbate leaves the surface of the carbon and is removed from the vessel by a stream of purge gas. The decanted water is either
Cooling must be provided before the subsequent adsorption cycle begins. disposed of or returned to the
boiler.
Pressure Swing: The pressure is lowered at a constant temperature to reduce the adsorbent capacity.
Inert Purge Gas Stripping: The stripping action is caused by an inert gas that reduces the partial The decanted solvent is either sold
pressure of the contaminant in the gas phase, reversing the concentration gradient. Molecules migrate or re-used in the original operation.
from the surface into the gas stream.
Re-use is, by far, the most common
Displacement Cycle: The adsorbates are displaced by a preferentially adsorbed material. This method practice, because it saves a great
is usually a last resort for situations in which the adsorbate is both valuable and heat sensitive and in deal of money for the
Regenerative manufacturer.
which pressure swing regeneration is ineffective. multi-tank carbon
adsorption system

CALCULATION
The most important factor in the design of a carbon adsorption unit is that
of the adsorptive capacity of the carbon.

This is a factor which varies significantly, depending upon the compounds

to be adsorbed, the overall porosity of the carbon particles, and the pore
Carbon adsorption
structures within the particles.
mass transfer
zone
This cannot be effectively estimated by calculation, because no two
manufacturing processes create the same carbon with the same
characteristics. Because of this, manufacturers maintain their own
empirical databases for their carbon, used in a wide variety of applications.
 PROBLEM

CALCULATION OF CARBON QUANTITY

Calculate the amount of

carbon needed for any Calculate the amount of carbon needed to operate a
application. carbon adsorption unit treating an emission rate of
100kg/h of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The adsorber
is to be designed for a four-hour duty cycle, and the
carbon provider reports a saturation adsorptive
capacity for CCl4 of 45% (0.45). Assume a working
capacity of 50% of the saturation capacity.

SOLUTION
First, calculate the capacity of carbon needed to achieve saturation in 4 hours, In order to achieve 90% or more capture efficiency, most carbon adsorption
using Equation (9.26): systems are designed for a maximum gas velocity of 30 m/min through the
adsorber.

A lower limit of at least 6 m/min is maintained to avoid flow problems such as

Once the saturation capacity is know, use Equation (9.27) to calculate the
mass of carbon needed for a design of 50% working capacity:
channeling.
Gas velocity through the adsorber is determined by dividing the gas volumetric
flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the adsorber, as presented in Equation
(9.28):

This quantity of carbon would need to be contained in a single tank system, or

it would have to be divided among the number of tanks on-line together at any
one time, for a multiple tank system.
 CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS
CONTAMINANTS
Five major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
gaseous contaminants.

1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces

Distinguish absorption and adsorption?
Example?
2. Absorption into liquids biofiltration

3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds

4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds

5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids

ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS

ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS

 Absorption is a process where transfer of a gaseous component from gas phase
to liquid phase takes place.
 More specifically in air pollution control, absorption involves the removal of
objectionable gaseous contaminant from a process stream by dissolving them in
liquid.
Common terms used in absorption process are as follows:
1. Absorbent: the liquid, usually water, into which contaminant is absorbed
2. Absorbate or solute: the gaseous contaminant being absorbed, such as SO2, H2S,
etc.

3. Carrier gas: the inert portion of gas stream, usually air, from which the contaminant
is to
be removed.

4. Interface: the area where the gas phase and the absorbent contact each other.

5. Solubility: the capability of the gas to be dissolved in a liquid.

 ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS
ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS
Absorption equipment used to remove gaseous contaminants are referred to as
absorber or wet scrubber. Wet scrubbers usually cannot be operated to optimize MECHANISM OF ABSORPTION
simultaneous removal of both gases and particulate matter. In designing absorber
from gaseous emissions, optimum mass transfer can be accomplished by: The gaseous contaminant are removed in absorption process by passing (contacting)
a contaminated laden gas through a liquid. The following three steps occur during this
1. Providing a large interfacial contact area. process:

2. Providing good mixing between gas and liquid phases.
3. Allowing sufficient residence or contact time between the phases.
4. Ensuring a high degree of solubility of the contaminant in the absorbent.
Step1: The pollutant diffuses from bulk area of the gas phases to the gas liquid
interface.
Step2: gaseous pollutant transfer across the interface to the liquid phase. This
second step is extremely rapid.

Step3: The pollutant diffuses bulk area of the liquid, making room for additional gas
molecule to absorb.

ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS

ABSORPTION INTO LIQUIDS
The rate of mass transfer (absorption) is dependent on the diffusion
rate in either the gas phase or liquid phase.
Which one is faster?
Why? The diffusion rate of gaseous pollutant molecule through a gas is always faster than
its diffusion rate through the liquid because molecules in the gas are further apart
The diffusion rate of than are molecules in the liquid. However the mass transfer rate depends primarily upon the
gaseous pollutant
molecule through a solubility of the pollutant in the liquid.
liquid

The diffusion rate of

gaseous pollutant
molecule through a
gas
 ABSORPTION UNIT
Spray towers are useful for large volume
handling with relatively low pressure drop and
high efficiency.
Absorbing liquid usually water is sprayed
through the contaminated gas and the absorbent
contaminant solution falls downwards for
removal while clean gas exits through an outlet
valve in the top of unit.
Spray tower has less gas liquid interfacial
area so they are less effective in removal of
gaseous contaminant.
ABSORPTION UNIT
In packed tower the contact time between
vapour and liquid is increased by introducing
packing.
The packing material has a large surface to
volume ratio and a large void ratio that offers
minimum resistance to gas flow.
Generally packed tower are operated counter
currently, with gas entering at the bottom of
tower and liquid entering from the top. Liquid
flows over the surface of the packing in a thin
film causing continuous contact with the gases.
Packed towers are highly efficient but they
become easily clogged when gas with high
particulate loads are introduced.
ABSORPTION UNIT
This type of tray provides large gas
liquid interfacial areas.
The polluted air is introduced from one
side of the bottom of the column, rise
up through the opening in each tray,
and the rising gas prevents the liquid
from draining through the opening.
Due to repeated contact of gas and
liquid the contaminant are removed
and the clean air emerges from the
top.
BIOFITRATION
Biological treatment systems are termed either biological oxidation or biofilter
systems.
Regardless of the term, the fundamental processes involved is the collection of
contaminants on the surface of a media that contains viable microorganisms.
The contaminant is metabolized by the organism and carbon dioxide and water
vapor are re-emitted.
Accordingly, biofiltration can be classified as a special type of absorption system
using irreversible processes to control the gaseous contaminant.
 CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS OXIDATION
CONTAMINANTS Oxidizers can be used for the destruction of a wide variety of
organic compounds. There are three main categories.
Five major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
gaseous contaminants. • Thermal oxidation: 540 – 1100oC

1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces • Catalytic oxidation: 200 – 540oC

2. Absorption into liquids and Biofiltration • Flares

3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds

 High temperature
4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds
 Adequate residence times
CO2
5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids H2O
 Oxygen

OXIDATION
Thermal oxidizers and catalytic oxidizers are used for sources such as surface
coaters, gasoline storage and distribution terminals, and synthetic organic chemical
plants.

Flares are used primarily to treat emergency vent gases in synthetic organic chemical
plants and petroleum refiners.

The majority of thermal and catalytic oxidizers operate at contaminant concentrations

that are less than 25% of the LEL.

Flares can be used for sources that are well below the LEL or well above the UEL.
All chemical oxidation systems destroy organic compounds
in the effluent gas stream. Accordingly, they are used when
economic recovery of the compounds is impractical.
 3T RESIDENCE TIME

Residence time is calculated using Equation (9.29)

 Combustion time

 Temperature

 Turbulence where:

t = residence time, s
V = oxidizer volume, m3
Q= gas flow rate, m3/s.

Sizing of a basic thermal oxidizer is a four-step process, starting with the

calculation of the amount of energy needed to heat the subject gas stream to
the desired temperature (Equation 9.30) and, from there, the quantity of natural
gas required (Equation 9.31) (USEPA APTI Course 415):

where:
where:
F = quantity of natural gas required, scfm
Qnet = quantity of energy required, BTU/h
hf = enthalpy of natural gas, BTU/scf
Vin = oxidizer inlet gas volume, scfm

hi = enthalpy of gas stream at inlet temp, BTU/scf

hc = enthalpy of gas stream at oxidizer temp, BTU/scf

 With that information, the volumetric flow rate of the processed gas stream
through the thermal oxidizer is calculated (Equation 9.32). The oxidizer chamber
volume is then calculated for the targeted residence time, using Equation (9.33).

where:
where:
Vc = oxidizer internal volume, ft3
Vtotal = total gas flow rate at oxidizer temperature, ft3
RT = oxidizer residence time, s
Tc = oxidizer temperature , ∘F

Ts = standard temperature ,∘F.

SOLUTION
First, calculate the energy required to heat the incoming gas stream from 300∘F to 1,500∘F using Equation (9.30).
PROBLEM

Calculate the size of a thermal oxidizer that will be used to control VOC Then use that value to calculate the natural gas usage necessary to accomplish the desired heat rise, using Equation (9.31):

emissions from a gas 4,000 scfm gas stream. The temperature of the gas
stream entering the oxidizer is 300∘F and the oxidizer design operating
After the quantity of natural gas is calculated, use Equation (9.32) to calculate the total volumetric flow rate of the gas stream
temperature is 1,500∘F. For these two temperatures, use an enthalpy of 4.24 moving through the oxidizer chamber at the desired temperature of 1,500∘F:

BTU/ft3 at 300∘F and 28.24 BTU/ft3 at 1,500∘F. Use a standard temperature of

68∘F and a heating value of natural gas of 1,030 BTU/ft3. Also use a target
oxidizer residence time of 0.5 second.
Use this value and the specified residence time to calculate the oxidizer volume necessary to treat the gas stream (Equation 9.33):
 CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS REDUCTION
CONTAMINANTS
Reduction systems are used primarily for the destruction of NOx compounds emitted
from combustion processes.
Five major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
gaseous contaminants.
These systems include selective noncatalytic reduction systems (SNCR) and selective
catalytic reduction systems (SCR).
1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces
In both types of systems, a chemically reduced form of nitrogen is injected into the gas
2. Absorption into liquids and Biofiltration
stream to react with the oxidized nitrogen compounds, namely NO and NO2.
3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds
The reactions between the reduced and oxidized forms of nitrogen result in molecular
N2, the major constituent of clean air.
4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds

5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids

REDUCTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR GASEOUS

CONTAMINANTS
There are two main reduced nitrogen compounds used in SNCR and SCR systems.
Five major techniques are used commercially for the capture and/or destruction of
Ammonia (NH3) can be used in either the anhydrous form (compressed gas) or in an
gaseous contaminants.
aqueous form.
1. Adsorption onto solid surfaces
Urea (CO(NH2)2) is available in the liquid form.
2. Absorption into liquids and Biofiltration
Both compounds are fed to the combustion system in a diluted air or liquid stream to
provide optimum conditions for reagent distribution in the gas stream.
3. Oxidation to form nontoxic compounds
In the case of ammonia systems, dilution is also needed to remain below the LEL for
ammonia-air mixtures. 4. Chemical reduction to form nontoxic compounds

5. Condensation of vapors to form liquids

 CONDENSATION
Condensation systems are used exclusively for the recovery of organic compounds
present at moderate- to-high concentrations in industrial process effluent gas steams.

There are three main categories of condensation systems based on the general
operating temperature range.

• Water-based direct and indirect condensers (4°C to 27°C)

• Refrigeration condensers (–45°C to –100°C)

• Cryogenic condensers (–73°C to –195°C)

• The most common type of condensers are those using cooling water in direct
contact or indirect contact vessels. Refrigeration and cryogenic systems are used
primarily for the high efficiency recovery of high value contaminants.