Simultaneous removal of NO_<i>x</i>and SO₂from NO-SO₂-CO₂-N₂-O₂gas mixtures by corona radical shower systems

Abstract

In this study, an experimental investigation has been conducted to remove NOx and SO2 simultaneously from NO-SO2-CO2-N2-O2 gas mixtures using a d.c. corona discharge activated radical shower system. The gas mixtures consisted of NO-SO2-CO2-N2-O2([NO]o:200 ppm and [SO2]o:800 ppm) and the injection gas used as the radical source gas was NH3-Ar-air. The effect of NH3 radical injection rate on the NOx and SO2 removal efficiency and other by-product gases was measured by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), as well as SO2, NOx and NO2 gas detectors. By-product aerosol particles were also observed using a condensation nucleation particle counter (CNPC) and SEM imaging after sampling. The results showed that significant aerosol particle formation was observed during simultaneous NOx and SO2 removal by corona radical shower systems. Electrode surface conditions had a significant influence on the NOx and SO2 removal characteristics. The NOx removal efficiency significantly increased with increasing applied voltage and NH3 injection rate. The SO2 removal efficiency was not significantly affected by applied voltage and slightly increased with increasing acid gas to NH3 molecular ratio.