SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal presents a concept for a chemical monitor based on differential catalytic reactivities and large reaction exothermicities. The simplicity of the proposed sensor concept promises an economic and reliable monitor for in-situ measurement of a variety of gases. In this project, Envirochem, Inc., will investigate the application of this concept for measuring ammonia in flue gases. A sensitive, in-situ, real-time ammonia monitor is required for control of many NOx control processes that either use or produce ammonia.The goal of a Phase I project is to measure the sensitivities, selectivities, and linearities of a laboratory instrument version of the proposed as functions of catalyst material, catalyst temperature, and gas composition. For selected promising cases, they will test the catalyst wires for longevity and poisoning by likely contaminants. In a Phase II project, a prototype commercial system can be assembled and tested over a broader range of parameters and compared with other monitors in real environments.

This Phase II SBIR proposal presents a concept for a chemical monitor based on differential catalytic reactivities and heterogeneous reaction exothermicities. The simplicity of the proposed sensor concept promises an economical and reliable monitor for continuous, in-situ measurements of a variety of gases. Envirochem proposes to continue development of this concept for measuring ammonia in flue gases. A sensitive, in-situ, real-time ammonia monitor is required for control of many NOx control processes that either use or produce ammonia.The goal of the Phase II project is to develop a prototype instrument with sufficient sensitivity, selectivity, and linearity to test as a process control monitor. An instrument employing the most promising catalyst wires will be tested for longevity and poisoning by likely contaminants. A prototype commercial system will be tested over a broad range of parameters and compared with other monitors in real environments.