Coal contributes 30% of the nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States. These emissions result in photochemical air pollution and acid rain. It is estimated that by the year 2000, nitrogen oxides will surpass sulfur dioxide as the major source of acid rain. Thus, a national need exists to reduce nitrogen oxides in coal combustor exhaust gases. At Sandia National Laboratory, a process referred to as RAPRENOx (RAPid REduction of Nitrogen Oxide), has successfully reduced nitrogen oxides from diesel exhaust. It is planned to investigate the application of this process for use in removing nitrogen oxide from the exhaust gases of coal-fired combustors. Possible injection techniques, the effects of sulfur dioxide, and temperature will be assessed in Phase I. These results will lead into Phase II where a prototype for a commercial device will be designed and tested.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awarder:The planned research should result in the commercialization of a new process to remove nitrogen oxides from exhaust gases. The technology offers the possibility of reducing more than 99% of the nitrogen oxides from both large-scale utility boilers and small-scale applications, such as pumping stations and residential furnaces, which together significantly contribute to nitrogen oxide emissions.
