Photochemical process for fossil fuel combustion products recovery and utilization

Abstract

Abstract Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) are effectively and economically removed from a gaseous combustion products stream by photochemical conversion of the gaseous SO 2 and NO x components into particulates (aerosols and mists). The reactive hydrocarbon (RHC) and oxygen deficient fossil fuel combustion products can be converted into a highly photochemically reactive RHC,SO 2 ,NO x (NO,NO 2 ),O 2 ,H 2 O gaseous mixture by the introduction of sufficient quantities of a reactive hydrocarbon, such as an olefin, and oxygen or oxygen containing air. The reactant mixture is then irradiated with electromagnetic waves of the 1,500A to 7,500A band of the spectrum, which irradiation is followed by ammonia injection, if desired, to promote particulate formation. The particulate nitrogenous, sulfrous ("nitrates" and "sulfates") and other particulate compounds are removed from the stream by a conventional particulate control system and the products and byproducts can be separated and converted into valuable products of economic value, such as organic and inorganic acids, fertilizers and the like.

Inventors

• 👤 Stephen Zenty

Bibliographic Details