Catalytic destruction of N2O
N2O destruction
The industrial production of nitric acid (HNO3) produces the undesired by-products nitrogen monoxides (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) that are emitted into the atmosphere with the tail gas. Due to its longevity in the Earth's atmosphere and its special infrared absorption properties radiation, N2O is a potent greenhouse gas. One metric tonne of N2O emissions has the same effect on global warming as 310 metric tonnes of CO2. Thus, the elimination of N2O from nitric acid plants makes an important contribution to climate protection.
The technological solution
N2O abatement projects under the CDM or JI implemented by CARBON Climate Protection apply an innovative technology developed by the German engineering company Uhde, a world leader in nitric acid technology. Uhde's EnviNOx® process achieves extremely high abatement rates of N2O (up to 99%) and NOx (down to nearly zero ppm) combined in a single reactor vessel while offering all advantages of and end-of-pipe technology. The EnviNOx® reactor can easily and safely be integrated into the nitric acid production process without affecting it in any way. Another significant advantage of the EnviNOx® technology is the fact that the inlet and outlet concentration of N2O at the EnviNOx® reactor can be continuously measured online which makes any monitoring of project performance easy, reliable and also conservative by taking into account measurement tolerance.
Successful implementation
In co-operation with CARBON Climate Protection, a CDM or JI N2O destruction project using the EnviNOx® technology can be executed rapidly and generates a particularly high yield of carbon credits due to the very high rates of N2O emissions reduction that can be achieved, verified and certified.