AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF ALKALI-METALS IN NITROUS-OXIDE CONTROL

Using chemical kinetic modeling, we have investigated the feasibility of using sodium hydroxide (a representative alkali-metal compound) to control nitrous oxide emissions from combustion sources. The key react ion is Na + N2O <----> NaO + N-2, where the sodium atom is produced by the reaction NaOH + H <----> Na + H2O when small amounts of fuel are added to lean combustion products. Because sodium hydroxide is regener ated by NaO + H2O <----> NaOH + OH, one sodium atom is potentially cap able of destroying several N2O molecules. The mechanism is discussed i n detail. Moreover, we have studied the possibility of using NaOH in c onjunction with RAPRENOX (cyanuric acid injection) to control NOx emis sions without producing N2O as a by-product. The results are discussed at length. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.