REMOVAL OF NOX FROM EXHAUST-GAS BY N-2 ARC PLASMA INJECTION

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for removing the NO( x) contained in combustion exhaust gases by nitrogen plasma injection. Simulated exhaust gas (N2 + O2 + CO2 + NO) was mixed with nitrogen at oms produced by N2 plasma, and the Zeldovich reactions for excited N a toms with NO and O2 took place. The effects of O2, CO2, and H2O on the reduction of NO(x) were studied experimentally. An NO(x) removal rati o of 40-50% is observed for O2 concentrations of 3-5% and plasma power of 600 W; CO concentration generated in the exhaust gas was > 300 ppm . The NO(x) removal ratio was reduced considerably by the addition of H2O and was highest for reaction temperatures below 500 K. When argon gas was added to improve the N2 plasma stability, the NO(x) removal be came possible under low electric power conditions of about 500 W.