ABSORPTION OF NO PROMOTED BY STRONG OXIDIZING-AGENTS - ORGANIC TERTIARY HYDROPEROXIDES IN N-HEXADECANE

The selective removal of nitric oxide from gas streams was investigated using 3,6-dimethyl-3-octyl hydroperoxide, p-menthanyl hydroperoxide, pinanyl hydroperoxide, and cumenyl hydroperoxide in solutions of n-hexadecane (cetane). The influence of different variables such as temperature, gas stream flow rate (or residence time), and concentration of hydroperoxide compounds on rate of NO removal was evaluated. The NO reacted with the hydroperoxides to produce alkyl nitrates. These are easily hydrolyzed with ammonium hydroxide to ammonium nitrate and the alcohol. The hydroperoxides used in this study were selected to be inexpensive, be commercially available, have a relatively low vapor pressure to avoid loss of reagent when in contact with hot flue gas, and be easily regenerated. Under the same conditions, cumenyl and pinanyl hydroperoxide removed NO faster than the other two organic hydroperoxides tested. The highest rates of NO removal were obtained at the highest temperatures, concentrations, and residence times.