METAL-OXIDE CATALYSTS IN AIR-POLLUTION CONTROL

Organic air pollutants come predominantly from enamelling or varnishing processes, and generally include aromatic hydrocarbons (xylene, toluene), alcohols, esters, and ketones. The objective of our study was to develop an oxide catalyst, cheaper than traditional platinum contact, for treatment of flue gases from tractor chassis driers. Three metal oxide catalysts (Cu-Cr-Co, Cu-Cr-V, Cu-Cr-Mn) on gamma-Al2O3 were prepared and tested in the oxidation of toluene, n-heptane and ethanol mixture in air They performed high activity, comparable to 0.05% Pt catalyst's activity. An experimental industrial charge of Cu-Cr-Mn catalyst on gamma-Al2O3 in Raschig rings form was produced and tested on a large laboratory scale. The results were used for the design and construction of a catalytic reactor with a Cu-Cr-Mn catalyst for treatment of exhaust gases from driers in the URSUS factory, all based on elaborated mathematical models.