Grantee Research Project Results
Energy Neutral VOC Oxidation Using a Fluorite-Catalyst/Compact Heat Exchanger
EPA Contract Number: 68D70030Title: Energy Neutral VOC Oxidation Using a Fluorite-Catalyst/Compact Heat Exchanger
Investigators: Davis, Kevin A.
Small Business: Reaction Engineering International
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Description:
The need to reduce ozone in urban areas has led to increased regulation for the control of the ozone precursors - namely volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides. However, current control technologies, such as incineration and adsorption on solids, have a number of disadvantages for the wide range of VOC-emitting industries. Catalysts provide an alternative control strategy. Recent work by Tufts and Reaction Engineering International suggests that a promising alternative may be use of a fluorite-type oxide catalyst. These catalysts can be very active at low temperatures and, when used in conjunction with new advances in counter-current heat exchangers, can provide an energy neutral system for oxidizing VOCs. The objectives of this investigation are to: (1) determine what types of VOCs are most effectively oxidized by the catalyst, (2) quantify catalyst performance as a function of temperature, (3) determine the lower limit of the VOC that can be controlled (and measured), and (4) quantify contact times required for a given efficiency. The oxidation of several types of VOCs will be evaluated in a laboratory reactor and preliminary testing of the catalyst/heat exchanger system will be performed.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, air emissions, engineering, chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, air toxics, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, HAPS, VOCs, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemistry and Materials Science, tropospheric ozone, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, Nitrogen Oxides, Nox, nitrous oxide, control, catalysts, heat exchanger, fluorite catalyst, VOC oxidation, nitrogen oxides (Nox)Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.