Raprenox (Nitrogen Scrubbing)

views updated

Raprenox (nitrogen scrubbing)

A recently-developed technique for removing nitrogen oxides from waste gases makes use of a common, nontoxic organic compound known as cyanuric acid , C3H3N3O3. When heated to temperatures of about 660°F (345°C), cyanuric acid decomposes to form isocyanic acid. The acid, in turn, reacts with oxides of nitrogen to form carbon dioxide , carbon monoxide , nitrogen, and water. The process has been given the name of raprenox, which comes from the expression rap id re moval of ni trogen ox ides. In tests so far, the method has worked very well with internal combustion engines, removing up to 99% of all nitrogen oxides from exhaust gases. Its efficiency with gases released from smokestacks has not yet been determined.

See also Scrubbers