
Emissions from internal combustion engines and industrial processes have been a major annoyance to environmentalists and sustainability stakeholders for quite a while. The popularization of the Clean Air Act of 1970 has delivered amazing results so far in supporting environmental remediation, but more needs to be done.
That’s why more manufacturers and researchers are working in tandem to develop advanced emission control technologies. One of the important inputs to this effort was the introduction of emission control catalysts.
But What Are They?
Emission control catalysts are substances that boost the effectiveness and efficiency of chemical reactions in emission control systems. Given how catalytic converters work, it would be significantly difficult or downright impossible to purify emissions or eliminate odors and VOCs from different production processes without these substances.
By working with tech-oriented manufacturers of emission control catalysts like Applied Catalysts, companies and individuals alike, can enjoy the benefits of highly effective emission control processes.
How Emission Control Catalysts Work
Emission control catalysts use chemical reactions to convert harmful gases and other volatile compounds into their less harmful forms. They typically do so through these two chemical reactions::
1. Oxidation
Oxidation adds oxygen gas to harmful compounds like carbon monoxide, which converts them into less harmful products. Carbon monoxide (CO), for example, would become carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is naturally present in the atmosphere and not as harmful to the environment as carbon monoxide.
2. Reduction
In this chemical process, the main goal is to remove oxygen from a compound to convert it into naturally existing compounds. For example, reduction processes can be used to convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into naturally occurring nitrogen gas (N₂) and oxygen (O₂). Since these gases exist freely in the atmosphere, they will not result in pollution.
Common Applications for Emission Control Catalysts
Emission control catalysts have a wide application range that makes it possible for any environment-conscious company to promote environmental conservation. Here are some of these applications:
1. Engine Emission Control
For this, you will commonly have to use two-way (CO & HC/Oxidation) catalysts and three-way (CO, HC, & NOx/ NSCR/stoichiometric) catalysts to achieve your goal. Catalyst manufacturers also offer Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) for diesel engines.
2. Industrial Air Pollution Management
Emission control catalysts are a no-brainer in industrial settings since production processes emit lots of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, mercury, and others. With the right catalysts to convert these pollutants into less harmful substances, it’s possible to achieve the worldwide goal of having a cleaner environment and a safer atmosphere.
3. NOx Abatement
NOx abatement is mainly required in industries to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Depending on the contents of your exhaust, you may have to use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) products or Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) products.
4. Soil Remediation
In some cases, you may also require catalysts to enhance the process of removing volatile and semi-volatile contaminants that may have seeped into the earth. The process is known as soil vapor extraction (SVE) and involves the use of a vacuum to remove the contaminants.
5. Ozone Reduction or Elimination
Ozone destruction catalysts reduce ozone to oxygen gas and can be used in various applications. The most common is the use of ozone destruction catalysts in high-flying planes to eliminate ozone from air being fed into the cabin.
6. Food Production
You can also engage a top-tier catalyst manufacturer in designing and producing emission control catalysts for cooking applications. A good example of where you may require such products is in stoves & ovens that don’t use renewable sources of energy like electricity.
With these catalysts, you can rest assured that you’ve effectively dealt with particulate matter, VOCs, and odors.
7. Additional Applications
Emission control catalysts are also used in:
- Reduction of Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
- Thermal Incineration (RTO/RCOs)
- Elimination of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Engage Applied Catalysts for Your Emission Control Needs
If you subscribe to the idea of going green, there’s a lot you can do to contribute to the desired results. One of the actions you should take is to use emission control catalysts where applicable.
Teaming up with emission control experts like Applied Catalysts is crucial as these are the guys you’ll need to point you in the right direction. With a tremendous heap of knowledge and advanced technology to create bespoke catalysts, you can be sure you’ll get exactly what you’re in the market for.
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