Effect of NaOH on the decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbon by supercritical water oxidation

To protect alloys from corrosion phenomena in the supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) process, the effects of neutralizer on the conversion and corrosion were investigated. The surface morphologies of all the alloy coupons exposed to 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in the SCWO were significantly changed in microscopic images. The theoretical amount of NaOH as a neutralizer was calculated under the assumption of complete oxidation of 2,4-DCP. The pre-dosed NaOH in the range of 100% to 300% stoichiometric amount could not affect significantly the pH value in the SCWO. Moreover, the pH = 7 was not achieved until 700% stoichiometric amount of NaOH was pre-dosed to the reactor. It is noted that the conversion rate recorded over 99% without oxidant when 800% of NaOH was pre-dosed into the reactor. In addition, under the addition of H₂O₂ as an oxidant, the increased amount of NaOH led to the improvement of conversion rate. The pre-dosed NaOH may contribute to the conversion rate of 2,4-DCP in the SCWO. However, due to low solubility of salt in the SCWO, the fouling problem should be solved in the SCWO process.