SCRUBBING OF NITROGEN OXIDES WITH NITRIC ACID SOLUTIONS

A mathematical model is developed for an equilibrium stage analysis of nitrogen oxides absorption in nitric acid solutions. Using equilibrium data available from the literature, the model demonstrates that 15-35 wt% nitric acid may be efficiently used to reduce pollutant emissions in NO_x-containing gases having low degree of oxidation. Lower oxides of nitrogen accumulate in the liquid as nitrous acid which is carried away by the nitric acid solution. The scrubbed gas contains a reduced concentration of nitrogen oxides and has a higher degree of oxidation than the feed gas.