Centrifugal Venturi Sparger for NOx Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) content in the tail gas of nitric acid production plants are inefficient, uneconomical, and complex, often requiring excess fuel injection to ensure complete NOx reduction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a centrifugal venturi sparger assembly and a catalytic reactor is used to reduce NOx content in the tail gas. The centrifugal venturi sparger assembly produces a centrifugal swirl flow of a fuel gas mixture, which is then mixed with the tail gas and fed into the catalytic reactor for NOx reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If excess fuel is injected to ensure complete NOx reduction, then NOx content is reduced, but fuel consumption increases and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel is pre-mixed with tail gas in a dedicated mixing section before entering the catalytic reactor. This preliminary mixing ensures homogeneous distribution of fuel throughout the gas stream, allowing complete NOx reduction with minimal fuel consumption rather than requiring excess fuel to compensate for poor mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate mixing section acts as an intermediary between the fuel injection point and the catalytic reactor. This intermediate mixing zone allows thorough homogenization of fuel and tail gas before the reaction occurs, eliminating the need for excess fuel that would otherwise be required to ensure complete mixing in conventional direct injection systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional mixing methods are used to mix fuel with tail gas, then NOx reduction is achieved, but excess fuel is required and mixing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mixing of fuel and tail gas in a dedicated mixing section with specific geometric features (baffles, flow distributors) that enhance mixing efficiency. This pre-mixing creates a homogeneous fuel-gas mixture before entry into the reactor, eliminating the need for excess fuel and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical mixing methods (such as static mixers or high-speed injectors) with a flow-based mixing approach using carefully designed flow paths, baffles, and distribution zones. This substitution achieves superior mixing efficiency without the mechanical complexity and fuel waste associated with traditional methods.
3Device complexity
If simpler reduction methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but NOx reduction effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional sections: a mixing section with specific flow distribution features, and a catalytic reaction section. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, achieving effective NOx reduction while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalytic reactor serves multiple functions: it provides the reaction chamber, contains the catalyst bed, and facilitates both the mixing completion and the NOx reduction reaction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, maintaining system simplicity while achieving effective NOx control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces NOx content in the tail gas while minimizing fuel consumption, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operational costs compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifugal venturi sparger assembly produces a centrifugal swirl flow of a fuel gas mixture
Implementation Method 2
the resulting mixture is fed into a catalytic reactor which reduces the nitrogen oxides content
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tail gas treatment system as well as method for lowering nitrogen oxides content from the tail gas. The tail gas treatment system includes a tail gas main pipe carrying a tail gas and a tail gas bypass pipe. The treatment system also includes a centrifugal venturi sparger assembly arranged at an end of the tail gas bypass pipe. The centrifugal venturi sparger assembly extends at least substantially in the tail gas main pipe. The centrifugal venturi sparger assembly includes a vacuum venturi generator and a hollow sparger tube. The treatment system further includes a catalytic reactor to reduce nitrogen oxides content of the tail gas by catalytic reduction.