Abstract
Tests were enacted in which a tubular plasma reactor was employed in evaluating the feasibility of oxidizing nitric oxide via a corona discharge. Findings from these tests indicated that the CD corona completely oxidized 115 ppm NO to nitrogen dioxide at a voltage of 11 kV. A voltage of 13 kV further oxidized the NO sub(2) to nitrate. Under certain conditions, the residual NO sub(2) in the effluents from the plasma reactor could be quantitatively removed via absorption in aqueous caustic sodium sulfite. Findings from this project were confirmed in experiments carried out in a pilot-scale wet tubular electrostatic precipitator defined by a 4-foot high corona discharge segment and a 5-foot high gas absorption segment. The treatment of flue gas from a sewage sludge incinerator is discussed.