Chemical Reactivity of Light Gases for Catalytic Air Purification Systems.
Abstract
The catalytic oxidation of 11 light gases of direct or potential concern for chemical protection applications was evaluated over a 2% Pt/Al2O3 catalyst in a fixed bed catalytic reactor test stand. Each of the 11 light gases was evaluated for reactivity, deactivation potential, and the formation of undesired reaction products. All tests were conducted in a fixed bed catalytic reactor test stand employing 40/60 mesh catalyst particles. The presence of water in the feed stream had a significant effect on the performance of the catalyst. In some cases, the presence of water in the feed stream inhibited the catalytic activity, while in other cases, water enhanced the catalytic activity. Perfluorocyclobutene was the least reactive of the light gas compounds, requiring the greatest reaction temperature to achieve 99% destruction. Phosgene and cyanogen chloride demonstrated the potential to deactivate the catalyst, but only in dry air. Small amounts of undesired reaction products were observed during oxidation of several of the light gases. However, in most cases, these products were either non hazardous at their concentration levels, or could be eliminated by increasing the reaction temperature. The oxidation of hydrogen cyanide yielded significant amounts of NO2, which is difficult to remove from air streams via conventional acid gas scrubbing techniques. Results obtained during this study point to the need to identify catalysts that are capable of destroying perfluorocyclobutene at lower reaction temperatures, stable during the oxidation of phosgene and cyanogen chloride, and able to destroy hydrogen cyanide without the formation of NO2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA323140
Entities
People
- Alec A. Klinghoffer
- Irvine D. Swahn
- Joseph A. Rossin
Organizations
- Texas A&M University