Controlling Combustion Source Emissions at Air Force Sites
Abstract
The purpose of this document is to describe the development and demonstration of several new technologies for controlling air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and small particulates. NOx stands out as one of the most difficult air pollutants to control. The U.S. Air Force employs many different combustion sources that emit NOx at its facilities around the world. Increased attention is being given to NOx because of the role it plays in acid rain, smog, ozone depletion, and impacts on human health. This has led to regulations on NOx emissions. The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments, for example, have set tough standards for NOx non attainment areas, many of which include Air Force sites. Environmental regulations and emission limits often make it difficult for the Air Force to add needed new facilities that generate emissions. Sometimes the only way new facilities can be added is if undesirable emissions of older facilities are reduced or if special credits are purchased IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO BE PURCHASED. Reducing the levels of NOx and other pollutants at specific Air Force sites can provide valuable credits for the sites. This is particularly important for locations such as McClellan AFB, California, which is in a non attainment area. It is unfortunate that, in many cases, simple, low-cost methods are not available to adequately control many of the pollutants of concern. Some people believe that the best commercially available exhaust-gas treatment technology to reduce NOx emissions today is selective catalytic reduction (SCR). However, SCR is expensive, is limited to relatively narrow temperature ranges, is only partially effective in reducing NOx, and requires ammonia additions to the exhaust gas that often slips into the atmosphere. A definite need exists today for simpler, less-costly technologies to control NOx in exhaust gases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA358425
Entities
People
- B. C. Clanciolo
- R. A. Bahyak
- S. G. Nelson