UV induced oxidation of nitric oxide

US7156957B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Clyde F. Parrish · Melbourne, US
• Dale E. Lueck · Chelmsford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 15, 2003
• Grant date: Jan 2, 2007
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D2259/804
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Nitric oxide in a gaseous stream is converted to nitrogen dioxide using oxidizing species generated at least in part using in situ UV radiation sources. The sources of the oxidizing species include oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide. The oxygen may be a component of the gaseous stream or added to the gaseous stream, preferably near a UV radiation source, and is converted to ozone by the UV irradiation. The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed through a combination of vaporization and UV irradiation. The hydrogen peroxide is preferably stored at stable concentration levels, i.e., approximately 50% by volume, and increased in concentration in a continuous process preceding vaporization within the flow channel of the gaseous stream and in the presence of the UV radiation sources.