IGR Solid-State Electrochemical NO_x Control for Natural Gas Combustion Exhaust Gases

Solid-state electrochemical technology, embodied in the IGR process, is used to reduce nitrogen oxides (NO_x) to nitrogen and oxygen, and thereby control NO_x emissions from natural gas powered engines. The IGR deNO_x process is based on solid-state, flow-through, high surface area, porous oxygen ion conductive ceramic electrolytes. Recent bench-scale experiments conducted for the Gas Research Institute have demonstrated NO_x reduction in multicomponent gas streams, the inert portion of which simulate natural gas combustion products. The reduction products were analyzed by in situ gas chromatography to verify NO_x reduction rates inferred from electrochemical measurements. IGR process advantages compared with existing NO_x control technologies are reviewed.