• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-123
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• 2012

A unit emission reduction of nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) from anthropogenic sources is equivalent to a 310-unit $CO_2$ emission reduction because the $N_2O$ has the global warming potential (GWP) of 310. This greatly promoted very active development and commercialization of catalysts to control $N_2O$ emissions from large-scale stationary sources, representatively nitric acid production plants, and numerous catalytic systems have been proposed for the $N_2O$ reduction to date and here designated to Options A to C with respect to in-duct-application scenarios. Whether or not these Options are suitable for $N_2O$ emissions control in nitric acid industries is primarily determined by positions of them being operated in nitric acid plants, which is mainly due to the difference in gas temperatures, compositions and pressures. The Option A being installed in the $NH_3$ oxidation reactor requires catalysts that have very strong thermal stability and high selectivity, while the Option B technologies are operated between the $NO_2$ absorption column and the gas expander and catalysts with medium thermal stability, good water tolerance and strong hydrothermal stability are applicable for this option. Catalysts for the Option C, that is positioned after the gas expander thereby having the lowest gas temperatures and pressure, should possess high de$N_2O$ performance and excellent water tolerance under such conditions. Consequently, each de$N_2O$ technology has different opportunities in nitric acid production plants and the best solution needs to be chosen considering the process requirements.