The report gives results of an investigation of the kinetics of oxidation of NO by ozone and concludes that a stoichiometric amount of ozone is required when oxidation occurs at flue gas temperatures typical for electrical generating stations. It also surveys the state of current technology for large-scale ozone generation and concludes that electrical discharge is the only feasible method at present. The report also presents results (on a per unit basis) of calculations of the energy consumption and economics of ozone generation at rates sufficient to oxidize NO at flue gas flow rates and at nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentrations typical for 500 MW coal- and oil-fired boilers. Stationary combustion sources contribute about half the manmade NOx emitted to the atmosphere in the U.S. Flue gas from combustion processes contains NOx which is predominantly in the form of NO. Although NO2 is to some extent soluble in water or aqueous solutions, NO is practically insoluble when conventional scrubbing processes are used. For effective removal, the NO must either be reduced to elemental nitrogen or oxidized to NO2 or higher oxides which can be removed by scrubbing.

Prepared under contract 68-02-1325, task 38, program element EHE624. "EPA 600-7-76-033." "December 1976." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references.