Control of Gaseous Solvent Emissions Using Photocatalytic Oxidation

We have explored the use of photocatalytic oxidation to remove organic solvent emissions from air streams. Laboratory experiments have been conducted to measure the kinetics of the destruction process and to measure the formation of intermediates. These studies have also been used to measure the performance of new catalyst formulations and reaction conditions. We will discuss the changes in rates that result from changes in catalyst formulation, increased temperature and the addition of oxidants. The rates from these laboratory studies were used to estimate the costs of cleaning up the emissions from a solvent cleaning facility. Based on these cost estimates, we determined that PCO could be cost competitive with other, conventional technologies. Finally, we have built a pilot facility to treat the air emissions from a solvent cleaning facility. The results from these tests will be discussed.