Simulation of an industrial-scale process for the SCR of NOx based on the loop reactor concept

This paper investigates the possibility of using an adiabatic loop reactor to carry out the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3. The advantages of this technology with respect to more traditional reactors operated in steady-state are discussed: when the temperature of the feed is low, a lower amount of heat is required to get full NOx conversion; moreover, the catalyst can be used to store a high amount of NH3 during the operation, thus preventing NH3 slip and/or NOx emissions when the feed composition changes. Both issues are investigated, using the design of an industrial-scale reactor as case study.