Cleaning of humid air from ammonia impurities by UV radiation

Abstract

The removal of ammonia impurities (100–200 ppm) in a humid air flow with a flow rate of 30–150 m3/h by ultraviolet radiation of an low-pressure amalgam lamp with a wavelength of 185 nm and 254 nm was experimentally investigated. The presence of water vapor is necessary for the effective removal of impurities by UV radiation, since highly active OH and atomic hy-drogen H radicals are formed during the dissociation of water molecules. The presence of water droplets dramatically reduces the efficiency of cleaning. The main reactions of photooxidation are considered. The high efficiency of removing ammonia molecules by one photon of 185 nm is noted.