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Show Paul Evans Understanding the Formation of Air Pollutants Through Kinetic Pathway Analysis F. i>. L^acis. /, M. l}immch I-., <:. IMdirt.^ Chcmknl and Tutls rn^inufiiit^. University of Ltah Employed m Hits Research Project: Vfeclur Markup Lunguage Ewer-tightening restrictions on iadustdal air pollution ^fiisi&Eon^ Ci^eate a n**d for n*w technologlss to aid in reducing and if possible^ eliminating the formation of certain pollutants, Among the pollutants to t>e reduced ar* carbon dioxide, imbumed hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, diosuis, and sulfur dioxides. In ordei1 to better understand how these pollutants are formed in industrial systems^ computer simulations caoi be performed usni^; large kinetic mechanisms capable of describing the relevant chemical reactions. These mechanisms typically have hundreds of chemical reactions and dozens of chemical species. Although they1 have been shown to accurately piedict chemical behavior under many conditionsh the challenge still remains to determine which of all the different chemical steps is controlling the overall reaction for a given set of conditions. Currently in the U-NGx research group, we are developing a method to facilitate running these simulations and analyzing tJieir results, through the use of internet browser-based tools. This interactive analysis includes a tool that will show the different routes (hrongh which certain pollutants can be formed^ and this approach is known as pathway analysis. Such analysis is currently performed by tedious hand calculations^ but the new tool is invaluable because it allows for rapid determination of which species and chemical pathways can lead to the formation of different pollutants. This understanding can ihen lead to appropriate engineenngsohsMons that can be devised to alter or control pollutant formation. 33 |
