Sustainable Solutions for Industrial Air Quality
AIR PURIFICATION
Air pollution from industrial exhaust gases poses serious risks to ecosystems, climate stability, infrastructure, and the health of humans and animals. As a powerful oxidant, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) offers an effective and sustainable solution for air purification in industrial settings. Active Oxygens supports industries in meeting increasingly strict environmental regulations while improving air quality and reducing harmful emissions.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Enhances Air Quality
At the end of the 20th century, acid rain was a major environmental concern in many developed countries. Although air quality in Europe has improved, emissions from industry and traffic—especially carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particulate matter (PM)—continue to pose challenges. These pollutants are primarily released through the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and crude oil.
Since 2020, the European Union directive has enforced stricter national emission limits for air pollutants. Hydrogen peroxide plays a key role in helping industries comply with these regulations, particularly in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.
Technologies for SO₂ Exhaust Gas Purification
There are two main technologies for purifying SO₂ from exhaust gases:
- Caustic scrubbers: These systems neutralize SO₂ but generate a waste effluent stream that requires disposal.
- Oxidative scrubbers using hydrogen peroxide: These systems convert SO₂ into sulfuric acid, which can be concentrated and reused—offering a circular and sustainable solution.
Applications of Hydrogen Peroxide in Air Purification
Hydrogen peroxide is used in wet scrubbers to remove:
- Mercaptans
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
These applications are common in:
- Paper mills
- Rendering plants
- Metal smelting operations
- Pharmaceutical, pesticide, chemical, and petrochemical industries
In addition to removing toxic gases and odors, hydrogen peroxide helps reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions in steel production processes that use nitric acid pickling. It is also used in the paper industry, where NO₂ emissions are lower but still present.
Sustainable and Non-Toxic Air Purification
Hydrogen peroxide-based systems offer a proven approach to industrial air purification. They enable:
- Non-toxic oxidation processes
- No harmful by-products
- Recyclable outputs such as sulfuric acid
- Support for compliance with EU air quality regulations
Hydrogen peroxide is used in various industries alongside other established air purification technologies, including:
- Dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) systems
- HEPA and activated carbon filtration
- Plasma purification
- Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO)
Each technology serves specific needs depending on the application, regulatory requirements, and environmental goals.
Key Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide in Air Purification
✅ Effective removal of SO₂, H₂S, and mercaptans
✅ Odor control in industrial processes
✅ Reduction of NO₂ and N₂O emissions
✅ Compliance with EU emission limits
✅ Sustainable reuse of by-products
✅ No toxic residues or ozone formation
