Clariant catalyst surpasses emissions targets at Rustavi Azot plant
- EnviCat NSCR reduced NOx by 98.97% and N₂O by 97.8%, exceeding the 95% guarantee for both pollutants.
- The project was carried out with engineering partner Alvigo and partially subsidized by NACAG, part of GIZ.
- Rustavi Azot’s nitric acid unit had operated for decades, with its last reactor revamp about 15 years ago.
- The honeycomb catalyst uses methane as a reducing agent and is designed for tail-gas temperatures above 400°C.
Emissions performance
Clariant’s EnviCat NSCR catalyst achieved NOx reduction of 98.97% and N₂O reduction of 97.8% at AO Rustavi Azot’s nitric acid plant in Georgia. Both results exceeded the guaranteed threshold of 95%. The project was completed with engineering partner Alvigo and partially subsidized by NACAG, part of GIZ.
Plant upgrade
Rustavi Azot, an Indorama Group member since 2023, operates a nitric acid unit that had been in continuous service for decades. Its last reactor revamp was approximately 15 years ago. The plant had been using an aging, high-palladium-loading alumina bulk catalyst and sought to avoid the costs of a complete unit revamp or replacement with conventional granulated catalysts.
Catalyst design
The honeycomb-shaped catalyst was configured for the existing reactor with minimal modifications. It uses methane to convert NOx and N₂O into nitrogen and water. Designed for tail-gas temperatures above 400°C, its monolithic structure provides a large surface area, low pressure drop and long operating life.
Source: Clariant