Umicore, a company specializing in technologies to reduce toxic emissions, develops technologies for industrial catalysts, whose mission is to reduce the amount of polluting gases released into the environment by factories. In industrial processes, these catalysts reduce emissions of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), CO (Carbon Monoxide), HC (Hydrocarbons) and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides).

“Our mission is to improve the quality of the air we breathe. In addition to mobile sources, such as automotive vehicles, we are also working to reduce emissions from fixed sources. Industrial catalysts are systems developed to reduce industrial pollution by up to 95%, guaranteeing better air quality for both the environment and the life of the population ”, says Almir José Ribeiro, Business manager and specialist in technologies for reduction emissions from fixed sources.

The operation of the industrial catalyst is similar to the automotive. NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) generated by burning fuels is converted into gases that are harmless to health. The most used and recommended elements for this type of application are Vanadium and Tungsten, as they work more effectively in the temperature ranges normally used by the industry.

Among the applications, industrial catalysts can be installed in boilers (small, medium or large size), ovens, cracking units, thermoelectric (oil, gas and coal), and also in power generation using other types of fuels, such as diesel , heavy oil, natural gas and biomass.

Also note that companies that use this technology are in compliance with the new CONAMA Resolution 491/2018.