How to Calculate an Equation for Thermal NOx

When nitrogen and oxygen combine together at a very high temperature via the process of combustion, the result is thermal NOx. The higher the temperature of the flame, the more NOx is formed. NOx primarily refers to nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide. What basically happens is the nitrogen molecules separate and then combine with the oxygen molecules. When isolated, NOx compounds are quite stable; however, their nature is quite reactive otherwise. Breathing in NOx is detrimental to human health and should be avoided. The formation process of NOx is a very complicated one.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Calculator
• Gas analyzer

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Keep in mind it is high temperatures that make the formation of thermal NOx possible. Consider that oxygen and nitrogen are combining to produce the compound NOx. Think about this in its simplest form -- in the form of two main equations which show an addition of the symbol of nitrogen with that of oxygen to form nitrogen oxide, with the byproduct being nitrogen or oxygen.

• 2

  Note the equations on your paper, written in the forms of N+O2 = O+NO and O+N2 = N+NO. Utilize the fact that temperature plays a big role in bringing the reaction about in the first place. Factor in important issues including time, concentration of the elements and temperature itself.

• 3

  Add in the kinetic rate constants. Use the letters A and B to represent the kinetic rate constants. Assume that oxygen is to some extent in equilibrium and that the first simple equations are hindered by the fact the triple N-N bonds are disrupted.

• 4

  Put together all the variables and constants according to the manner in which the reaction takes place and the equation will appear. Measure the concentration of NO and NO2 with a gas analyzer, and use the figures in your equation to come to an end figure.