Integrated Control of Industrial Emissions
Industrial high-temperature processes generate a complex mix of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and trace organic compounds such as dioxins.
Cerafil™ ceramic filtration technology enables simultaneous multi-pollutant control within a single system, combining physical filtration with catalytic functionality under high-temperature conditions. This integrated approach reduces system complexity while improving overall emissions performance.
Particulate Matter (PM) Removal
Cerafil™ ceramic filter elements provide high-efficiency physical separation of particulate matter from flue gas streams. As gas passes through the porous ceramic structure, particles are captured solely on the surface of the filter medium, forming a stable filtration layer that enhances performance over time. This enables reliable removal of fine and submicron particles, even under high dust loading conditions common in industries such as cement production.
NOx reduction (deNOx) through catalytic functionality
In addition to particulate filtration, Cerafil™ ceramic filter systems can incorporate catalytic functionality to support the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at temperatures between 170 and 500°C. Within the filter environment, NOx is converted into harmless nitrogen and water vapour through selective catalytic reduction reactions, facilitated by an upstream ammonia injection process. This allows NOx control to occur within the same housing as particulate filtration, eliminating the need for separate downstream treatment stages.
Gas-Phase Pollutant Control (SOx, HCl, HF, VOCs, Dioxins)
Beyond NOx and particulates, industrial processes also generate gas-phase pollutants such as SOx, other acid gases, VOCs, and trace organic compounds. Under high-temperature conditions, Cerafil™ ceramic filtration systems can support the removal of these pollutants through upstream dry sorbent injection and integrated reaction mechanisms within the filter system. This contributes to improved overall air quality and supports compliance with increasingly strict emission standards.
System-Level Advantages
By combining filtration and catalytic processes in a single unit, ceramic filtration technology enables:
- Simultaneous control of multiple pollutants (PM, NOx, SOx and other acid gases, VOCs)
- High-temperature operation without the need for flue gas cooling
- Reduced plant footprint and system complexity
- Improved operational efficiency
- Suitability for continuous industrial operation
- Long-term reliable system performance
This multi-pollutant approach is particularly effective in industries where complex emission streams and high temperatures are present. In these environments, integrated ceramic filtration provides a robust and efficient solution for modern industrial air pollution control challenges.
Comparison with Conventional Air Pollution Control Technologies
Conventional air pollution control technologies such as fabric filters (baghouses), electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), and separate catalytic systems have been widely used across industry for many years. While effective in specific applications, these systems are often limited when dealing with high-temperature, multi-pollutant gas streams.
Cerafil™ ceramic filtration technology is designed to address these limitations by combining particulate filtration and catalytic functionality within a single system.