VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR VERMINDERUNG DES GEHALTES AN STICKSTOFFOXIDEN IN ABGASEN DER ABSORPTIONSSAEULE ZUR HERSTELLUNG VON SALPETERSAEURE

The present invention relates to a method for reducing the content of nitrogen oxide, especially nitrogen dioxide, in the effluent gases from an absorption column for manufacture of nitric acid and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The absorption in the upper 1-8 stages, preferably the upper 2-4 stages of the column, is carried out at a relation between the contact area in the liquid level for absorption on the plates and the free gas space for oxidation of 1,5-5, preferably of 2-3, larger than the corresponding relation for the horizontal plates further below. The relation between the contact area and free gas space is adjusted by increasing the overflow height for the liquid volume on the upper plates. Said relation can also be adjusted by reducing the distance between the upper plates. The apparatus comprises an absorption column (1) having horizontal plates (6) with a liquid level (a,b) and oxidation spaces (9) between the plates (6). The overflow height on the 1-8 upper plates (6) in the column can be regulated to give a liquid level (a) 1,5-5 times the liquid level (b) on the plates (6) further below in the column, preferably (a) = (2-3).(b). The semispherical part (2) of the column (1) is separated from the upper oxidation volume (9) by a non-perforated plate (4). The two volumes (2,9) are in communicating via openings (10) between/in the plates (4). A pipe (3) through the semispherical part (2) can transport the effluent gases out of the column (1).