(165h) Catalytic Wet Oxidation of Wastewater Contaminants with Mn/Ce Catalyst

The enhancement effects of a Mn/Ce catalyst were studied on
the wet air oxidation (WAO) process.  Tests were performed on three different
common wastewaters:

• Acetic acid dissolved in water
• Acrylic acid wastewater, which is a mixture of organic
  acids
• Ammonia

All tests were conducted using a one hour reaction time and
a variety of pH values and temperatures.  The test results indicate
considerable performance enhancement from the catalyst.  In brief:

• Acetic acid destruction efficiency was increased from ~0%
  COD destruction without catalyst, to 77% destruction with catalyst at
  250°C and neutral pH.
• Acrylic acid wastewater destruction efficiency was
  increased from 60% TOC destruction without catalyst to 99.5% TOC
  destruction with catalyst at 280°C and low pH.
• Ammonia destruction efficiency was increased to 66%
  destruction with catalyst at 280°C and at high pH.

Extended use tests were also performed with the acrylic acid
wastewater to monitor for catalyst deactivation.  No noteworthy catalyst deactivation
was observed after repeat use of the same catalyst material 4 times.