APES 7

Ways to reduce emissions of air pollutants

Drive less, conserve electricity, eat more plants, use renewable energy.

Clean Air Act

Allows EPA to set acceptable levels for criteria air pollutants, monitor emissions, and take action against violators.

Pollution credits

Credits earned by companies that reduce emissions well below EPA levels, which can be sold to higher-emission companies.

CAFE Standards

Regulations that require the US vehicle fleet to meet average fuel efficiency standards to reduce pollution.

Vapor recovery nozzle

Device that captures hydrocarbon VOCs from gasoline fumes during refueling.

Catalytic converter

Device on vehicles that converts harmful emissions like NOx and CO into less harmful substances.

Crushed limestone

Used to reduce SO2 emissions from coal when mixed with crushed coal before combustion.

Fluidized bed combustion

Process that increases combustion efficiency and reduces pollutants by mixing coal with air and limestone.

Dry scrubbers

Devices that absorb or neutralize oxides from emissions using reactive chemicals.

Wet scrubbers

Systems that use mist nozzles to capture pollutants in water droplets.

Electrostatic precipitator

Device that uses electric charges to remove particles from emissions.

Baghouse filter

Fabric filter that traps particulate matter from industrial emissions.

How does limestone reduce SO2 emission?

Calcium carbonate in limestone reacts with SO2 to form calcium sulfate.

Mist eliminator

Part of wet scrubbers that traps pollutants and PM in mist.

What is the role of catalytic converters in vehicles?

To convert harmful emissions like NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons into CO2, N2, O2, and H2O.

Effect of vapor recovery nozzle

Reduces benzene from gas vapors by capturing hydrocarbon vapors.

What does the Clean Air Act allow the EPA to do?

Sets emission standards, monitors pollution, and imposes penalties for violations.

Function of pollution credits

Allows companies that reduce emissions to sell excess credits to those exceeding limits.

What do dry and wet scrubbers reduce?

They reduce NOx, SOx, VOCs, and PM (wet scrubbers only).