Kinetic modeling of urea decomposition and byproduct formation

A kinetic model for urea decomposition and byproduct formation was developed and validated against thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of urea and urea-derived byproducts, including biuret and cyanuric acid, at heating rates up to 500 degrees C/min. The model provided a good description of urea decomposition at all investigated heating rates. The results indicate that an increase in heating rate causes a shift in production of cyanuric acid into ammelide and limits the overall byproduct formation. Additionally, it is shown that a long reaction time is necessary to fully ecompose urea at temperatures corresponding to SCR applications. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A kinetic model for urea decomposition and byproduct formation was developed and validated against thermogravimetric analyses. The study found that an increase in heating rate leads to a shift in byproduct formation and a longer reaction time is necessary for complete urea decomposition at temperatures corresponding to SCR applications.