rookgassen

Rookgassen, in Dutch, refer to the gases expelled from combustion processes, collectively known in English as flue gases or exhaust gases. They arise in power plants, industrial furnaces, and internal combustion engines, as well as in residential heating with fossil fuels or biomass. The composition depends on the fuel and on the combustion efficiency. The gas mixture typically contains water vapor and carbon dioxide as major products of complete combustion. It may also include carbon monoxide when combustion is incomplete, as well as sulfur dioxide from sulfur-containing fuels, nitrogen oxides formed at high flame temperatures, and trace amounts of volatile organic compounds and particulates. In vehicles and some industrial processes, particulate matter and soot can be present, especially if emission controls are lacking.

Rookgassen are a primary source of air pollution and contribute to climate change, acid rain, and health problems. Their removal or reduction is achieved through emissions control technologies, such as scrubbers that remove sulfur compounds, selective catalytic or non-catalytic reduction to reduce NOx, particulate filters, and catalytic converters in vehicles. Measurement and regulation are handled by environmental agencies; limits on CO2, NOx, SO2, and particulates vary by country and standard, such as Euro standards in Europe or EPA rules in the United States.

Monitoring and management of rookgassen are central to improving air quality and reducing the environmental footprint of combustion-based systems.