I am using the EDGAR v.5 database for worldwide NOx emission data from fossil fuel combustion. But I need to calculate only the contained N emitted. Is there a general ratio of NO2/NO emissions, so I can calculate N molar mass? Thank you!
There are some theoretical considerations that indicate that in the flue gases of many combustion processes, the volumetric/molar ratio of NO to NO2 is about 95:5.
This has to be taken with some salt though: you need to keep in mind that while NO is often the major NOx species going out of the chimney, it will later oxidize further in the atmosphere to NO2.
Also, for some applications (e.g. gas turbines and engines), this ratio can shift towards higher NO2 concentrations.
And finally, this 95/5 ratio is based on considerations about the equilibrium constants in the themal NOx formation mechanism, if I recall correctly. I'm not sure if the ratio is similar for NOx emissions from other pathways, e.g. fuel NOx, which is very relevant for coal combustion.
Calculation details here
https://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/air/good-practice-guide-assessing-discharges-air-land-transport/appendix-1-calculations
European Environment Agency
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions - Indicator Specification
https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/eea-32-nitrogen-oxides-nox-emissions-1
Review this link
https://www.netl.doe.gov/research/Coal/energy-systems/gasification/gasifipedia/nitrogen-oxides
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