Abstract: Absorption media for separating acidic gases such as C02 from a gas stream are disclosed. In some embodiments, the Absorption media include a solution of water, at least piperazine or a derivative of piperazine, and at least one alkali ion. The at least one alkali ion may be potassium. Methods and apparatus for separating acidic gases from a gas stream using such absorption media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a tubulation-free gas filled electrode or lamp having the steps of providing a glass or quartz tube having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; inserting a cathode into the first end; crimping the first end thereby securing the cathode and making the first end airtight; securing a solid plug inside the tube second end but leaving a gap between the plug and tube through which gas can pass; evacuating air from inside the tube by drawing it through the second end past the plug; charging the tube with a gas; and sealing the plug gap to make the second end airtight.

Abstract: An electrode cap having a horseshoe-shaped conductor clip that has an opening at a closed end for receiving an electrode, the conductor clip fitted over a tube crimp; a cylindrical base cap having an elongated bump at one end of the base cap parallel to the axis of the base cap; and a cylindrical top cap closed on one end, having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the base cap; and a spring for pressing a plate against the base cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling carbonate/bicarbonate concentrations and ratio in a chemical process having the steps of flowing a carbonate/bicarbonate solution through a measurement cell (202), exposing the solution to laser light of suitable wavelength and power (204); measuring the intensity of the scattered light using Raman spectroscopy (206); calculating the concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate from the intensity of the scattered light (208); and sending the measurement results to a programmable logic controller (210) to be used to control the ratio of carbonate and bicarbonate in the solution through adjusting process parameters. The method is useful in both carbon dioxide absorption processes and carbonate/bicarbonate regeneration processes.

Abstract: A method for producing ammonium carbonate from urea having the steps of providing a urea solution; hydrolyzing the urea solution to produce NH3, CO2 and water vapor at a chosen temperature; contacting the NH3, CO2 and water vapor with an ammonium carbonate solution; and maintaining the concentration of ammonium carbonate between 5 and 30% by weight by adding water to the solution.

Abstract: A process for scrubbing ammonia in a CO2 removal process having the steps of absorbing (204) at least some CO2 from a gas stream (202) with an ammonium carbonate solution or a mixed alkali solution, resulting in a release of >ammonia; regenerating (210) ammonium.carbonate or mixed alkali solution to produce a concentrated CO2 stream; capturing ammonia with an ammonia capture mass transfer apparatus (214). with a concentrated urea ammonium nitrate solution; adjusting the pH of the urea ammonium nitrate solution to between 4 ? and 6 with nitric acid; and adding urea to the urea ammonium nitrate solution, thereby producing a urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer product ready for commercial distribution.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream and controlling ammonia vapor by scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream with ammonium carbonate, thereby producing ammonia vapor and ammonium bicarbonate; removing a portion of the ammonia vapor from the gas stream with ammonium bicarbonate; and polishing the flue gas to achieve an ammonia concentration of less than 10 PPM.

Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream by scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream with a mixture of ammonium and alkali carbonates such as sodium carbonate and/or potassium carbonate. Using the mixed alkali carbonate solution as the CO2 scrubbing solution offers the opportunity for both low regeneration energy and low ammonia volatility while still maintaining a high rate of CO2 hydration.

Abstract: A method of making a tubulation-free gas filled electrode or lamp having the steps of providing a glass or quartz tube having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; inserting a cathode into the first end; crimping the first end thereby securing the cathode and making the first end airtight; securing a solid plug inside the tube second end but leaving a gap between the plug and tube through which gas can pass; evacuating air from inside the tube by drawing it through the second end past the plug; charging the tube with a gas; and sealing the plug gap to make the second end airtight.

Abstract: An electrode cap having a horseshoe-shaped conductor clip that has an opening at a closed end for receiving an electrode, the conductor clip fitted over a tube crimp; a cylindrical base cap having an elongated bump at one end of the base cap parallel to the axis of the base cap; and a cylindrical top cap closed on one end, having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the base cap; and a spring for pressing a plate against the base cap.

Abstract: A fuse for an electrical discharge reactor made up of a fuse apparatus (10) and a power supply shut down procedure. The fuse apparatus (10) has an end cap (12) that encloses a spring (30) and a rivet (13) or piercing end (14) that is electrically connected to an arcing tube (18), secured to a near end of a strain wire (20), a lower terminal (32) secured to a far end of the strain wire (20), and a contact (24) that is electrically connected to the lower terminal (32). Preferably, the arcing tube (18), strain wire (20), and lower terminal (32) are sheathed in a structure (16) that provides support and electrical insulation such as a quartz tube while ensuring protection of the fuse internal components from the corrosive environment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an alkali scrubbing solution, and removing any alkali aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized mercury and removing it in the scrubbing solution and wet electrostatic precipitator. Alkali sulfates, which are valuable fertilizers, can be withdrawn from the rubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, alkali hydroxide or carbonate scrubbing solution, regenerating the scrubbing solution with limestone, and removing any particulate matter and aerosols generated by the scrubbing step in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized Hg and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is preferably regenerated with limestone or magnesium, and results in a Group II sulfite or sulfate that can be recovered and sold, or landfilled.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, O, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing S02, NO, and N02 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to N02, scrubbing the S02, NO, and N02 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, O, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2 from a gas stream having the steps of scrubbing the SO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution and removing any aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is maintained at a pH between 6 and 8 to increase the speed of absorption of SO2, to Increase the ratio of sulfite to bisulfite which also facilitates the oxidation of SO2, and to avoid the need to use exotic, corrosion resistant alloys. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, alkali hydroxide or carbonate scrubbing solution, regenerating the scrubbing solution with limestone, and removing any particulate matter and aerosols generated by the scrubbing step in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized Hg and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is preferably regenerated with limestone or magnesium, and results in a Group II sulfite or sulfate that can be recovered and sold, or landfilled.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an alkali scrubbing solution, and removing any alkali aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to oxidized mercury and removing it in the scrubbing solution and wet electrostatic precipitator. Alkali sulfates, which are valuable fertilizers, can be withdrawn from the rubbing solution.