Abstract: A device for generating an ion beam, particularly for the continuous processing of large surfaces, includes an ionising chamber with a gas being fed thereinto to be acted upon by a high frequency alternating electrical field, extraction optics capable of extracting ions from the ionising chamber and generating an ion beam from the device, and excitation means capable of creating the high frequency alternating electrical field within the ionising chamber through a connection, by a waveguide, to a microwave generator. The excitation means include a conductive enclosure engaging one wall of the ionising chamber, wherein the inner space of the conductive enclosure is divided into a first portion, opposite the ionising chamber, to which the waveguide is connected, and a second portion, adjacent the ionising chamber, in which cylindrical conductive cavities are uniformly distributed, with each cavity comprising an adjusting means for adjusting the amount of microwave energy passing through that cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a contaminant from a gas effluent. The apparatus comprises an absorption tower in which is placed a suitable packing where the gas effluent and contaminant-absorbing liquid contact one another. A recirculation path transfers spent contaminant-absorbing liquid to the top of the tower allowing the liquid to effect a new contaminant-removal cycle. Reagent is introduced in the recirculation path to refresh the contaminant-absorbing liquid. A dual-controller system dynamically varies the amount of reagent introduced in the recirculation path in accordance with the amount of contaminant in the gas effluent. A master controller calculates a reagent concentration set-point. The set-point is communicated to a slave controller that meters reagent in the recirculation path according to the set-point value.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for converting heat stable amine salts to heat regenerable amine salts using a modified electrodialysis zone. The processes of the present invention can be used to reduce the level of heat stable salts in a lean solvent stream in an acid gas removal process and can be integrated with the acid gas removal process to utilize process streams as a source of ions.

Abstract: Processes are provided for the removal of sulfur dioxide from gas streams using aqueous lime or limestone slurries containing an additive comprising an amine. The amines have an available alkalinity of at least 0.5 meq/gram at a pH between 3.0 and 5.5. The amines are highly soluble in the slurry and can have a low volatility, thereby reducing amine losses with the gas product. Furthermore, amines which are absorbed on the calcium sulfate or calcium sulfite by-products can be recovered by water-washing with a water make-up stream.