Abstract: An photo-remediation method for reducing a visible NO2 plume is provided. The method uses an illumination source having a wavelength of at least 350 nm, and preferably between 350-400 nm to irradiate gases within an exhaust path, and requires no additional steps or processing requirements for reduction of the visible plume.

Abstract: The surface cleaning of various components of high-tech devices, including computers and/or semiconductors, is performed during manufacturing. This surface cleaning is performed within a reduced pressure chamber by making use of perifluorocompound industrial gases, which eventually contaminate the atmosphere. These contaminant gases are emitted with nitrogen gas, which is used in operation of a dry pump. Under certain conditions, microwave radiation generates an atmospheric plasma torch. This plasma-torch device is attached to the vacuum pump, which emits the nitrogen gas with contaminants. The oxidation mechanism in the torch flames eliminates these contaminants. Additional reaction gases are mixed with the waste gas to improve efficiency of the contaminant elimination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation. The emission cleaning installation of a preferred exemplary embodiment is provided with a cylinder body, which is ultraviolet light permeable and through which the emissions pass, with photocatalyst pellets, which are accommodated in the interior of the abovementioned cylinder body and come into contact with the abovementioned emissions, and with a light source, which photoexcites the above-mentioned photocatalyst pellets.

Abstract: A method for decomposing a gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound more simply is provided. The method includes the steps of mixing the gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound and a chlorine gas-containing gas and emitting light to a mixture gas of the gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon halide compound and the chlorine gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation. The emission cleaning installation of a preferred exemplary embodiment is provided with a cylinder body, which is ultraviolet light permeable and through which the emissions pass, with photocatalyst pellets, which are accommodated in the interior of the abovementioned cylinder body and come into contact with the abovementioned emissions, and with a light source, which photoexcites the abovementioned photocatalyst pellets.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable process for the microwave destruction of contaminated waste consisting essentially of chemical and biological agents and harmful medical waste by employing carbonaceous materials to enhance the efficiency of the microwaves while keeping the bulk temperature down to a modest rise.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying a gas containing contaminants are disclosed. The gas is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray and/or a radiation ray so as to produce microparticles of the contaminants. The resultant microparticles of the contaminants are contacted with a photocatalyst. Then, the photocatalyst is irradiated with light so as to decompose the contaminants held in contact with the photocatalyst. Organic compounds, organosilicon compounds, basic gas and the like can be decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst. Even when these species are present at a low concentration, they can be concentrated locally by transforming into microparticles, and hence can be removed.

Abstract: In a technique for eliminating organic pollutants from the passenger compartment of a vehicle by photocatalysis, the upper face of the dashboard is covered with a layer of photocatalyst. This upper wall includes a plurality of orifices providing diffuse ventilation. The lower face of the dashboard also includes a layer of photocatalyst irradiated by a source of ultra-violet rays, the source being in a diffusion chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a catalyst is described which comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium distributed over a catalyst support comprising a material containing at least one of silicon, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, aluminum, and activated carbon. The catalyst is used to remove phosgene from a contaminated gas stream and/or reduce or eliminate phosgene from an effluent of a previously treated gas stream. At least one metal in the catalyst of the present invention is preferably present in an amount from about 0.001 wt % to about 15 wt %. When more than one metal is present, the combined metals preferably do not exceed 20 wt %. Catalysts in accordance with the present invention may be used as Photocatalysts. Processes for using the catalysts and Photocatalysts of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon monoxide from a gas stream, in which the gas stream loaded with CO is guided through a device, and the CO is removed from the gas stream through adsorption on the working electrode. As a function of an electrical voltage between the working electrode and the counter electrode, or between the working electrode and the reference electrode, an electrode cleaning mode is enabled by triggering a current flow between the working electrode and the counter electrode, and the CO adsorbed on the working electrode is oxidized to C0201.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for gas phase sorption in which a sorption device having an inlet is provided in combination with a source of UV light. The UV light is directed at the inlet of the sorption device for the purpose of destroying organic gas phase compounds and the removal of residue, and OH radicals are formed by the UV light proximate the inlet of the sorption device to destroy organic gas phase compounds disposed on and proximate the inlet of the sorption device. The sorption device is reactivated in situ, the single pass efficiency of the sorption device is enhanced, and the mechanical useable service life of the sorption device is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for non-thermal plasma aftertreatment of exhaust gases the method comprising the steps of providing short risetime, high frequency, high power bursts of low-duty factor microwaves sufficient to generate a plasma discharge and passing a gas to be treated through the discharge so as to cause dissociative reduction of the exhaust gases and enhanced catalyst reactivity through application of the pulsed microwave fields directly to the catalyst material sufficient to cause a polarizability catastrophe and enhanced heating of the metal crystallite particles of the catalyst, and in the presence or absence of the plasma. The invention also includes a reactor for aftertreatment of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A process of gas purification occurs in the presence of radiofrequency microwave energy and carbonaceous material by decomposing adsorbed impurities on a bed surface at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave enhanced catalytic oxidation to purificatory gases normally occurs.

Abstract: This invention refers to a removal and recovery method of pollutant materials. A waste stream source of polluted water and/or waste gases containing waste acids, bases and salts, and/or waste air pollutant suspension particles are fed into a separation reactor. The combined physicochemical effects of removal/recovery of pollutants inside the reactor take place by solubilization, ionization, reaction, deposition and settling, which concurrently remove and separate the pollutants as solid materials, deposited on selective electrodes sets, as gases and as sludge and/or precipitates. The reactor is kept at the working temperature using a waste industrial heat, and the separation processes take place by applying a voltage source between a spaced apart system of selective electrodes, and by using a ionizing source of waste spent fuel nuclear bars or electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for cleaning exhaust air containing pollutants, especially gaseous hydrocarbon emissions in an exhaust duct, using a catalyst and a UV radiation raising the energy level of the hydrocarbons, in which the exhaust air is exposed in a first section of the air duct to UV-C radiation of a wavelength of below 300 nm, preferably of about 254 nm, which causes an excitation of the hydrocarbons to higher energy levels, and also to a UV-C radiation of a wavelength preferably of about 185 nm, which additionally causes the formation of ozone, and of molecular oxygen and radicals from the ozone, while a partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules takes place in the gas phase, and in that in a following second section of the air duct a catalytic oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules is performed at the inner surface of a porous support material, the hydrocarbon molecules being absorbed, then oxidized on the active surface by the additionally formed ozone and removed from the surface of the catalyst in the form

Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: A photocatalyst is provided consisting of TiO2 doped with at least one lanthanide metal oxide. The photocatalyst may be prepared by forming a titanium-containing gel and then drying the gel and subjecting it to calcinations. The photocatalyst may be used in photodegradation of organic material.

Abstract: In a method for treating perfluorocompound gas contained in exhaust emissions from plasma processing a plasma abatement device is first provided downstream of a plasma processing chamber. Next, perfluorocompound gas contained in exhaust emissions from the plasma processing chamber is channeled into the plasma abatement device. A gas containing water vapor is then introduced into the plasma abatement device. In a method for reducing the amount of perfluorocompound gas contained in exhaust emissions from plasma processing exhaust emissions from plasma processing containing a perfluorocompound gas are contacted with a gas containing water vapor. The exhaust emissions from plasma processing containing the perfluorocompound gas may be contacted with the gas containing water vapor in either a plasma abatement device provided downstream of a plasma processing chamber or directly in the plasma processing chamber. A method for forming an integrated circuit also is described.

Abstract: A contaminated gas that is to be cleaned, such as contaminated air, is passed through an adsorbent bed to remove gaseous contaminants. An enclosure having a fixed volume is then created around the adsorbent bed. Included within the enclosure is a photocatalytic gas purifier. The adsorbent bed is heated to release the contaminants into the fixed volume to create a high concentration of contaminants in the gas within the fixed volume. The now highly contaminated fixed volume of gas is recirculated through the heated adsorbent bed and photocatalytic gas purifier. The gas purifier oxidizes the contaminants at a high oxidation rate due to the high contaminant concentration level. The enclosure is then opened and the adsorbent bed, now regenerated and at its original temperature, is ready to again receive and clean contaminated gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a fertilizer by injecting ammonia into and applying electron beam to gas containing sulfur oxides. Gas containing sulfur oxides is cooled by a heat exchanger (2) and a cooling tower (3), and thereafter introduced into a process vessel (4) in which ammonia is injected into the gas and the gas is irradiated with electron beam. The product of the ratio of the concentration of ammonia to the concentration of water in the gas prior to irradiation of the electron beam and the ratio of the concentration of ammonia to the concentration of water in the gas after irradiation of the electron beam is controlled to be of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A new method for design and scale-up of photocatalytic and thermocatalytic processes is disclosed. The method is based on optimizing photoprocess energetics by decoupling of the process energy efficiency from the DRE for target contaminants. The technique is applicable to photo-thermocatalytic reactor design and scale-up. At low irradiance levels, the method is based on the implementation of low pressure drop biopolymeric and synthetic polymeric support for titanium dioxide and other band-gap media. At high irradiance levels, the method utilizes multifunctional metal oxide aerogels and other media within a novel rotating fluidized particle bed reactor.

Abstract: This invention refers to a removal and recovery procedure and method of pollutant materials, which separates contaminants from waste inorganic aqueous solutions and from waste air pollutants having contaminants in therein, with pressure, temperature, electrical-and radiation fields, simultaneously/successively applied. A waste stream source of polluted water and/or waste gases containing waste acids, bases and salts, and/or waste air pollutant suspension particles are fed into a separation reactor. The combined physicochemical effects of removal/recovery of pollutants inside the reactor take place by solubilization, ionization, reaction, deposition and settling, which concurrently remove and separate the pollutants as solid materials, deposited on selective electrodes sets, as gases and as sludge and/or precipitates.

Abstract: A gas conversion system for removing carbon dioxide from gases includes a duct through which gases are circulated. The duct has a port for introducing a reaction agent into the duct to the gases. An electron beam emitter is positioned relative to the duct for directing an electron beam into the duct to cause components of the carbon dioxide and the reaction agent to react to remove carbon dioxide from the gases and release oxygen.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a UV lamp for treating waste gas and for treating waste gases therewith is provided which is designed and fabricated based on solgel coating techniques. A sol of photo-catalytic materials comprising anatase TiO2 as the main component, and/or other semiconductive components such as WO3, AnO, SnO2, or Fe2O3, coated on a glass-fiber-cloth. Then, the cloth is impregnated with an oxidation catalyst of precious metal such as Pd, Au, Pr or Ag, or a transition metal oxide of Mo, Nb, V, Ce or Cr. The impregnated cloth is then wrapped on a UV lamp tube. The UV lamp treats waste gas by irradiating the UV light therefrom onto the surface of the photocatalytic materials to generate free electron and electron hole pairs which can decompose waste gases such as organic or inorganic pollutants in the air into unharmful gases.

Abstract: A new method for design and scale-up of thermocatalytic processes is disclosed. The method is based on optimizing process energetics by decoupling of the process energetics from the DRE for target contaminants. The technique is applicable to high temperature thermocatalytic reactor design and scale-up. The method is based on the implementation of polymeric and other low-pressure drop support for thermocatalytic media as well as the multifunctional catalytic media in conjunction with a novel rotating fluidized particle bed reactor.

Abstract: A new method for design and scale-up of photocatalytic and thermocatalytic processes is disclosed. The method is based on optimizing photoprocess energetics by decoupling of the process energy efficiency from the DRE for target contaminants. The technique is applicable to both low- and high-flux photoreactor design and scale-up. The low-flux method is based on the implementation of natural biopolymeric and other low-pressure drop media support for titanium dioxide and other band-gap photocatalysts. The high-flux method is based on the implementation of multifunctional metal oxide aerogels and other media in conjunction with a novel rotating fluidized particle bed reactor.

Abstract: A plasma injector for creating a plasma discharge includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical-shaped waveguide, and a coaxial dielectric loaded cavity. The waveguide is specifically dimensioned to establish a predetermined cut off wavelength in the waveguide. A microwave power generator is connected with the cavity to generate a resonant microwave in the cavity which will establish a TE mode electrical field in the waveguide. Importantly, the resonant microwave has a wavelength that is below the cut off wavelength in order to prevent a propagation of the microwave through the waveguide. The injector also includes a feed line for introducing a waste material into the waveguide. Specifically, the waste material interacts with the TE mode electrical field in the waveguide to vaporize the waste material and thereby create the plasma discharge.

Abstract: Mixtures of gases, liquids or solutions are separated by contacting the mixtures with a substance-permeable material and applying a voltage to the substance-permeable material, thereby increasing the efficiency of separation techniques such as microfiltration or ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the air, such as air in the interior of motor vehicles, airplanes, buildings or shelters, having organic substances such as alcohols, alkanes and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The air cleaning system includes a cylindrical adsorber. The cylindrical adsorber has a plurality of circular segments for passing air to be cleaned and for passing desorption air through the adsorber. The adsorber contains adsorption agents, such as a hydrophobic zeolite, that can be regenerated with microwaves. The air cleaning system also includes a microwave unit disposed on adsorber and an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of gases and pollutants employs alternate cavity (1) and susceptor (9) geometries for providing more homogeneous interactions of applied electromagnetic energy (6) in the volume of the susceptor (9) regardless of the flow rate and diameter of the exhaust duct (3) width. The heat transfer methods improve the overall heat efficiency of the device. The susceptor (9) structure has reflectivity as principle mode of interaction with applied electromagnetic energy (6) which allows for energy to penetrate the susceptor (9) which is formed of composite susceptive materials. The use of field concentrators (5) to concentrate the energy density of the applied electromagnetic energy (6) provides a simple method of controlling the temperature versus energy in the susceptor (9).

Abstract: A method of treatment of liquid, air and surfaces using UV radiation with a pulse duration of 10−6 to 10−3 sec. and a radiation intensity of at least 100 kWt/m2, using a plasma radiation source with a pulsed storage element, wherein the energy stored in the storage element at the time of discharge, the pulse duration and the area of the radiating surface of the radiation source are interrelated as follows: W0/A Srad t ½>1, where W0, is the energy stored in the storage element, Joules; Srad is the area of the radiating surface of the radiation source, m2; t½ is the radiation pulse duration at mid-height of a peak, sec.; A=108 Wt/m2 is the constant coefficient. A device for the UV treatment of liquid, air and surfaces includes a secondary winding integrated in a series with a charged condenser, and a pulsed lamp to form a discharging circuit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent-metal complex. The process includes oxidizing a sorbent precursor and contacting the sorbent precursor with a metallic species. The process further includes chemically reacting the sorbent precursor and the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. In one particular aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the sorbent precursor is transformed into sorbent particles during the oxidation step. These sorbent particles then are contacted with the metallic species and chemically reacted with the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent metal complex in a combustion system. The process includes introducing a sorbent precursor into a combustion system and subjecting the sorbent precursor to an elevated temperature sufficient to oxidize the sorbent precursor and transform the sorbent precursor into sorbent particles.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: Toxic components in a gaseous effluent containing toxic organic, chlorinated and non-chlorinated compounds are degraded by a process, comprising: contacting the gaseous effluent containing toxic components with a semiconductor metal oxide; and heating the gaseous effluent in contact with the semiconductor metal oxide to a temperature ranging from 300 to 600° C. while irradiating the gaseous effluent with ultraviolet light having a wave-length ranging from 180 to 400 nm.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus includes a reaction chamber. A stream of contaminated gasses flows through the chamber. An elongated coronating electrode is positioned in the reaction chamber for producing a corona discharge within the chamber. A multi-stage Fitch generator connected to the electrode produces a high level, rapidly pulsating voltage in the electrode. Controlled amounts of an inert gas or inert gas-air mixture are combined with the contaminated gases to provide a high concentration of inert gas in the reaction chamber. In the inert gas-enriched atmosphere, the pulsating corona discharge produces a high concentration of metastable intermediates that greatly increase the rate of chemical conversion of the contaminants. Switching circuitry allows the pulsating voltage output of the Fitch generator to be superimposed on a constant direct current voltage in the electrode, setting up an electrostatic field in the reaction chamber for removing conversion byproducts from the gas stream.

Abstract: A process for destroying aromatic compounds in an exhaust gas containing also sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust, first the dust is removed at a temperature of between room temperature and 150° C. to a residual quantity of not more than 50 mg/m3,the sulfur dioxide is removed to a residual quantity of not more than 1000 mg/m3, the nitrogen oxides are removed to a residual quantity of not more than 300 mg/m3 and the exhaust gas is then subjected to electron irradiation having an energy of 3 to 10 kWh/1000 m3 exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering gas from a clathrate hydrate comprising the steps of: (a) providing a clathrate hydrate within an occupying zone; (b) positioning a source of electromagnetic radiation within said clathrate hydrate occupying zone; and (c) recovering gas from the clathrate hydrate by applying electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source of step (b) to the clathrate hydrate at a frequency within the range of from direct current to visible light at energy density sufficient to dissociate the clathrate hydrate to evolve its constituent gas.

Abstract: A process of air purification occurs in the presence of activated carbon or its equivalent by decomposing adsorbed hazardous materials, such as volatile organic compounds, on the carbon surface by radiofrequency energy in the microwave range at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave oxidation to nonhazardous gases occurs in the presence of an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: Provided are a process and apparatus for purifying a gas. In accordance with the process, the gas to be purified flows through a hollow dielectric tube. An electric field is created in the gas to be purified by a traveling electromagnetic wave which travels in the dielectric tube and creates, in the gas, an atmospheric-pressure plasma which is not in local thermodynamic equilibrium, for the purpose of dissociating impurities in the gas to form reactive compounds. The formed reactive compounds are reacted with a corresponding reactive material for eliminating the reactive compounds from the gas to be purified.

Abstract: A method for non-thermal plasma aftertreatment of exhaust gases the method comprising the steps of providing short risetime (about 40 ps), high frequency (about 5G hz), high power bursts of low-duty factor microwaves sufficient to generate a dielectric barrier discharge and passing a gas to treated through the discharge so as to cause dissociative reduction of the exhaust gases. The invention also includes a reactor for generating the non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: This process occurs in the presence of activated carbon or its equivalent by decomposing adsorbed hazardous materials, such as hydrazine and microorganisms, on the carbon surface by radiofrequency energy in the microwave range at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave oxidation to nonhazardous gases occurs in the presence of a microwaves enhanced oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas by irradiation with an electron beam. Flue gas discharged from a fuel combustion facility is treated with an electron beam to remove sulfur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides. Ammonia is added to the flue gas and the mixed gas is irradiated with an electron beam in a process vessel. A dust collector receives the gas and collects a by-product mainly composed of ammonium sulfate and/or ammonium nitrate which is produced by the reaction in the process vessel. A gas-contacting portion extending from the process vessel to the dust collector is cooled either wholly or partly, to a dew point of the gas or below.

Abstract: A process comprises passing a contaminated gaseous stream through a photocatalytic stage and, thereafter, through a catalytic stage.

Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.