Utilizing Solid Reactant Or Catalyst To Remove Or Modify Sulfur Or Sulfur Containing Component Patents (Class 423/244.01)
  • Patent number: 7708964
    Abstract: Pollution control substances may be formed from the combustion of oil shale, which may produce a kerogen-based pyrolysis gas and shale sorbent, each of which may be used to reduce, absorb, or adsorb pollutants in pollution producing combustion processes, pyrolysis processes, or other reaction processes. Pyrolysis gases produced during the combustion or gasification of oil shale may also be used as a combustion gas or may be processed or otherwise refined to produce synthetic gases and fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Boardman, Robert A. Carrington
  • Patent number: 7682424
    Abstract: A system employing a regenerable zinc-oxide based sorbent to remove one or more contaminants from an incoming gas stream. The contaminant-depleted gas stream can then be used for any subsequent application, while at least a portion of the contaminant-laden sorbent can be regenerated via a step-wise regeneration process. In one embodiment, sorbent regenerated via the step-wise regeneration process can comprise less sorbent-damaging compounds than traditional sorbents exposed to conventional regeneration processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Roland Schmidt, Robert W. Morton, Joseph B. Cross, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Albert C. Tsang
  • Patent number: 7674442
    Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7666374
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cleaning exhaust gases produced by a sintering process of metal-containing waste. The sintering exhaust gas includes one or more harmful substances which are eliminated in at least two steps by at least one adsorption and/or absorption agent in a single moving bed in a moving bed reactor system. The moving bed includes a particle layer (stage I) disposed above a flow input area and below an adsorption layer (stage II) of the moving bed. One or more harmful substances in the sintering exhaust gas are absorptively or adsorptively bound to potassium and/or sodium compounds and the harmful substances are trapped by adhesion in the flow input area or the Particle layer (stage I) of the moving bed. The substantial removal of NOx and the adsorptive or absorptive removal of dioxins and furans takes place in the adsorption layer (stage II) in the moving bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Horst Grochowski
  • Patent number: 7655205
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the removal of sulfur from a gas stream containing sulfur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. The process includes a hydrogenation step, a hydrolysis step, an ammonia removal step and a hydrogen sulfide removal step. An aqueous alkaline washing liquid is used in the hydrogen sulfide removal step and with the spent sulfide containing washing liquid being regenerated using an oxidation bioreactor that utilizes sulfide oxidizing bacteria such as autotropic aerobic cultures of Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Petrus Franciscus Antonius Van Grinsven, Wiebe Sjoerd Kijlstra, Inge Roos, Cornelis Jacobus Smit
  • Patent number: 7641878
    Abstract: A system and method for beneficiation of fly ash particles which at least partially reduces sulfur emissions includes at least one mixing reactor with a chamber and at least one exhaust, at least one fly ash source connected to provide fly ash particles to the chamber, at least one sorbent source, and at least one fluid supply system. The sorbent source provides at least one type of sorbent particles to be mixed with the fly ash particles to reduce sulfur emissions. A mass of the fly ash particles in the chamber is greater than a mass of the sorbent particles in the chamber. The fluid supply system provides at least one fluid to the chamber during a beneficiation of at least a portion of the fly ash particles in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: PMI Ash Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cochran, S. Frank Kirkconnell
  • Patent number: 7641876
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing contaminants from a flue gas stream (22). The method includes: removing fly ash from a flue gas stream (22) utilizing a particle collector (24); contacting the flue gas stream with an alkaline reagent in a wet scrubber (26); discharging a purge liquid (30) from the wet scrubber (26); and, combining at least a portion of the purge liquid with at least a portion of fly ash circulating within a dry circulating fluid bed scrubber (48) to form moistened fly ash (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Kelly L. Barger, Gregg R. Doule, Michael G. Varner
  • Patent number: 7628967
    Abstract: A method of scrubbing mercury compounds and nitrogen oxides from a gas stream employing a scrubbing operation. The method involves the contact of the stream which contains mercury, SOx and NOx compounds with a sorbent to remove at least a portion of the latter compounds. This results in a partially cleaned stream. The method further involves contacting the latter stream with an oxidant to oxidize and remove substantially all residual nitrogen oxides, mercury and mercury compounds remaining in the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Airborne Industrial Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7621987
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides for a regenerable sulfur remover that comprises a gaseous flow 2, a first layer in line with the gaseous flow 6, and a second layer 8 in line with the first layer. The first layer comprises a physical absorber of sulfur; the second layer comprises a pyrophoric material capable of being reduced by the gaseous flow. To regenerate the adsorbing layer, a blower 22 blows air first over the second layer, the air flow is heated by passing over the second layer, and then over the first layer. The heated air flow removes sulfur from the first layer, and the air flow is exhausted after removing sulfur from the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon A. Israelson
  • Patent number: 7618602
    Abstract: A process of using solutions containing thiosulfate and/or chloride salt reagents to remove SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases from a flue gas. The solution is injected into a moving volume of flue gas to achieve a droplet size that enables the solution to dry on contact with the flue gas, generating dried particles of the reagent that react with the SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases yielding a salt precipitate. SO2 present in the flue gas may also be absorbed with the solution, with a subsequent reaction yielding bisulfite species that, upon drying of the droplet, react with the SO3 and H2SO4 acid gases to form salts that are removed from the gas. The removal of these acid gases from a flue gas reduce corrosion of equipment used in coal or oil fired power plants downstream of the injection cite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Codan Development LLC
    Inventors: Frank B. Meserole, Robert E. Moser, James H. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7618558
    Abstract: A process for cleaning gases from a gasification unit comprising the steps of: gasifying a fuel to raw synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and steam in a gasification reactor in the presence of a calcium-containing compound and steam removing halogen compounds from the raw synthesis gas catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide and steam in the raw synthesis gas to carbon dioxide and hydrogen in a water gas shift conversion step to provide a shifted gas contacting the shifted gas with a solid sulphur sorbent regenerating the solid sulphur sorbent by passing a stream of steam through the solid sulphur sorbent counter current to the flow direction of the shifted gas to provide a hydrogen sulphide-containing stream of steam transferring the hydrogen sulphide-containing stream of steam from the solid sulphur sorbent directly to the gasification reactor removing the cleaned shifted gas from the solid sulphur sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Højlund Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20090280046
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing contaminants from industrial processes. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method of sequestering pollutants from flue gases in operational plants. The method includes sequestering contaminants from a point source by reacting an alkaline material with a flue gas containing contaminants to be sequestered, wherein the reaction has a rapid mass transfer rate to sequester at least a portion of the contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventors: Katta J. Reddy, Morris D. Argyle
  • Patent number: 7611685
    Abstract: The inventive method for hydrogen sulphide and/or mercaptans decomposition consists in passing hydrogen sulphide and/or mercaptan-containing gas at a temperature less than 200° C. through a hard material layer (catalyst) which decomposes said hydrogen sulphide or mercaptans in such a way that hydrogen or hydrocarbons are released and sulphur-containing compounds are formed on a material surface. Said hard material is placed in a liquid medium layer. Said invention makes it possible to use a hard material (catalyst) without a periodical regeneration thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Institu Kataliza Imeni G. K. Boreskova Sibirskogo Otdeleniya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk
    Inventors: Anatolii Nikolaevich Startsev, Anastasia Viktorovna Pashigreva, Olga Valeryevna Voroshina, Ivan Ivanovich Zakharov, Valentin Nikolaevich Parmon
  • Patent number: 7595033
    Abstract: A process and device for purifying flue gases in refuse incineration plants during regeneration of a catalyst which serves for reducing nitrogen oxides, by, in a first step, removing acidic pollutant gases from the flue gas in a wet or dry manner, in a second step adding ammonia for reducing nitrogen oxides to the flue gas purified in the first step, in a third step feeding the flue gas admixed with the ammonia to a catalyst, where the catalyst is heated at a controlled heat-up rate for regeneration, which leads to liberation of ammonia, where the amount of ammonia added in the second step and the heat-up rate in the third step are controlled by the amount of a pollutant gas selected from the group of ammonia, and which the purified flue gas contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Von Roll Umwelttechnik AG
    Inventors: Ruedi Frey, Sandrine Person
  • Patent number: 7574968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in combustion system for capturing gas phase pollutants such as SO3. In one example, the invention uses a computer model to model the combustion system. Particles are injected into the combustion system to capture the gas phase pollutants. The model is used to determine the injection location, as well as the size and amount of the particles to be injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignees: Energy & Environmental Research Center, Marsulex Environmental Technologies Corporation, Alstom Technolog Ltd
    Inventors: Donald McCollor, Steven Benson, Bernard Hamel, Robin Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7563424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressed metal oxide composition particle comprised of metal oxide and an organic binder, with the binder preferably being a water insoluble cellulose composition. The present invention also relates to a method for forming a compressed metal oxide composition particle, with the preferred method including compressing a metal oxide and binder mixture to form compressed metal oxide composition particles having a final particle size of between about 0.1 mm and about 200 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: M-I, LLC
    Inventors: Delbert C. Scranton, Jr., Thomas G. Braga, Alan D. Johnson, Alvin Samuels
  • Patent number: 7560409
    Abstract: Photo-oxidation catalysts and methods for cleaning a metal-based catalyst are disclosed. An exemplary catalyst system implementing a photo-oxidation catalyst may comprise a metal-based catalyst, and a photo-oxidation catalyst for cleaning the metal-based catalyst in the presence of light. The exposure to light enables the photo-oxidation catalyst to substantially oxidize absorbed contaminants and reduce accumulation of the contaminants on the metal-based catalyst. Applications are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: J. Roland Pitts, Ping Liu, R. Davis Smith
  • Patent number: 7553463
    Abstract: Methods by which new or used boilers or furnaces ranging from small industrial to the largest utility units that are designed for coal or oil or natural gas or shredded waste or shredded biomass firing can substantially improve their technical operation and sharply reduce their capital and operating costs by implementing component modifications and process steps that (a) minimize the adverse impacts of coal ash and slag on boiler surfaces and particulate emissions thereby also facilitating the use of oil or gas designed boilers for coal firing, (b) drastically reduce the loss of water used to transport coal in slurry form to power plants, (c) essentially eliminate the combined total nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), mercury (Hg), trace metals, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, (d) separate and permanently sequester carbon dioxide released during combustion and (e) improve the coal and solid fuel combustion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Bert Zauderer
  • Patent number: 7531154
    Abstract: A method of removing SO2 from a flue gas stream including SO2 includes providing a source of trona and injecting the trona into the flue gas stream. The temperature of the flue gas is between about 600° F. and about 900° F. The trona is maintained in contact with the flue gas for a time sufficient to react a portion of the trona with a portion of the SO2 to reduce the concentration of the SO2 in the flue gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Solvay Chemicals
    Inventor: John Maziuk, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090104099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a co-current absorbing unit, a countercurrent absorbing unit, at least one absorbing liquid reservoir, and at least one liquid transferring means. The invention also relates to a method of absorbing a reactive gas and a method of preparing a solution by contacting a reactive gas to a solvent and allowing the reactive gas to react with the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick H. Au-Yeung, Dennis W. Jewell, John G. Pendergast, JR.
  • Patent number: 7521033
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method of minimizing catalyst poisoning from exhaust gas streams containing inorganic deposits and particulate matter. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an upstream metallic foam trap and a downstream monolithic precious metal catalyst, wherein the trap physically blocks inorganic deposits and particulate matter from poisoning the downstream catalyst. The present invention is also directed to a metallic foam trap containing a coat comprising a first metallic thermal arc sprayed layer and optionally a second refractory metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Catalysts LLC
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Galligan, Joseph Charles Dettling
  • Patent number: 7510692
    Abstract: A method for hydride gas purification uses materials having at least one lanthanide metal or lanthanide metal oxide. The method reduces contaminants to less than 100 parts per billion (ppb), preferably 10 ppb, more preferably 1 ppb. The material can also include transition metals and transition metal oxides, rare earth elements and other metal oxides. The invention also includes materials for use in the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Alvarez, Jr., Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Joshua T. Cook, Tram Doan Nguyen, Daniel A. Lev, Troy B. Scoggins
  • Publication number: 20090081093
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and/or carbon dioxide present in industrial effluent fluid streams. A solid particulate material comprising a slag component, a binder component (distinct from the slag component), and optionally water is formed and then contacted with the effluent fluid stream to reduce at least one of the sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and/or carbon dioxide. The contacting of the effluent stream may occur in a packed bed reactor with the solid dry particulate material. Methods of reducing pollutants from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas C. Comrie
  • Patent number: 7507083
    Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas C Comrie
  • Patent number: 7498008
    Abstract: A process for the removal of a pollutant from a gas is provided that includes contacting a gas comprising a pollutant with a cataloreactant wherein the cataloreactant reacts with the pollutant and wherein an oxidation state of the cataloreactant is reduced. The cataloreactant may be regenerated with an oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: GRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Sherman, Sagar B. Gadewar, Peter K. Stoimenov
  • Patent number: 7481985
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for purifying carbon dioxide. Sulfur species are efficiently and effectively removed from the carbon dioxide by a series of steps which include heater/heat exchange means, impurity adsorption means and cooling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Jain, YuDong Chen
  • Patent number: 7476372
    Abstract: A method for reducing acid gases in a flue gas, the method comprising reacting biosolids comprising a scrubbing agent with a flue gas comprising an acid gas, thereby reducing the amount of acid gas in the flue gas is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flue gas scrubbing process comprising: combusting a fossil fuel and biosolids comprising a scrubbing agent, thereby producing a flue gas comprising an acid gas, wherein the flue gas has a reduced amount of acid gas compared with flue gas produced from the combustion of the fossil filet alone. A flue gas scrubbing process comprising providing a stream of biosolids that includes a hydroxide or an oxide of a Group IA or IIA element, providing a flue gas comprising an acid gas, and reacting the biosolids stream with the flue gas so as to reduce the amount of acid gas in the flue gas is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Holloman Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Prim
  • Patent number: 7452405
    Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
  • Publication number: 20080279742
    Abstract: The desulfation of a NOx storage catalytic converter takes place in two phases. In a first phase, the NOx storage catalytic converter is alternately exposed to rich and lean exhaust gas. In a subsequent second phase, the NOx storage catalytic converter is operated using rich exhaust gas. This method permits the quantity of hydrogen sulfide that occurs during the desulfation process to be minimized and achieves at the same time an efficient removal of sulfate from the deep-seated layers of the NOx storage catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: VDO AUTOMOTIVE AG
    Inventors: Tino Arlt, Gerd Rosel
  • Patent number: 7449049
    Abstract: The raw natural gas is deacidized and dehydrated in units DA and DH. The treated gas is then purified by adsorption of the mercaptans in first enclosure A1. Part of the purified gas is heated in E1, then fed into second enclosure A2 so as to discharge the water adsorbed by the adsorbent material contained in this second enclosure. A steam-rich stream is fed into third enclosure A3 containing a mercaptan-laden adsorbent material. In A3, the mercaptans are desorbed and replaced by the steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Michel Thomas, Eszter Toth, Fabrice Lecomte, Peter Meyer, Jean-Louis Ambrosino
  • Patent number: 7442352
    Abstract: Process for removing sulfur oxides, mercury vapor, and fine particulate matters from industrial flue gases that contain such pollutants. Pollutants are removed by modules, which contain microporous adsorbent (i.e., sorbent) material held within a polymer matrix. The composite material that contains the microporous absorbent material held within a polymer matrix removes sulfur oxides by converting them into high concentration sulfuric acids. SULFURIC acid produced inside the composite material is automatically expelled onto the external surfaces of the composite material and is drained into an acid reservoir together with the fine particulate mailers which are washed from the external surfaces of the composite material by the constant dripping of the sulfuric acid along the external surfaces of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiao-Chun Lu, Xiaoqun Wu
  • Publication number: 20080241037
    Abstract: A method of removing SO3 from a flue gas of a boiler. The method includes the following steps: injecting chloride salts into a stream of the flue gas at a position located downstream of an air pre-heater—the position is selected so that the flue gas has a temperature at the position of substantially between 100° C. and 400° C.; reacting chloride salts with the SO3 to form a sulfate-containing reaction product; and collecting the sulfate-containing reaction product in a particulate collector downstream of the boiler. A purge stream from a wet flue gas desulfurization system may be used as a source of the chloride salts. Additional chlorides may be added to the purge stream as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Leif A.V. Lindau
  • Patent number: 7427385
    Abstract: Systems and processes for removing a first sulfur compound from a hydrocarbon stream. The systems and process utilize at least one reaction vessel incorporating a hydrolysis catalyst suitable for hydrolyzing the first sulfur compound to a second sulfur compound. The reaction vessel also incorporates a sorbent material suitable for absorbing the second sulfur compound. Following hydrolysis of the first sulfur compound to the second sulfur compound and absorption of the second sulfur compound, a hydrocarbon-containing stream having a reduced sulfur content is produced. The hydrolysis catalyst and sorbent material may be provided in separate zones within the reaction vessel or provided as a mixture in a single zone. The hydrocarbon-containing stream having a reduced sulfur content is suitable for a variety of uses, including as a feedstreams for hydrogen plants, process gas streams for power generation plants, or for other uses for hydrocarbon-containing stream having reduced sulfur content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Glen E. Scheirer, Francis S. Wu, Thomas R. Kiliany
  • Patent number: 7425314
    Abstract: A process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans from a gas stream containing a high ratio of mercaptans to hydrogen sulfide, wherein the first step removes hydrogen sulfide by washing the gas stream with an aqueous washing solution comprising water, a physical solvent and a chemical solvent. The first removal step is followed by a second removal step by which mercaptans are removed from the washed gas stream by means of molecular sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Jolinde Machteld Van De Graaf
  • Patent number: 7404940
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reduction of pollutants in combustion processes using combined rotating opposed fired air (ROFA) and fuel injection sorbents (FSI) for increased chemical reactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mobotec USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Higgins, Mark Shilling, Edwin Haddad
  • Patent number: 7384615
    Abstract: A method of decreasing pollutants produced in a combustion process. The method comprises combusting coal in a combustion chamber to produce at least one pollutant selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing pollutant, sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, chlorine, hydroiodic acid, iodine, hydrofluoric acid, fluorine, hydrobromic acid, bromine, phosphoric acid, phosphorous pentaoxide, elemental mercury, and mercuric chloride. Oil shale particles are introduced into the combustion chamber and are combusted to produce sorbent particulates and a reductant. The at least one pollutant is contacted with at least one of the sorbent particulates and the reductant to decrease an amount of the at least one pollutant in the combustion chamber. The reductant may chemically reduce the at least one pollutant to a benign species. The sorbent particulates may adsorb or absorb the at least one pollutant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Boardman, Robert A. Carrington
  • Patent number: 7361319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for reducing SOx, NOx, and CO emissions from a fluid stream comprising contacting said fluid stream with a compound comprising magnesium and aluminum and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying at least a reflection at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 10:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 6:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7357905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for direct oxidation into sulfur and/or into sulfate of sulfur-containing compounds that are contained in an amount that is less than 10% by volume in a gas, in which said gas is brought into contact with an oxidation catalyst that comprises a substrate and an active phase that comprises iron in a proportion of between 2 and 5% by weight of the oxidation catalyst at a temperature of less than 200° C. and in the presence of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-François Chapat, Christophe Nedez, Jean-Louis Ray
  • Patent number: 7354560
    Abstract: Process for the removal of organic and/or inorganic sulfur from an ammonia stream by passing said stream through a fixed bed of sulfur absorbent in a sulfur absorber and withdrawing a sulfur-free ammonia stream, wherein said sulfur absorbent is a catalyst having a total nickel content in reduced form in the range 10 wt % to 70 wt % with the balance being a carrier material selected from the group of alumina, magnesium alumina spinel, silica, titania, magnesia, zirconia and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Poul Erik Højlund Nielsen, Leif Storgaard
  • Patent number: 7332143
    Abstract: NOx and SO3 emissions from combustion of a sulfur containing carbonaceous fuel are reduced simultaneously. The combustion gases comprising NOx and SO2 are mixed with a NOx control agent into the combustion gases at a point upstream of a selective catalytic reduction catalyst for reduction of NOx. Following an SCR catalyst or other equipment that can oxidize SO2 to SO3 and prior to contact with an air heater for heating incoming combustion air, magnesium hydroxide is introduced in amounts and with droplet sizes and concentrations effective to form nano-sized particles in the effluent and reduce SO3 caused by the oxidation of SO2 in the catalyst. Computational fluid dynamics is employed to determine flow rates and select reagent introduction rates, reagent introduction location(s), reagent concentration, reagent droplet size and/or reagent momentum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Symrniotis, William H. Sun
  • Patent number: 7323151
    Abstract: A process for the selective removal of sulphur compounds from synthesis gas being rich in carbon monoxide and containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and steam comprising contacting the synthesis gas at a maximum contact temperature of 100° C. with an absorbent comprising Cu/ZnO compounds and being prepared by thermal decomposition of a corresponding carbonate and activation of the thermal decomposed carbonate with a reducing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Jens-Henrik B. Hansen, Birgitte Hammershoi, Inga D. Sigurdardottir
  • Patent number: 7311887
    Abstract: A process reduces SOx emissions in a flue gas stream by adding a wet collector plate section to an existing electrostatic precipitator (ESP) or by converting the last field of an existing ESP to wet operation. To achieve the conversion, the last field or fields of an existing dry ESP are removed and replaced with components made from materials suitable for operation in a wet environment. After the ESP contains wet operation, ammonia is added to the flue gas stream while it is progressing through the collection plates in the ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Enviromental Systems&Services
    Inventors: Ralph F. Altman, John Montgomery, Boris Altshuler, Wayne P. Buckley
  • Patent number: 7311891
    Abstract: Recovering sulfur from a gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide by oxidizing the gas stream to convert the hydrogen sulfide in the gas stream to sulfur oxide, and thus form a sulfur oxide enriched gas stream. The sulfur oxide enriched gas stream is contacted with a solid, sulfation resistant adsorbent bed at relatively low temperatures to extract the sulfur oxides and retain them as sulfur compounds, thus forming a sulfur oxide depleted gas stream. The adsorbent bed is then contacted with an inert or reducing gas stream to reduce the retained sulfur compounds to sulfur and/or sulfur dioxide and thereby form an enriched sulfur and/or sulfur dioxide bearing stream. The elemental sulfur is recovered and/or the sulfur dioxide bearing stream may be recycled to the Claus unit for further conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: BASF Catalysts LLC
    Inventors: William Bachop Dolan, John Warren Byrne, Michael John Mitariten, Kenneth Butwell, Alfonse Maglio
  • Patent number: 7276217
    Abstract: A process for mitigation of fouling deposits within a combustion zone, capturing of toxic metal emissions, and reduction of visible sulfur emissions attributable to sulfuric acid mist during coal combustion. SO3 formed during coal combustion is reduced by the addition to the coal of raw, unprocessed magnesium-containing minerals such as magnesite ore or brucite ore. The minerals are pulverized to a fine particle size and combined with pulverized coal to provide a mixture of the particles. The mixture is combusted and the ore particles calcine and decrepitate to very fine magnesium oxide particles that have a significant particle surface area. The magnesium oxide particles react with the SO3 produced during combustion of the coal and also capture toxic metals to reduce the quantity of undesirable stack discharge components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Premier Chemicals, LLC
    Inventors: Jerrold E. Radway, Thomas M. Miller
  • Patent number: 7261868
    Abstract: Fluorine compounds such as C2F6, CF4, CHF3, SF6 and NF3, are made to contact with a fluorine compound decomposition catalyst and a catalyst for the decomposition of at least one of CO, SO2F2 and N2O in the presence of water or in the presence of water and oxygen. The catalyst for the decomposition of at least one of CO, SO2F2 and N2O preferably contains at least one selected from Pd, Pt, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Rh, Ir and Au in the form of a metal or an oxide. According to the invention, the fluorine compound can be converted to HF, which can be absorbed by water or an alkaline aqueous solution. Furthermore, a substance such as CO, SO2F2 and N2O which is formed by decomposition of the fluorine compound can also be decomposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Kanno, Akio Honji, Hisao Yamashita, Shigeru Azuhata, Shin Tamata, Kazuyoshi Irie
  • Patent number: 7250072
    Abstract: Method for the purification of a volatile metal hydride comprising obtaining a volatile metal hydride feed containing one or more acidic impurities, one of which is a sulfur-containing impurity; contacting the feed with an alkaline material and reacting at least a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity with the alkaline material to remove a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity from the feed and provide an intermediate purified material, wherein the contacting of the feed with an alkaline material is effected at a sub-ambient temperature; and contacting the intermediate purified product with an adsorbent material to remove at least a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity from the intermediate purified material and provide a purified volatile metal hydride product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv K. Agarwal, George L. Ryals, Wei Cao, John Frederick Cirucci, Robert W. Apollo, Daniel McNesby
  • Patent number: 7060233
    Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide, other sulfur-containing compounds and/or sulfur and mercury from a gas stream contaminated with mercury, hydrogen sulfide or both. The method comprises the step of selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in a gas stream containing one or more oxidizable components other than H2S to generate elemental sulfur (S) or a mixture of sulfur and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The sulfur generated in the gas stream reacts with mercury in the gas stream to generate mercuric sulfide and sulfur and mercuric sulfide are removed from the gas stream by co-condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: TDA Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Girish Srinivas, Robert J. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7033548
    Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Enviroscrub Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kathleen S. Pahlman, legal representative, Steve C. Carlton, Ray V. Huff, Charles F. Hammel, Richard M. Boren, Kevin P. Kronbeck, Joshua E. Larson, Patrick A. Tuzinski, Steve G. Axen, John E. Pahlman, deceased
  • Patent number: 7029639
    Abstract: A desulfurization apparatus for desulfurizing a flue gas containing sulfur oxides through contact with a porous carbon material. The carbon material, which is provided in a desulfurization tower, is at least one species selected from activated carbon and activated carbon fiber. The apparatus contains an NO2-gas-feeding apparatus for feeding NO2 gas into the desulfurization tower. Within the desulfurization tower, a showering mechanism is provided at the top, the showering mechanism adjusting water content of the flue gas in the desulfurization tower to that corresponding to saturation with water vapor or higher at the treatment temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignees: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Yasutake, Norihisa Kobayashi, Takashi Kurisaki, Masaaki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7022296
    Abstract: A multiple-field precipitator, flue-gas treating device, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a first section having a dual-function, sensible-cooling heat exchanger/electrostatic precipitator, a second section having a wet electrostatic precipitator, and a middle section fluidly connecting the first and second sections. In the first section, the exchanger/precipitator sensibly cools the flue gas and collects most of the dust from the flue gas. In the middle section, the dust-reduced flue gas is combined with an alkaline material, thereby forming reaction products. These reaction products and several other pollutants are captured by the wet electrostatic precipitator, in the form of a pollutant-laden liquid. The pollutant-laden liquid is directed to a series of heat exchangers and settling tanks, where various pollutants such as SOx, metals, NOx, and chlorides are removed in different stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Soon-Jai Khang, Timothy Keener