Abstract: An uncondensed gas in steam discharged from a turbine in a geothermal power plant and separated from water with a condenser is treated by a desulfurization method comprising the combustion step of combusting the uncondensed gas in the steam to convert hydrogen sulfide in the uncondensed gas to a sulfurous acid gas and the absorption reaction step of bringing a combustion gas coming from the combustion step into gas-liquid contact with an absorbent slurry and further bringing air into air-liquid contact with the absorbent slurry to allow the absorbent slurry to absorb the sulfurous acid gas and undergo oxidation and neutralization to exhaust desulfurized gas and to convert the absorbent slurry to a sulfate slurry, whereby detrimental hydrogen sulfide is removed from the steam exhausted after the use of the steam for power generation in the geothermal power plant.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process and apparatus for making fullerenes by vaporizing carbon and conducting the resulting carbon vapor to a dark zone for fullerene growth and annealing. In one embodiment concentrated solar energy is used to vaporize carbon. In a further embodiment, concentrated solar energy may be used to improve fullerene yields by vaporizing carbon and further to prevent carbon cluster formation until the carbon vapor passes into a dark zone for fullerene growth and annealing. The invention provides an improvement to increase the yield of any known process wherein carbon is vaporized under high light conditions, the improvement comprising providing a dark zone for fullerene growth and annealing.

Abstract: A process for treating non-condensible gas streams containing H.sub.2 S, and for treating steam containing H.sub.2 S, is disclosed, the process being characterized by unique division of the noncondensible stream, or of a separated non-condensible H.sub.2 S-containing stream derived from the steam, with diverse oxidative treatment of the separated portions. The invention is particularly suited to treating the exhaust steam from a steam turbine which utilizes geothermal steam as the working fluid. In a preferred aspect, disposal of sulfur produced as normal byproduct of liquid oxidative steps may be reduced or avoided altogether by reaction of the sulfur with bisulfite and/or sulfite produced in the procedure to produce soluble thiosulfate.

Abstract: A method for removing carbonyl sulfide from fluids, particularly gases, involves contacting them with alkaline aqueous solutions containing peroxide and hindered amine. The sulfur products so formed can then be separated from the fluid. In one embodiment, gas containing carbonyl sulfide is cycled through a wet scrubber containing a solution of hydrogen peroxide and methyldiethanolamine, triethylamine, dimethylmonoethanolamine, diethylmonoethanolamine, triethanolamine, 2-amino-2-meth-yl-1-propanol, and/or 1,8-p-menthanediaminemethyldiethanolamine at a pH of about 9 to 11, e.g., about 10. Methyldiethanolamine is preferred in one embodiment. A dispersant such as a water-soluble polymer having a molecular weight of about 500 to 100,000 may optionally be employed in the solution. Abatement of greater than 90% of the carbonyl sulfide is achieved in preferred embodiments.

Abstract: An integrated system of non-condensable gas (NCG) and condensate treatment allows geothermal power plant condensate and non-condensable gas effluent streams containing H.sub.2 S and ammonia to be commercially useful for more than for cooling tower makeup. In the preferred embodiment, the pH of the condensate is increased by adding ammonia and the pH increased stream is contacted with NCG to scrub and oxidize the H.sub.2 S constituent of the NCG. By reducing the pH, the condensate or aqueous stream mixture can also be used to further transfer ammonia from the non-condensable gas stream to the aqueous stream, enriching the stream for use as a fertilizer/irrigation water mixture. If other commercial uses are desired for the mixture and/or oxidized NCG streams, they can be resin treated to remove the ammonia constituent. With the ammonia and H.sub.2 S constituents decreased, the condensate may be used for a variety of applications and the NCG can be injected or used as a commercial feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of extracting zinc from geothermal brines and synthetic brines which can be performed in a continuous, in-line process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of extracting zinc from geothermal brines and synthetic brines which can be performed in a continuous, in-line process and which provides for the advantageous recycling of NH.sub.3 in the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of extracting zinc from geothermal brines and synthetic brines which can be performed in a continuous, in-line process.

Abstract: Geothermal brines are passed through a bed of an anionic resin selective to the removal of boron while maintaining a pH value between about 4 to 5.5 to load the boron on the resin from which the boron is thereafter recovered. If the brine contains large quantities of constituents have Lewis acidities greater than boric acid, these constituents are preferably removed before the boron is recovered. The invention is particularly applicable to geothermal brines of temperature above ambient, e.g., 90.degree. C. and above, such as 95.degree. C. and above.

Abstract: A process is provided for controlling the emission of nitrogen dioxide from, and the growth of living organisms in, steam condensate cooling towers and catch basins used in conjunction with a condensate of steam derived from an ammonia containing geothermal brine. The process comprises contacting the condensate, in a substantially continuous manner, with a less-than-stoichiometric amount of an oxidizing agent, which results in the oxidation of nitrite in the condensate to a nitrate. The process optionally provides for periodically introducing a biocide into the condensate in an amount which controls organism growth in the cooling tower and catch basin. To prevent system corrosion, the process may include treating the condensate with a non-organic, phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor and scale dispersant.

Abstract: A process for abating the emission of hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxide from a condensate of steam, derived from a sulfide- and nitrite-containing geothermal brine, comprising introducing an oxidizing agent into the condensate in an amount less than that which would be required to directly oxidize all the sulfide and nitrite to sulfate and nitrate. The process optionally provides for periodically introducing a biocide into the condensate to control the growth of organism therein.

Abstract: Geothermal brine is passed through a zone containing a packing metal so as to reduce its tendency to deposit iron/silica scale, reduce corrosivity of the brine, and/or remove and recover metals from the brine. The method polished the geothermal brine by contacting the brine with a packing metal higher in the electromotive series than silver for a time sufficient for a precious metals to precipitate onto the packing at brine temperature and pH conditions which inhibit iron-rich silica scale. Most preferably, the contacting is accomplished near an injection well at the end of a heat extraction process and the packing comprises coiled zinc-galvanized steel chicken wire mesh packed in a sufficient density to also act as a filter for suspended particles. Alternatively, contacting is also accomplished near the production well. Dissolving the packing in a suitable acid leaves a precious metal-rich residue behind for subsequent recovery.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for polishing geothermal brines containing iron-rich silica scale and silica particles suspended therein while removing and recovering copper, silver and other precious metals dissolved therein. The method comprises passing brine having a pH just below about 5.0 through a conduit packed with a metal higher in the electromotive series than silver for a time sufficient for a substantial portion of the copper and silver therein to precipitate onto the packing. Preferably, the packing comprises coiled zinc-galvanized steel chicken wire mesh packed in a sufficient density to act as a filter for said suspended particles. Dissolving the packing in a suitable acid will leave a precious metal-rich residue behind for subsequent recovery. When the brine is treated in accordance with this method, the useful life of injection wells used to return cooled brine back to the geothermal field is extended by at least about 3 time as compared to that observed with untreated brine.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for polishing geothermal brines containing iron-rich silica scale and silica particles suspended therein while removing and recovering copper, silver and other precious metals dissolved therein. The method comprises passing brine having a pH just below about 5.0 through a conduit packed with a metal higher in the electromotive series than silver for a time to sufficient for substantially all of the silver and other precious metals therein to precipitate onto the packing. Preferably, the packing comprises coiled zinc-galvanized steel chicken wire mesh packed in a sufficient density to act as a filter for said suspended particles. Dissolving the packing in a suitable acid will leave a precious metal-rich residue behind for subsequent recovery. When the brine is treated this process, the useful life of injection wells used to return cooled brine back to the geothrmal field is extended by at least about 3 times as compared to that observed with untreated brine.

Abstract: A process is provided for controlling the emission of hydrogen sulfide from, and the growth of living organisms in, steam condensate cooling towers and catch basins used in conjunction with steam and condensate of steam derived from hydrogen sulfide-containing geothermal brine. The process comprises contacting the condensate, in a substantially continuous manner, with a small, substantially less-than-stoichiometric amount of an oxidizing biocide, such as trichloro-isocyanuric acid or oxidizing biocide, such as trichloro-isocyanuric acid or 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin, which results in the oxidation of such hydrogen sulfide precursors as ammonium bisulfide in the condensate to a water-soluble sulfite and/or sulfate, and which slows the growth of organisms in the cooling tower and catch basin.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a fluid stream of condensed steam by addition of an iron chelate catalyst to oxidize H.sub.2 S to sulfur. The removal is carried out in a modified cooling tower where condensed steam is added to a recycled iron chelate liquid in a water collection tray for a period of time sufficient to oxidize the H.sub.2 S before the fluid stream is introduced to the cooling tower to remove sulfur.

Abstract: A process is provided for controlling the emission of nitrogen dioxide from, and the growth of living organisms in, steam condensate cooling towers and catch basins used in conjunction with steam and condensate of steam derived from ammonia and geothermal brine containing dissolved iron. The process comprises contacting the condensate, in a substantially continuous manner, with a small, substantially less-than-stoichiometric amount of an oxidizing biocide, such as trichloroisocyanuric acid or 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin, which results in the oxidation of said nitrite formed by activity of bacterial in the condensate to a non-reactive nitrate, and which slows the growth of said bacteria in the cooling tower and catch basin. The process additionally includes periodically introducing into the condensate with amounts of a second biocide, such as dodecylguanidine hydrochloride or isothiazalone, which provides most of the control or organism growth in the cooling tower and catch basin.

Abstract: An improved contaminant abatement process is disclosed which provides effective, cost efficient abatement of contaminants, and particularly hydrogen sulfide and sulfide ions, from geothermal power plant effluents. The process of the present invention is suitable for use with geothermal power plant effluent treatment systems having a primary hydrogen sulfide abatement system for removal of hydrogen sulfide from noncondensable gases, and a secondary hydrogen sulfide abatement system for removal of hydrogen sulfide from condensate. At least a portion of the condensate separated in the primary condenser is diverted for reinjection to the geothermal well prior to treatment in the secondary hydrogen sulfide abatement system. Diversion of at least a portion of the condensate comprising substantial amounts of hydrogen sulfide and sulfide ions reduces the cost of secondary hydrogen sulfide abatement, and reduces the costs involved in abatement of other contaminants.

Abstract: An integrated system for the derivation of useful energy from impure steam and/or use in connection therewith, said steam containing both hydrogen sulfide and an alkaline acting component, such as ammonia, while producing liquid-phase and gaseous-phase effluents from condensation of the impure steam and substantially reducing the emission of sulfur-containing compounds to the environment. Treatment of such effluents to selectively react or bind alkaline acting components in the liquid-phase results in an augmented concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the gaseous-phase and its depletion in the liquid-phase. The gaseous-phase comprising noncondensable gas contaminants and uncondensed water vapor is separated from the liquid-phase steam condensate and treated to remove hydrogen sulfide to produce an environmentally acceptable vent gas which may be discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for abating hydrogen sulfide during geothermal steam stacking operations is disclosed. The geothermal steam to be stacked is introduced into a geothermal steam stacking line. Ferric chelating solution is injected into the stacking line in an amount effective to convert the hydrogen sulfide in the steam to sulfur. The hydrogen sulfide-abated steam and chelating solution is vented through a rock muffler and the chelating solution is optionally recovered from the muffler, regenerated and recirculated to the injection step.

Abstract: Geothermal steam is condensed with a sulfite solution to abate hydrogen sulfide. A portion of the hydrogen sulfide is converted in the condensation in the presence of soluble cationic polymeric catalysts to soluble sulfur compounds while avoiding elemental sulfur and carbonate formation. The remainder of the hydrogen sulfide is incinerated and the sulfur dioxide in the incinerator effluent is absorbed in an alkaline solution to form the sulfites for the geothermal steam condensation. By maintaining stoichiometric ratios, the hydrogen sulfide is substantially converted to soluble thiosulfate without the use of chelates, peroxides or makeup sulfites.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treating a flow of hot, pressurized, hydrogen sulfide-containing geothermal steam, particularly a flow of high-energy, surplus steam substantially as produced from the ground. The apparatus comprises a first condenser in which most of the steam in the flow is condensed, and a first separator in which the steam condensate is separated from residual amounts of steam and non-condensable gases (including hydrogen sulfide). An after-cooler is provided for cooling the condensate to a disposal temperature of less than about 200.degree. F. before the condensate is discharged into a disposal well, the disposal temperature being such as to create a vacuum in the disposal well. A second condenser is provided in which is condensed a substantial amount of the steam in the mixture of residual steam and non-condensable gases, the condensate being separated from a mixture of residual steam and non-condensable gases in a second separator.

Abstract: Certain impure steams, especially those from geothermal sources, are polluted with hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, other gases, and finely divided particulate solid matter in a form resembling dust or smoke. These contaminants reduce the efficiency of the steam as a heat transfer fluid, are detrimental to equipment utilizing steam as an energy source, and result in environmental pollution or expensive requirements for limiting the same. Herein so polluted steam is selectively processed in the gaseous state to remove hydrogen sulfide therefrom, with or without removing other pollutants, to recover valuable materials therefrom, and to improve the utility of the steam as an energy source. This is done by contacting a flow of the steam with aqueous liquid reactant media comprising one or more reactive compounds of certain metals electropositive with respect to hydrogen. The valuable materials subsequently may be recovered from said media as useful byproducts. The reactant compounds may be recycled.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the deposition of metal-containing scales, such as iron silicate scale, from a hot, aqueous, geothermal brine or the like, without substantial corrosion of brine handling equipment. The brine is contacted with (1) an amount of an acid sufficient to reduce the pH of the brine between 0.1 and 0.5 unit and (2) a greater than stoichiometric amount of a reducing agent for reducing trivalent iron and manganese cations in a high temperature brine solution to divalent ions. An overall decrease in scale deposition, especially of iron silicate scale, is achieved while a silver-rich scale can be recovered from silver-containing brines.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing the total concentration of heavy metals, notably lead, copper and zinc, naturally occurring in silica-rich sludge precipitated from geothermal brine in a brine handling system such as a geothermal brine electric generating plant. The process includes washing the sludge with hot water to displace any brine entrapped in the sludge, dewatering the washed sludge and leaching the silicious solids residue with hydrochloric acid having a concentration of between about 2 and about 9 weight percent and an acid-to-sludge weight ratio between about 0.10 and about 0.33. The acid-sludge mixture is heated to a temperature of at least about 50.degree. and the leaching time is at least about one hour. The leaching solution is separated from the leached sludge and the solids residue are washed with water. Preferably the water used in both washing steps is condensate of steam derived from the geothermal brine. Effluent from the process is preferably combined with the brine for reinjection.

Abstract: Geothermal wells are drilled and the raw steam containing H.sub.2 S gas and debris that is released is treated with an aqueous solution containing ferric chelate and one or more water soluble cationic polymeric catalysts to remove substantially all of the H.sub.2 S and the debris is removed in a settling zone. The polymeric catalysts accelerate the oxidation of sulfide ions to sulfur solids.

Abstract: A process for the removal of H.sub.2 S from a fluid stream whereby the H.sub.2 S is converted to soluble sulfur compounds by treatment with a solution of ferric chelates containing an oxidizing agent and a water soluble cationic polymeric catalyst such as poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride).

Abstract: Certain impure steams, especially those from geothermal sources, are contaminated with gaseous substances such as hydrogen sulfide, ammomia, carbon dioxide, substances comprising boron, arsenic and mercury, other gases, as well as finely divided particulate solid matter in a form resembling dust or smoke. These contaminants reduce the efficiency of the steam as a heat transfer fluid and are detrimental to equipment utilizing steam as an energy source. Furthermore, discharges from the utilization of such impure steams result in pollution of the environment or necessitate expensive requirements for limiting the same. The present invention describes apparatus wherein so contaminated steam is selectively processed at superatmospheric pressure for removing one or more of said contaminants and, after reduction of its energy content by pressure reduction and/or condensation of the steam, gases substantially free of hydrogen sulfide are discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from saturated steam is described whereby the steam and hydrogen sulfide entrained therein are contacted under conditions of turbulent flow with hydrogen peroxide. The effectiveness of the process is improved by simultaneously contacting the steam with a basic reagent such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for preferentially oxidizing sulfide in a viscous, aqueous solution of a hydratable polymeric material suitable for use in hydraulically treating subterranean formations.

Abstract: Certain impure steams, especially those from geothermal sources, are polluted with hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, other gases, and finely divided particulate solid matter in a form resembling dust or smoke. These contaminants reduce the efficiency of the steam as a heat transfer fluid, are detrimental to equipment utilizing steam as an energy source, and result in environmental pollution or expensive requirements for limiting the same. Herein so polluted steam is selectively processed in the gaseous state to remove hydrogen sulfide therefrom, with or without removing other pollutants, to recover valuable materials therefrom, and to improve the utility of the steam as an energy source. This is done by contacting a flow of the steam with aqueous fluid reactant media comprising one or more reactive compounds of certain metals electropositive with respect to hydrogen. The valuable materials subsequently may be recovered from said media as useful byproducts. The reactant compounds may be recycled.

Abstract: An integrated system for the derivation of useful energy from impure steam and/or for use in connection therewith, said steam containing both hydrogen sulfide and an alkaline acting component, such as ammonia, while producing liquid-phase and gaseous-phase effluents from condensation of the impure steam and substantially reducing the emission of sulfur-containing compounds to the environment. Treatment of such effluents to selectively react or bind alkaline acting components in the liquid-phase results in an augmented concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the gaseous-phase and its depletion in the liquid-phase. The gaseous-phase comprising noncondensable gas contaminants and uncondensed water vapor is separated from the liquid-phase steam condensate and treated to remove hydrogen sulfide to produce an environmentally acceptable vent gas which the in part is employed in said treatment of the liquid-phase effluent.

Abstract: Fluid streams containing hydrogen sulfide from a steam turbine or from a sour gas stream are contacted with an aqueous solution of a polyvalent metal chelate and an oxidizing agent whereby the hydrogen sulfide is converted to free sulfur and then to soluble sulfur compounds. The metal chelate is reduced to a lower oxidation state metal chelate and reduced metal chelate is subsequently oxidized with air back to the higher oxidation state and reused.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from geothermal steam utilizes iron oxide supported by a carrier resistant to deterioration by the geothermal steam. The process includes the addition of an oxygen-containing gas to the geothermal steam before contacting the steam with the iron oxide at a temperature of at least about 300.degree. F. The amount of oxygen added to the geothermal steam is sufficient to make the molar ratio of oxygen-to-hydrogen sulfide in the steam to be at least about 10.