Abstract: Pollution reduction processes may be incorporated with, or retrofit to fit with, existing combustion processes to assist with the reduction of pollutants produced in the combustion process. The thermal treatment of oil shale in the pollution reduction process produces kerogen, shale sorbent particles, or mixtures thereof, which may be reacted with a pollutant-containing gas or pollutant-containing gas having particulate matter entrained therein to reduce the pollutants in the gas. Apparatuses employing the processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorbent honeycomb monoliths and other porous monoliths impregnated with alkaline and/or caustic salts of alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal. The impregnated monoliths have high adsorption capacity and low flow resistance, yet with minimized flammability, suitable for use in removal of acidic, malodorous and/or harmful gases.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a gas mixture which contains H2, H2S and possibly of other impurities, such as hydrocarbons. The treatment method is aimed at purifying the hydrogen mixture without incurring a overall pressure loss. The method according to the invention uses a device for pressure swing adsorption where the device includes an integrated compressor. In each adsorber of the device a pressure swing cycle is carried out which includes the steps of: adsorption, decompression, purge, and repressurization.

Abstract: An activated carbon-metal oxide matrix is disclosed. The activated carbon-metal oxide matrix may be obtained by a method including the steps of: preoxidizing a carbon material, grinding the preoxidized carbon material; mixing the ground preoxidized material with a metal oxide to form a carbon mixture; extruding the carbon mixture; carbonizing and activating the extrudate. The activated carbon-metal oxide matrix may be used to remove odorous compounds, acidic gases, and volatile organic compounds from a gas.

Abstract: An activated carbon/metal oxide filter element is disclosed. The filter element may be prepared by blending an activated carbon, a metal oxide, and a binder to form a filter media mixture, shaping the filter media mixture into a filter body. The filter body may be calcined to form a filter element. The activated carbon/metal oxide filter element may be used to remove odorous compounds, acidic gases, and volatile organic compounds from a gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of abating hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by or generated in landfills. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to contacting hydrogen sulfide gas with Fuller's earth or other carrier materials and metals such as silver, copper, iron, zinc or mixtures thereof, and other components.

Abstract: The invention relates to bodies for separating out a component contained in a gas mixture. The gas mixtures may, for example, be crude gases which contain hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, or exhaust gas. According to the object which is set, the bodies according to the invention are intended to be able to separate components out of gas mixtures over longer periods of time with an approximately constant performance. The body according to the invention has regions which are active in the separation and are formed from a porous shell. These bodies which have a porous shell can be used in a device, and at least one bed formed from a bulk mass of these bodies may be present within a vessel, with the gas mixture being passed through this bed in order for the undesired component to be separated out. The invention is particularly advantageously suited to separating sulfur compounds out of gas mixtures.

Abstract: A method of making an adsorbent which includes: a) thermally drying dewatered sewage sludge to form granulated organic fertilizer; b) treating the fertilizer with mineral oil; and c) pyrolyzing the treated fertilizer at temperatures between about 600° C. and about 1000° C. The disclosure is also directed to adsorbents made by this method and to the processes of removing acidic gas or gases from wet gas streams by putting an adsorbent in contact with the wet gas stream and allowing the adsorbent to adsorb the acidic gas or gases.

Abstract: New low-cost CO2 sorbents are provided that can be used in large-scale gas-solid processes. A new method is provided for making these sorbents that involves treating substrates with an amine and/or an ether so that the amine and/or ether comprise at least 50 wt. percent of the sorbent. The sorbent acts by capturing compounds contained in gaseous fluids via chemisorption and/or physisorption between the unit layers of the substrate's lattice where the polar amine liquids and solids and/or polar ether liquids and solids are located. The method eliminates the need for high surface area supports and polymeric materials for the preparation of CO2 capture systems, and provides sorbents with absorption capabilities that are independent of the sorbents' surface areas. The sorbents can be regenerated by heating at temperatures in excess of 35° C.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition containing a modified carbonaceous material capable of adsorbing an adsorbate is disclosed, wherein at least one organic group is attached to the carbonaceous material. Furthermore, methods to increase the adsorption capacity of a carbonaceous material capable of adsorbing an adsorbate and methods to adsorb an adsorbate using the above-described adsorbent composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: An activated carbon-metal oxide matrix is disclosed. The activated carbon-metal oxide matrix may by obtained by a method including the steps of: preoxidizing a carbon material, grinding the preoxidized carbon material; mixing the ground preoxidized material with a metal oxide to form a carbon mixture; extruding the carbon mixture; carbonizing and activating the extrudate. The activated carbon-metal oxide matrix may be used to remove odorous compounds, acidic gases, and volatile organic compounds from a gas.

Abstract: An activated carbon/metal oxide filter element is disclosed. The filter element may be prepared by blending an activated carbon, a metal oxide, and a binder to form a filter media mixture, shaping the filter media mixture into a filter body. The filter body may be calcined to form a filter element. The activated carbon/metal oxide filter element may be used to remove odorous compounds, acidic gases, and volatile organic compounds from a gas.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from contaminating streams, including the steps of providing an above ground stream comprising hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant, and positioning metal-containing nanoparticles having a particle size of less than or equal to about 100 nm in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: An adsorption method is disclosed for removal of acid gas from a sulfur compound stream. The method relates to a novel process to remove acid gas from a sulfur compound stream by adsorption on an adsorption media adsorbent followed by regeneration of the adsorption media after the adsorption capacity has been reached. The adsorption media comprises an activated alumina, which has been previously treated with one or more alkali metal compounds, one or more alkaline earth metal compounds, or a mixture thereof; and then regenerating the adsorbent after the adsorption capacity has been reached.

Abstract: Applicant has developed an improved adsorbent useful in removing contaminants from various air streams. The adsorbent contains a zeolite, an alumina and a metal component. The metal component is present in an amount at least 10 mol-% of the stoichiometric amount of metal (expressed as the oxide) needed to balance the negative charge of the zeolite lattice. In a specific application an adsorbent comprising zeolite X, alumina and sodium is used to purify an air stream in order to remove water, carbon dioxide and other impurities including hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The operating system of a gas engine accommodating to sour gas comprises a sour gas compressing and feeding part including a compressor 11 and a gas engine 12, a pre-membrane-treatment 13 for obtaining a compressed gas of proper temperature 13a removed of oil, solid mixture, etc. from the high pressure, high temperature sour gas 11a discharged from the compressor, a preceding step filter 18 for removing a minute amount of oil and water contained in the branched off gas 13b of the compressed gas of proper temperature 13a, a membrane separator for separating the gas from the filter 18 into sweet gas 21 and the hydrogen sulfide gas, and an adsorptive separator 20 through which sweet gas is obtained only at the time of starting of the compressor 11.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream wherein the filtering media consists essentially of calcined diatomite and between 5% and 30% by weight of ferric ions bonded to the calcined diatomite. This process is particularly efficient due to the fact that the removal of hydrogen sulfide from the gas stream is effected with a single pass adsorption performance of up to 45 mg of H2S per gram of filtering media. Other advantages include the fact that the process has the ability to remove H2S form a gaseous mixture, from a concentration of 30,000 ppm down to non-detectable levels in a single pass. Repeated in-situ regeneration of the filtering media has been proven to be a simple matter of blowing ambient air through the filtering media.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of gaseous sulfur compounds in gaseous streams. The gaseous stream is contacted with a sorber, e.g., zinc oxide, which is capable of sorbing the sulfur compounds under sulfur sorbing conditions. The sorber is present in the form of one or more layers on the surface of a monolith carrier, e.g., cordierite. The layers of the sorber have a total thickness of at least 3 g/in3 of the carrier. The process is especially useful for the removal of gaseous sulfur compounds such as H2S from gaseous streams.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from hydrocarbon streams, including the steps of providing a stream of hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant; the positioning metal-containing nanoparticles in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from consisting of H2S and CO2 from hydrocabon streams, including the steps of providing a stream of hydrocarbon containg the at least one contaminant; the positioning metal-containing nanoparticles in the streams, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combination thereof, whereby the nanoparticles absorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adsorbent comprising: a) 20-30% porous carbon with incorporated organic nitrogen species; and b) 70-80% inorganic matter. The invention is directed to a method of making an adsorbent which comprises: a) thermally drying dewatered sewage sludge to form granulated organic fertilizer; and b) pyrolyzing said the organic fertilizer at temperatures between 600 and 1000° C. The invention is additionally directed to the process of removing acidic gases from wet air streams comprising putting an adsorbent in contact with the wet air stream and allowing the adsorbent to adsorb the acidic gases.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a gaseous hydrogen flow containing one or more gaseous impurities from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, water vapor, nitrogen, H2S, chlorine, C1-C3 light alcohols, ammonia, carbon dioxide and linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated, C1-C8. The hydrogen flow is placed in contact with a porous carbonated adsorbent having an adsorption limit volume (W0) and an energy parameter of (E0) according to the Dubinin relationship, such that: 0.18 ml.g−1≦W0≦1.50 ml.g−1 and 15 kJ.mole−1≦E0≦45 kJ.mole−1. The porous carbonated adsorbent is selected from active carbons. The gas rich in hydrogen is a reforming gas, an electrolysis gas, a gas from ammonia cracking or from alcohol cracking.

Abstract: A device for removing contaminants from a natural gas stream is provided. The device comprises a first adsorbent positioned within a first fluidized bed operating at a first predetermined temperature for removing at least a portion of the contaminants from the natural gas stream and creating a partially sweetened natural gas stream. A second adsorbent is positioned within a second fluidized bed operating at a second predetermined temperature for receiving the partially sweetened natural gas stream with the second adsorbent removing at least a portion of the contaminants from the partially sweetened natural gas stream. Furthermore, a conversion apparatus can be provided for converting H2S within the removed contaminants to elemental sulfur and hydrogen at a third predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a sorbent composition having an attrition-resistant coating suitable for use in the removal of hydrogen sulfide from sulfur-containing fluid streams. Also disclosed is a process for removing hydrogen sulfide from sulfur-containing fluid streams and a sorbent composition suitable for use in such process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of improved active charcoal exhibiting a high resistance to sulphur-comprising products, such as H2S, COS and mercaptans; to the improved active charcoal thus obtained; and to a process for the purification of a gas stream comprising sulphur-comprising compounds. The gas to be treated is air, nitrogen, hydrogen produced by reforming or cracking of alcohols, of ammonia or of hydrocarbons, natural gas, combustion gas or fermentation gas.

Abstract: A method for delivering a gas having a proton affinity of less than 866 kJ/mol is disclosed. A support including at least one polymer sufficiently acidic to protonate the gas is contacted with the gas to protonate the gas. The protonated gas condenses to form a solid salt which is sorbed by the support. The gas is dispensed by deprotonating the sorbed solid salt to regenerate said gas. The at least one polymer of the support has a first Hammett acidity value greater than a second Hammett acidity value of a conjugate acid of the gas. Also provided is an apparatus for performing the method. The invention is especially useful for storing, transporting and delivering hazardous gases, such as arsine and phosphine. The polymer can be polymeric sulfonic acids, polymeric perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids, fluorinated sulfonic acid polymers, cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene-divinylbenzene macroreticular copolymers, carboxylic acid polymers, halogenated carboxylic acid functionalized polymers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a process is provided which overcomes historical limitations to the capacity of PSA units for a wide variety of gas separations. Capacities in excess of about 110 thousand normal cubic meters per hour (100 million standard cubic feet per day) can now be achieved in a single integrated process train. The corresponding significant equipment reduction results from a departure from the accepted principle in the PSA arts that the length of the purge step must be equal to or less than the length of the adsorption step.

Abstract: A process for recovering volatile, generally bad smelling low molecular, low polar substances called VLC, contained in gas streams, by capturing the same by in contacting the gaseous environment with a calixarene or a resorcinol calixarene present in the form of particles, granules, as a coating or impregnation on or in a solid support, or as an organic or aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur-containing compounds and halocarbons such as fluorocarbons and chlorocarbons from gases to provide gas streams which contain these compounds at unprecedentedly low levels using an adsorption train of four beds has been developed. The first bed serves to remove water, the second and third beds remove sulfur-containing compounds generally, and the fourth adsorbent bed removes sulfur-containing compounds and halocarbons such as chlorocarbons and fluorocarbons to very low levels.

Abstract: The production of naphtha gas from landfill gas is preferably accomplished through a gas purification step, a catalytic conversion of methane gas to hydrogen gas, and a blending step in which various process streams are blended to produce the naphtha gas stream. The landfill gas stream is first treated through a gas purification/separation procedure to produce a substantially pure methane stream. The purified methane stream is then split into at least two portions. The first portion is fed into a hydrogen reformer and a shift reactor, where the methane gas is converted into a hydrogen-bearing stream which includes hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The second portion of the stream is preferably fed into a mixer. In the mixer, the pure methane stream, the hydrogen-bearing stream and a portion of the purified landfill gas stream are preferably blended together to form a naphtha gas stream.

Abstract: The invention discloses a filtering device (1) for neutralizing volatile bad smells present in the atmosphere or carried by a flow of gas (5). The device comprises at least a layer (3) of natural zeolite material of set thickness impregnated with an aqueous solution with, for 100 parts by weight of zeolite, about 5 to about 20 parts by weight of the aqueous solution. This aqueous solution comprises for 1000 parts by weight of water, between about 1 part and about 20 parts by weight of a composite mixture comprising, for one part of ammonium ions or equivalent, one part of at least of one perfuming and/or deodorising composition.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system, comprising: a fluid storage and dispensing vessel constructed and arranged for selective dispensing of fluid therefrom; a solid-phase support in the vessel; and an affinity medium on the solid-phase support, wherein the affinity medium reversibly takes up the fluid when contacted therewith, and from which the fluid is disengagable under dispensing conditions. The affinity medium may be a liquid, oil, gel, or solid (porous solid, thin film solid, or bulk solid). The system of the invention may be employed for the storage and dispensing of fluids such as hydride, halide and dopant gases for manufacturing of semiconductor products.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: An improved filtration media, method of preparing the media, and method of treating a fluid stream with the media are disclosed. The improved media comprises a substrate having elevated levels of permanganate and water in one embodiment. More specifically, the improved media comprises a porous substrate impregnated with at least approximately 5% permanganate, and at least approximately 10% water, by weight. In another embodiment, the media further comprises sodium bicarbonate. Improved efficiency of removal of undesirable compounds such as hydrogen sulfide is achieved.

Abstract: SF.sub.6 gas is collected from the inside of a gas insulated machine during maintenance and inspection and is refined. Compositions of the refined SF.sub.6 gas are analyzed and confirmed to be reusable at the site. In the process of SF.sub.6 gas collecting and refining, acidic gases are neutralized and removed by a dry method using filters and the refined SF.sub.6 gas is collected in a collecting tank. In particular, after the refining, the composition of the collected SF.sub.6 gas is measured and confirmed by analysis equipment to quantitatively confirm whether or not the refined SF.sub.6 gas is reusable.

Abstract: The effluent gas stream from anaerobic waste water treatment digesters is treated to remove trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants. The chemical equation involved relies on the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with oxygen to form water plus elemental sulfur. The removal system includes a variable control line for adding air to the effluent gas stream; a filter for removing solids, entrained liquids and bacteria from the oxygen-enriched gas stream; a blower for directing the filtered gas stream into a potassium promoted activated carbon bed wherein the above chemical reaction takes place; and sensors for measuring the content of oxygen and hydrogen sulfide at the entrance and exit of the activated carbon bed. When the hydrogen sulfide content of the exiting gas stream exceeds a predetermined level, the amount of air added to the gas stream is increased until the predetermined level of hydrogen sulfide is achieved in the exiting gas stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating one constituent, especially carbon dioxide, from a fluid mixture, such as natural gas. The fluid mixture flows through an adsorbent member having an affinity for molecules of the one constituent, the molecules being adsorbed on the adsorbent member. A voltage is applied to the adsorbent member, the voltage imparting a current flow which causes the molecules of the one constituent to be desorbed from the adsorbent member.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and recycling protective atmosphere for a float glass facility wherein contaminated protective atmosphere is cooled, preferably while scrubbing out particulates, compressed, and then purified by passage through a bed comprising water selective and hydrogen sulfide selective adsorbents.

Abstract: The effluent gas stream from anaerobic waste water treatment digesters is treated to remove trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants. The chemical equation involved relies on the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with oxygen to form water plus elemental sulfur. The removal system includes a variable control line for adding air to the effluent gas stream; a filter for removing solids, entrained liquids and bacteria from the oxygen-enriched gas stream; a blower for directing the filtered gas stream into a potassium promoted activated carbon bed wherein the above chemical reaction takes place; and sensors for measuring the content of oxygen and hydrogen sulfide at the entrance and exit of the activated carbon bed. When the hydrogen sulfide content of the exiting gas stream exceeds a predetermined level, the amount of air added to the gas stream is increased until the predetermined level of hydrogen sulfide is achieved in the exiting gas stream.

Abstract: Applicant has discovered a new zeolite containing composition and a process for preparing the same. The composition is unique in that the zeolite crystals making up one layer of the composition pack in a manner such that the composition is essentially continuous with no large scale voids even when the zeolite layer is <10 .mu.m thick. Thus, the present invention is directed toward a composition comprised of a porous substrate and a layer of zeolite crystals wherein said layer of zeolite crystals is a polycrystalline layer with at least 99% of said zeolite crystals having at least one point between adjacent crystals that is .ltoreq.20 .ANG. and wherein at least 90% of said crystals have widths of from about 0.2 to about 100 microns (preferably about 2 to about 50 microns) and wherein at least 75% of said crystals have a thickness of within 20% of the average crystal thickness. Preferably the composition has at most 1 Volume % voids in the zeolite layer. Use of the composition is also described.

Abstract: Industrial grade carbon dioxide may contain unacceptable amounts of sulfur-containing materials, oxygen, and organic materials particularly detrimental to food-related uses of CO.sub.2. These can be effectively removed by a bed of silver-exchanged faujasite and an MFI-type molecular sieve. This permits an on-site, on-demand method of purifying CO.sub.2 ranging from laboratory to tank car seals.

Abstract: A process for coating zeolite crystals with paraffin, a wax other than paraffin, a fat or oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil. Preferably, the crystals are dehydrated until they have about 5% moisture content, and are then mixed with paraffin to produce paraffin-coated zeolite crystals having a desired content of paraffin. When the coated zeolite crystals are used for removing benzene from contaminated water, their paraffin content is preferably about 8% (by weight). Other embodiments are methods for using zeolite coated with paraffin, another wax, a fat, an oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and a wax, fat, or oil to filter a contaminant from contaminated liquid or gas. The zeolite crystals are optionally impregnated with a chemical such as permanganate before they are coated with the desired wax, fat, oil or mixture. A zeolite crystal having pores coated with wax, fat, oil, or a mixture of at least one QAC and wax, fat, or oil is within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of natural gas that contains an odorant at a storage site is described, with this process including a storage phase and a draw-down phase which involve at least two adsorbers A and B and in which, during the storage phase, the odorant is extracted from the gas and, during the draw-down phase; the water and H.sub.2 S that are contained in the gas are extracted.

Abstract: A process is provided for selectively removing acid gases from a gas mixture by contacting said gas mixture with an anion exchange resin containing quaternary ammonium functionalities and moderately basic counteranions. The absorption process is reversible and the absorbent can be regenerated using an inert gas purge or by applying a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing and incinerating sulfur from tail gas being emitted from a Claus Recovery Sulfur Unit (SRU) or a Tail Gas Clean-up Unit (TGCU) is provided. The gas is processed in a Z-Sorb.TM. type sulfur absorber wherein the off-gas, after the hydrogen sulfide is removed, is combusted and used as a regenerative gas for a second absorber, that has been used to sorb hydrogen sulfide out of a gas, so as to release sulfur dioxide from the second absorber--in lieu of "process to substantially convert the hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide, toward precluding the need for combustion of the hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for filtration of air within enclosed spaces. Improvement is achieved by the use of a high-temperature carbonaceous char that is catalytically active for the removal of certain undesirable constituents from contaminated air under ambient temperature conditions. This carbonaceous char is used as an air filtration medium and incorporated into an air filtration device by any of a number of technologies. Such devices may be used for removal of contaminants such as NO.sub.x, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.x, SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, mercaptans, light aliphatic gases such as butane and propane and other compounds such as benzene, hexane, toluene, xylene, amines and the like from enclosed or confined structures such as buildings or vehicles including automobiles, aircraft, trucks, farm equipment, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the hydrogen sulfide concentration in an acid gas stream and the hydraulic loading of a sulfur recovery unit of the type having an absorber for contacting a sour gas stream with an absorbent, a regenerator for regenerating the absorbent to form an acid gas stream and a recycle system. Embodiments using multiple absorbers and/or multiple regenerators are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for removal of contaminate(s) from a gas stream in an oil or gas refinery using an absorber-regenerator process wherein a portion of the contaminate rich overhead gas from the regenerator is utilized to increase the partial pressure of the contaminate at the absorber so as to enhance selective absorption of the contaminate(s).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for filtration of air within enclosed spaces. Improvement is achieved by the use of a high-temperature carbonaceous char that is catalytically active for the removal of certain undesirable constituents from contaminated air under ambient temperature conditions. This carbonaceous char is used as an air filtration medium and incorporated into an air filtration device by any of a number of technologies. Such devices may be used for removal of contaminants such as NO.sub.x, NO.sub.2, SO.sub.x, SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, mercaptans, light aliphatic gases such as butane and propane and other compounds such as benzene, hexane, toluene, xylene, amines and the like from enclosed or confined structures such as buildings or vehicles including automobiles, aircraft, trucks, farm equipment, and the like.