And Recycle Or Reuse Of Contact Liquid For Further Contact Patents (Class 95/187)
  • Patent number: 6849105
    Abstract: Prior to passing through pumping apparatus effluent gas containing hydrocarbons is subjected to washing by being sprayed with aromatic type oil in oil-recirculating washing apparatus. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contained in the effluent gas are trapped by being absorbed in the oil. The method is suitable for treating effluent gas coming from an installation for chemical vapor deposition or infiltration using a reagent gas containing a precursor for pyrolytic carbon, or else coming from a cementation installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Yvan Baudry, Jean-Pierre Lambert, Bernard Delperier, Jean-François Potin
  • Patent number: 6780223
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas containing volatile organic compounds. The method includes the steps of: introducing an exhaust gas into a wet scrubber, so that the organic pollutants in the exhaust gas are absorbed by a scrubbing water; pumping the scrubbing water containing the organic pollutants into at least one oxidation tank, thereby causing oxidation reaction between the organic pollutants and an oxidizing agents containing ozone; and introducing the scrubbing water after the oxidation reaction into the wet scrubber. The oxidizing agent further comprises hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Shu-Sung Lin, Hsin-Hsien Wu, Ching-Chih Lai
  • Publication number: 20040118280
    Abstract: A gas reduction apparatus 12 is provided for reducing the amount of gas 15 emitted from a cooling tower 10 into the atmosphere. The apparatus 12 in accordance with the principles of this invention includes a first air conduit 13 which collects the gas 15 and chemical particles therein released from the cooling tower 10 before they are released into the atmosphere. The conduit 13 then provides a path for the gas 15 and chemical particles formed therein to flow to a liquefier 16. The liquefier 16 converts the gas 15 to a liquid 17. A filter 32 is coupled adjacent the liquefier 16 to separate the chemical particles released into the liquefier from the liquid 17 formed in the liquefier. The liquid 17 is then directed through an outlet conduit 34 to a cooling tower reservoir 36 where it finds itself back into the cooling tower 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Larry B. Tinguee
  • Patent number: 6740226
    Abstract: In a hydrocracking unit, the flash gases from the high-pressure separator are fed to the bottom of an absorption zone where the entering gases are counter-currently contacted with a lean solvent. The lean solvent absorbs away the contained methane, ethane, propane, butanes and pentanes (C1+) from the contained hydrogen. The overhead gas stream from the absorption zone typically contains hydrogen at a purity of 90 to 98 mol %, or even higher, which is fed to the recycle gas stream to provide hydrogen purity in the range of 96 to 99 mol %, thereby providing an increase in the overall efficiency of the hydroprocessor unit. The process can also be employed with hydrotreating, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodealkylation reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yuv Raj Mehra, Ali Hassan Al-Abdulal
  • Publication number: 20040055463
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6635094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the recovery of elemental carbon or soot produced during the partial oxidation reaction of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel and oxygen. An effluent stream of raw synthesis gas or syngas with entrained carbon soot is produced during the partial oxidation reaction. A filter cake (2) is fed to a receiving bin (10) and then to a lockhopper (14) where the wet filter cake is pressurized. Wet filter cake/oil feed mixture from lockhopper (14) is fed through line (38) to knockout vessel (44) wherein oil and water vapor exit (50) to a gasifier. An oil feed/particulate carbon mixture exits lockhopper (14) through lines (66) and (70) to oil feed storage drum (26), fed by oil feed (24), and exits water-free mixture of oil and solids (76) to a gasifier reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick C. Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6623537
    Abstract: The raw syngas generated in a partial oxidation gasifier also includes carbon soot which is removed and recovered from the syngas by scrubbing with water. The scrubbing water contains one or more high temperature surfactants which allow greater soot concentrations in the water-scrubbing quench zone of the gasifier. The carbon soot is separated from the scrubbing water with the aid of a scrubbing oil. The separation of the carbon soot from the scrubbing water is enhanced with the aid of one or more surfactants that render the soot particles hydrophobic and oleophilic. The recovered carbon soot is ultimately recycled to the gasifier to recover the energy value of the carbon during the partial oxidation reaction. The overall energy efficiency of the gasification process can be increased by removing all or a significant portion of the water from the soot mixture before recycling the soot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick C. Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6602423
    Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is educted into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. The gas is educted into the column independently of the input flow of solvent into the solvent using a pumparound arrangement with the solvent. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The foam passes through concentrators which increase the residency time of the foam in the column to further dry the foam and to create larger bubbles. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is recirculated for injection into the column even after foaming has stopped. The foaming contaminants are concentrated at the surface level of the solvent in the column. These contaminants are removed from the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen A. von Phul
  • Publication number: 20030132138
    Abstract: In a hydrocracking unit, the flash gases from the high-pressure separator are fed to the bottom of an absorption zone where the entering gases are counter-currently contacted with a lean solvent. The lean solvent absorbs away the contained methane, ethane, propane, butanes and pentanes (C1+) from the contained hydrogen. The overhead gas stream from the absorption zone typically contains hydrogen at a purity of 90 to 98 mol %, or even higher, which is fed to the recycle gas stream to provide hydrogen purity in the range of 96 to 99 mol %, thereby providing an increase in the overall efficiency of the hydroprocessor unit. The process can also be employed with hydrotreating, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodealkylation reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Yuv Raj Mehra, Ali Hassan Al-Abdulal
  • Publication number: 20020180070
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit (10) comprising a chamber (4) for contacting liquid and fumes, means (10, 12) for distributing liquid into said chamber (4), a circuit (14) feeding the distributing means (10, 12) with liquid, comprising in particular a pump (16), a safety liquid reserve (10 arranged at a level higher than that of said chamber (4) and means for transferring (22, 26) said liquid by gravity, from the reserve to the feeding circuit. The transfer means (22, 26) are adapted to enable the liquid to flow in both ascending and descending directions, said flow being constantly possible in at least one of the two directions and occurring in one direction or the other depending on pressure conditions prevailing in the feeder circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jacques Woillez, Fabrice Gourmelon
  • Patent number: 6398849
    Abstract: A process deals with gaseous by-products and tarry materials during formation of sol-gel bodies. Gaseous products from a dehydroxylation reactor pass into a gas-fluid contactor. During the early stages of heat treatment, an aqueous acid solution is recirculated through the contactor to trap basic and/or water soluble organic gaseous materials. The resultant solution and non-condensing gases pass into a reservoir. Volatile, undissolved organics exit from the reservoir with non-condensing reactor gases and are treated. Once the organics have burned out of the sol-gel body, recirculation of the aqueous acid solution is ceased, and the gas-fluid contactor is flushed. The water flow is then ceased and dry nitrogen is provided to the contactor. During the next stage of the sol-gel heat treatment, gaseous products from the dehydroxylation reactor pass through the contactor into the caustic scrubber. Once the heat treatment is complete, the contactor is flushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Carol Green, David A Mixon, Eric M Monberg
  • Patent number: 6358399
    Abstract: A process and a device for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column (7) by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, liquid phase (12) that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (70) where the solvent is regenerated. The solvent is cooled and recycled at the top of absorption column (7). The C2+ hydrocarbons are collected at the top, and a condensed liquid phase is distilled in a second distillation column (77) to recover a C2 fraction that consists of ethane and ethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Ari Minkkinen, Jean-Hervé Le Gal, Pierre Marache
  • Patent number: 6340429
    Abstract: A process for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, the liquid phase that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (16). Ethane-ethylene mixture (17) is drawn off laterally from the column, and a phase (19) that contains the solvent and hydrocarbons with at least 3 carbon atoms is drawn off at the bottom of the column. This phase (19) is separated in a second distillation column (22), and C3+ hydrocarbons and, at the bottom of the column, regenerated solvent (26) that is cooled and that is recycled (9, 52) in the absorption column are collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Ari Minkkinen, Jean-Hervé Le Gal, Pierre Marache
  • Patent number: 6334886
    Abstract: A process is provided for removing CO2 and/or H2S from a gas mixture containing as impurities CO2 and/or H2S and at least one other impurity selected from the group consisting of a cyanide and ammonia. The process includes contacting at least a portion of the reflux stream from the overhead vapor from a stripping column of an acid gas removal solvent (i.e., alkanolamine) treatment plant with an anion exchange resin to remove corrosive impurities. The ion-exchanged reflux stream is then recycled to the top of the stripping column or into the bulk circulating acid gas removal solvent (i.e., alkanolamine) passing from the bottom of the stripping column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Richard Barnes, Jr., Arthur Daniel Bixler
  • Patent number: 6325983
    Abstract: A treatment system for process exhaust streams containing NOx. The system includes a plurality of sequential scrubbing assemblies that collectively receive and contact a process exhaust stream containing NOx and a water stream to produce a product exhaust stream with a concentration of NOx that is below a determined threshold value. The removed NOx forms a portion of a system waste liquid stream that includes a majority of the NOx removed from the process exhaust stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Bomber, Allen R. Boyce, Debasish Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 6245128
    Abstract: A process for the reclamation of spent aqueous alkanolamine solutions by contacting a spent aqueous alkanolamine solution with a strong base ion exchange resin for time sufficient to sorb from the aqueous alkanolamine solution at least a portion of the accumulated ions and after a high concentration of ions accumulate on the resin, regenerating the strong base ion exchange resin by: a) purging the resin with water or nitrogen, b) contacting the strong base ion exchange resin with a sodium chloride solution for a time sufficient to remove the ions, c) purging the resin to remove the sodium chloride solution, d) contacting the resin with an alkali metal hydroxide solution, preferably sodium hydroxide, for a time sufficient to convert the resin to a substantially hydroxide form; and e) purging the resin, wherein the ion sorption capacity of the resin is maintained at a substantially constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph T. George, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6179901
    Abstract: Hydrogen fluoride production apparatus removes phosphate rock dust from a hot gas mixture exhausted from a phosphate rock defluorination kiln; cools the hot gas mixture in a heat exchanger to a low enough temperature that it can be brought into contact with acid-resistant polymeric materials without destroying them; uses a water spray scrubber for further cooling the gas and absorbing the fluoride values as HF-rich liquor; and pumps the HF liquor to a holding tank. One such plant uses a gas tube steam boiler as the heat exchange and has several series-connected scrubbers to extract the fluorine values from the kiln exhaust so that the residual gas mixture can be exhausted into the atmosphere without exceeding permissible fluorine value levels. In this arrangement water is fed into the scrubber furthest from the boiler to extract HF from the process gas, and an HF-laden process liquor is fed out of the furthest scrubber into the second furthest scrubber, where it is sprayed into the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Louis J. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6174440
    Abstract: The invention is a device for processing a fluid F comprising at least one fraction A to be separated, the fraction to be separated being soluble in a solvent phase. The device includes at least one delivery for the fluid F to be processed; at least one delivery for the solvent phase; at least one two-phase compression device providing homogenization of the fluid F and the solvent phase which dissolves most of the fraction A in the solvent phase and produces a mixture of a solution F1 comprising of solvent phase S and the fraction A dissolved in the solvent phase, and of a fluid F1 which has been depleted of most of the fraction A; and a separation device coupled to an output of the at least one two-phase compression device which discharges respectively solution F1 comprising the solvent phase and the fraction A dissolved in the solvent phase and fluid F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Yves Charron, Alexandre Rojey
  • Patent number: 6174498
    Abstract: An odor control system and method for removing unwanted odorous airborne constituents in which the gas stream is flowed through a compact, boxlike housing having a plurality of sequentially communicating treatment chambers. Gas stream pretreatment is accomplished in a first chamber, in fluid communication with a sump, as the gas flows through a packed bed wetted by suitable chemical reagents. After pretreatment, the gas stream is passed through downstream chambers, also utilizing wetted packed beds. These chambers are in fluid communication with a second, separate sump. Because of the first chamber/separate sump combination, influent gas treatment, by stages, can be accomplished. In this manner, different, contemporaneous chemical treatments are possible, within the single housing, with different chemical reagents utilized as needed. Such treatments are possible even in cases where otherwise incompatible chemical reagents are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: US Filter/RJ Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Roop C. Jain, Martin Scanlan
  • Patent number: 6063163
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an inexpensive co-current and counter-current gas dehydration system, contactor apparatus, and operating method is provided which does not result in a need to clean equipment on a frequent basis. More specifically, there is provided a dehydration system, contactor apparatus, and method for removing water from a stream of wet natural gas which minimizes formation or iron sulfide scale within the contactor apparatus to maintain sufficient water removal capacity and to reduce operator cleanup and construction expenses. The instant invention improves the utilization of the water absorbing capabilities of glycol by using partially water laden glycol extracted from the central portion of the contactor apparatus in a co-current flow with wet natural gas to maximize the operating efficiency of the contactor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Amerada Hess Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Carmody
  • Patent number: 6019818
    Abstract: Quenching and scrubbing are accomplished simultaneously in a single downflow apparatus which functions both as an adiabatic quencher and a packed bed scrubber. A special feature of the quencher/scrubber is a hot-cool interface which is effective in controlling corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: G.F.K. Consulting, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerhard F. Knapp
  • Patent number: 6017384
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement in which the nozzles have a scrubber, especially for flow gas desulfurization, are laid in accordance with the following: (a) liquid concentrations of a component to be absorbed from a gas stream scrubbed in the column are measured above a plane of the nozzle assembly at N locations of a grid of equal area elements of a cross section of the column; (b) the N concentration values are compared with a predetermined value; (c) upon deviation of a measured concentration value from the predetermined value, a position of at least one of the nozzles is varied by selection of a length and location of an intermediate pipe section connecting the one of the nozzles to a respective branch pipe laterally thereon; and (d) repeating (a) through (c) until the concentration values measured above the plane are approximately equal except for at a wall region of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Lurgi Lentjes Bischoff GmbH
    Inventor: Theo Risse
  • Patent number: 6017383
    Abstract: A system and method for removing a contaminant from a carrier gas is provided including the steps of: introducing a liquid into a fluid conduit, wherein the liquid is characterized by a first fluid flow rate and wherein the conduit is arranged to define a conduit periphery that completely encloses fluids within the conduit; introducing a carrier gas and a contaminant into the fluid conduit, wherein the carrier gas is characterized by a second fluid flow rate; arranging the fluid conduit to define an inclined conduit section and establishing the first fluid flow rate and the second fluid flow rate such that a succession of moving slugs are created in the inclined conduit section of the fluid conduit; providing an outlet flow of a third fluid downstream of the succession of moving slugs, wherein the third fluid includes the carrier gas; providing an outlet flow of a fourth fluid downstream of the succession of moving slugs, wherein the fourth fluid includes a combination of the liquid and at least a portion of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: William P. Jepson
  • Patent number: 6007604
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for a scrubbing column for a flue gas in desulfurization, in which the scrubbing column has a sump, a baffle-free zone above the sump and a nozzle arrangement above the absorption zone. The nozzles, preferably by selective connection of intermediate pipe sections are connected to a branch pipe system extending from a distributor. Flow density profiles are formed in predetermined cross sectional planes of the scrubbing column by the spray cones of the nozzles. In each of these cross sectional planes, the flow density profiles of different spray cones are superimposed on one another. The flow density profiles of different cross sectional planes are superimposed upon projection of them onto a one of the planes to form a flow density complete profile in this one plane over the entire cross section of the scrubbing column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lurgi Lentjes Bischoff GmbH
    Inventor: Theo Risse
  • Patent number: 5928413
    Abstract: This invention provides a flue gas treating system and process which include a counterflow absorption tower and which can reduce the ammonia concentration in the treated flue gas to a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Ochi, Kiyoshi Okazoe, Toru Takashina
  • Patent number: 5871563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of an inert gas by subjecting the inert gas to a sorption treatment, especially gas scrubs. The invention comprises compressing the inert gas to a higher pressure before the sorption treatment, performing the sorption treatment at this higher pressure, and then expanding the purified inert gas. The advantages of the process of the invention can be seen to be essentially that, for example, streams of waste air which contain as impurities volatile solvents such as methyl chloride, isopropyl chloride, or dichloromethane, can be cleaned up with low consumption of energy and scrubbing liquid. Correspondingly, the equipment can have smaller dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Roth, Regina Witt, Joachim Burschapers, Norbert Schadler
  • Patent number: 5851265
    Abstract: A process for the selective removal and recovery of sulfur dioxide from effluent gases is disclosed. The sulfur dioxide is recovered in a sulfur dioxide absorption/desorption cycle which utilizes a liquid solvent to selectively absorb sulfur dioxide from the effluent gas. The liquid solvent includes an organic phosphorous compound selected from phosphate triesters, phosphonate diesters, phosphinate monoesters and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid solvent includes phosphonate diesters of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently aryl or C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl. The organic phosphonate diesters are substantially water immiscible, the solubility of water in the organic phosphonate diester being less than about 10 weight percent at 25.degree. C., and have a vapor pressure less than about 1 Pa at 50.degree. C. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the liquid solvent include dibutyl butyl phosphonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Burmaster, Donald R. McAlister
  • Patent number: 5846299
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from the exhaust stacks of a bread-baking oven is achieved by passing the stack emissions through an adiabatic humidifier where the emissions are humidified to near saturation. The unevaporated water content of the humidifier is collected for separation of the ethanol content. The humidified emissions are passed from the humidifier to the vaporization chamber of a heat exchanger where the gas content of the humidified emissions is separated from the moisture content thereof, and the moisture content is collected for recovery of the ethanol content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Conserve Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton F. Pravda
  • Patent number: 5756058
    Abstract: Impurities such as halides and ammonia are efficiently removed from a gas containing Sox at a high concentration without any substantial addition of fresh water in a process for purifying a sulfur oxides-containing gas. The process involves passing a gas containing sulfur oxides and impurities at a high concentration successively through a first washing column and thence through a second washing column, thereby water washing the gas through the two washing columns to remove the impurities from the gas. The first washing column is operated so that the outlet temperature of the gas from the first washing column is at a temperature at which the gas can have a maximum water content or a temperature near this temperature, and the second washing column is operated such that the outlet temperature of the gas from the second washing column at least 20.degree. C. lower than the outlet temperature of the gas from the first washing column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Watanabe, Hiromi Tanaka, Kouji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5720926
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a contaminant from a gas effluent. The apparatus comprises an absorption tower in which is placed a suitable packing where the gas effluent and contaminant-absorbing liquid contact one another. A recirculation path transfers spent contaminant-absorbing liquid to the top of the tower allowing the liquid to effect a new contaminant-removal cycle. Reagent is introduced in the recirculation path to refresh the contaminant-absorbing liquid. A dual-controller system dynamically varies the amount of reagent introduced in the recirculation path in accordance with the amount of contaminant in the gas effluent. A master controller calculates a reagent concentration set-point. The set-point is communicated to a slave controller that meters reagent in the recirculation path according to the set-point value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Environair S.I.P.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Whipp, Denis Chouinard, Josee Ethier, Benoit Roy, Veronique Roy, Belhocine Benallal
  • Patent number: 5681470
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating a gaseous medium polluted with volatile organic solvents to produce a purified gaseous medium and a separate methane-rich and combustible gas. The method involves wet-scrubbing the gaseous medium with a liquid stream in a countercurrent wet scrubber to produce a purified gaseous medium and a separate liquid stream loaded with the volatile organic solvents; channelling the liquid stream loaded with the volatile organic solvents to an anaerobic bioreactor consisting of a sealed vessel containing a biomass having methanogenic bacteria adapted to transform the volatile organic solvents into a methane-rich and combustible gas and a separate liquid stream output substantially free of the volatile organic solvents; recovering the methanerich and combustible gas by collecting the gas from the anaerobic bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Societe de Recherche SNC Inc.
    Inventor: Bechara Safi
  • Patent number: 5676716
    Abstract: An apparatus to mix a slurry mixture with an oxidization air within a reaction tank of a wet scrubber spray tower of a flue gas desulfurization system for a furnace. The apparatus improves the contact between forced oxidization air and slurry mixture within the reaction tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Wadie F. Gohara, Kevin J. Rogers, Fred C. Owens, II, Steven Feeney
  • Patent number: 5667558
    Abstract: A scrubber apparatus and controller includes an outlet gas sensor, and a processor operatively connected to the outlet gas sensor and a treatment chemical supply pump for controlling a level of treatment chemical in scrubbing solution responsive to the sensed undesired constituent, such as hydrogen sulfide and/or other odorous gases associated with wastewater. Accordingly, the controller enhances reduction of the undesired constituent in the gas being treated and while conserving consumption of treatment chemical. To enhance the operating life of the outlet and inlet gas sensors, the processor preferably only periodically exposes the gas sensors to gas, and also periodically supplies purging air to the gas sensors. The controller preferably includes an environmentally resistant housing containing the processor means and the outlet gas sensor. In addition, the inlet gas sensor is also preferably included to provide feed forward control and also to provide a log of both inlet and outlet gas readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Adapco, Inc.
    Inventors: Avron Bryan, Darrel Resch
  • Patent number: 5667651
    Abstract: A scrubber apparatus and controller include a gas sensor, and processor for controlling treatment of gas responsive to the sensed undesired constituent so as to enhance reduction of the undesired constituent. The processor further determines a sensor fault and may generate an alarm signal responsive to the sensor fault. The gas sensor is preferably an electrochemical cell comprising an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes associated with the electrolyte. A sensor fault may be determined based upon an impedance of the electrolyte and the pair of electrodes. In addition, the electrochemical cell may include a gas permeable membrane and a pair of electrodes on opposing sides of the membrane to permit determination of damage to the membrane based upon an impedance measurement using the pair of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Avron Bryan
  • Patent number: 5660615
    Abstract: Exhaust gas is brought into contact with a washing liquid chiefly consisting of water in at least two washing stages. In the last washing stage, fresh water and/or a washing liquid containing fresh water is sprayed into the exhaust gas. In the penultimate washing stage, the exhaust gas is brought in contact with a circulating aqueous salt solution, which contains substances supplied by the exhaust gas. In the penultimate washing stage, the exhaust gas is passed through a washing zone at temperatures in the range from 30.degree. to 150.degree. C., where the quantity of aqueous salt solution passed into the washing zone per Nm.sup.3 exhaust gas flowing through the washing zone is 0.1 to 10 liters. The exhaust gas coming from the penultimate washing zone has a temperature in the range from 30.degree. to 80.degree. C., is saturated with steam for 90 to 100%, and does not contain more than 50% by weight of the dust content of the exhaust gas before the same enters the penultimate washing stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Neumann, Wolfgang Willing
  • Patent number: 5643797
    Abstract: The method of continuously controlling pH of an acid scrubbing liquid includes continuously withdrawing a constant partial stream from the scrubbing liquid; continuously measuring a pH in the partial stream with a glass electrode; adding base at a first rate to the partial stream upstream of the glass electrode and continuing the adding until the measured pH is in a pH set-point range of from 2.5 to 11.5; after the pH is in the pH set-point range, changing the first rate of adding base to the constant partial stream to compensate any subsequently occurring pH deviations; during the changing of the first rate of base addition, measuring the first rate of base addition to obtain a measured first rate; and automatically controlling a pH of the acid scrubbing liquid using the measured first rate as a controlling parameter by selecting a rate set-point range of the first rate of adding base to the constant partial stream so that the measured pH can be brought into the pH set-point range of from 2.5 to 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Hans J. Schmidt, Bertold Stegemann
  • Patent number: 5634962
    Abstract: A method for removing hazardous gases having water solubility from storage tanks by scrubbing steps is described. Additionally, a method for removing ethylene dichloride contamination from soil is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Serv-Tech, In.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Trahan, Robert R. Cradeur, Nishanath K. Mehta
  • Patent number: 5620653
    Abstract: An odor control system and method for removing unwanted odorous airborne constituents in which the gas stream is flowed through a compact, boxlike housing having a plurality of sequentially communicating treatment chambers. Gas stream pretreatment is accomplished in a first chamber, in fluid communication with a sump, as the gas flows through a packed bed wetted by suitable chemical reagents. After pretreatment, the gas stream is passed through downstream chambers, also utilizing wetted packed beds. These chambers are in fluid communication with a second, separate sump. Because of the first chamber/separate sump combination, influent gas treatment, by stages, can be accomplished. In this manner, different, contemporaneous chemical treatments are possible, within the single housing, with different chemical reagents utilized as needed. Such treatments are possible even in cases where otherwise incompatible chemical reagents are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: RJ Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Roop C. Jain, Martin Scanlan
  • Patent number: 5529612
    Abstract: A method for removing volatile organics from landfill gas, in which the landfill gas, which consists primarily of methane and contains volatile organic components, is passed through a quantity of liquid tetraglyme to cause the volatile organic components to be absorbed in the tetraglyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Southern Petroleum Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Troost
  • Patent number: 5520722
    Abstract: The invention is a process for the preferential removal of a variable amount of alkynes and multiunsaturates from a gas stream containing at least hydrogen, olefins, alkynes, and multiunsaturates by contacting a gas stream containing H.sub.2, olefins, alkynes and multiunsaturates with a metal complex-containing stream selected from the group consisting of liquids and slurries, at conditions sufficient to form multiunsaturate adducts of the metal complex, by introducing the metal complex stream at a rate sufficient to form stoichiometric adducts of the alkynes and multiunsaturates to be removed, and removing the alkyne and multiunsaturate adducts of the metal complex. The invention has utility for removal of multiunsaturates from multicomponent syngas streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Gabor Kiss
  • Patent number: 5515686
    Abstract: An absorber fluid circuit is provided for a volatile liquid vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes at least one adsorbent bed for capturing volatile liquid vapor, a vacuum pump for regenerating the adsorbent bed, a heat exchanger for cooling the vacuum pump, an absorber tower for condensing volatile liquid vapor and an absorber fluid source. The absorber fluid circuit includes an absorber fluid supply pump and a first conduit for directing absorber fluid from the absorber fluid source to the supply pump. A second conduit directs absorber fluid from the supply pump to both the heat exchanger and absorber tower. A third conduit returns spent absorber fluid from the heat exchanger and absorber tower back to the absorber fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Jordan Holding Company
    Inventor: Mark A. Jordan
  • Patent number: 5510567
    Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of gases by the following stages:a) absorbing a part G2 of a gas mixture G1 by a solvent L1 in an absorption zone C1;b) expanding the solvent L1, leading to partial vaporization of the absorbed gases G2 and cooling of the solvent L1;c) desorbing the gas fraction G2 in a desorption apparatus D1 having a reboiling zone B1 and an internal heat exchange zone Z1, wherein the solvent L1 from stage (b) is circulated in countercurrent contact with the vapor phase, and simultaneously has counter-current heat exchange with the solvent phase from the reboiling zone B1;d) passing the regenerated solvent leaving the reboiling zone B1 into the heat exchange zone Z1, and transferring the regenerated solvent to the top of said internal heat exchange zone; ande) recycling the regenerated solvent to the absorption zone C1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Lermite, Joseph Larue, Alexandre Rojey
  • Patent number: 5501776
    Abstract: For the regeneration of a liquid desiccant, a stripping agent is used which is liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, and forms a heteroazeotrope with water, along with the following steps: (a) distillation of the water-laden liquid desiccant to form vapor and partially regenerated liquid desiccant; (b) reboil partially regenerated liquid desiccant; (c) stripping of partially regenerated liquid desiccant during (a) and (b), using vaporized stripping agent; (d) a condensing of vapor the exiting the distillation, the condensation producing two liquid phases, one mainly water and the other mainly stripping agent; (e) heating the stripping agent-rich liquid phase exiting step (d) to generate a vapor phase which is richer in water than said liquid phase and a water-depleted liquid phase; and (f) returning the vaporized liquid phase exiting step (e) to step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Nouvelles Applications Technologiques (NAT)
    Inventors: Christophe Lermite, Jean-Claude Amande, Bernard Chambon, Joseph Larue
  • Patent number: 5476986
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a mixture of air and vapour from volatile crude oil with recovery of the hydrocarbons, wherein the vapours are absorbed in an absorption means (3) by direct contact with a petroleum distillate, such as "petroleum" which has been cooled sufficiently beforehand to cause combined cooling condensation and absorption of the hydrocarbons, the petroleum distillate having a substantially constant hydrocarbon concentration is transferred from the absorption means (3) to a buffer tank (5), from which it is conveyed either to a stripping means (4) in which the hydrocarbons dissolved in the petroleum distillate are stripped so that the petroleum distillate circulates in a substantially closed circuit, or for further processing or use. Prior to absorption under pressure in the absorption means (3) the entering mixture of air and vapour is compressed in a compressor (1) and washed with crude oil under pressure in a washing column (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Anker J. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5451250
    Abstract: A method for converting a double-loop flue gas desulfurization system to a single-loop desulfurization system includes removing the deep packing from the scrubber housing and replacing the packing with a thin tray having a plurality of perforations. The return line which connects the bowl is removed from the feed tank; and a plurality of openings, apertures or perforations are provided in the shroud ring and the bowl of the housing in order to permit slurry to pass from upper spray headers to the bottom of the housing as well as permit flue gas flow upwardly through the housing to the flue gas outlet. The lower spray headers are removed from the housing and the feed line connected to the lower spray headers is reconnected to the feed tank for providing the single-loop. An oxidation air system is provided in the feed tank for creating an in-situ forced oxidation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Wadie F. Gohara, Steve Feeney
  • Patent number: 5434330
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separating desired clathrate forming gases from a gas mixture containing the desired clathrate forming gases. The process includes providing a stream of the gas mixture, contacting the stream of the gas mixture with an aqueous solvent to form a solid clathrate hydrate suspension in the aqueous solvent. The forming of the solid clathrate hydrate suspension in the aqueous solution causing the gaseous stream to be thereafter leaner in the desired clathrate forming gases. The solid clathrate hydrate suspension and the aqueous solution are subjected to an elevated temperature and to a reduced pressure to produce a product gaseous stream which is richer in the desired clathrate forming gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Miguel A. Hnatow, John Happel
  • Patent number: 5429667
    Abstract: In the process for recovering carbon disulfide from a steam/carbon disulfide mixture, which is produced when the wastewater from the yarn cutters and the suspension water are treated with steam during the manufacture of viscose rayon, the vapors so produced are cooled by means of a liquid spray, drawn out of the vapor condenser and then condensed. The non-condensable constituents are removed via a trap and the liquefied carbon disulfide is separated from the remaining water. Specifically, the liquid used to spray the vapors is preheated by the thermal energy recovered from the cooling of these vapors, and the hot water thus obtained is then used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Ebner & Co. KG Anlagen und Apparate
    Inventors: Karl Ebner, Manfred Zeilinger
  • Patent number: 5409513
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing caprolactam emissions from a broad variety of sources, especially from caprolactam polymerization operations and thermoplastic polycaprolactam processing operations which contains a header for collecting air containing the emissions, a duct, and a candle filter housing, which is connected to the header by the duct, a candle filter located in the candle filter housing, which is connected to the duct, a nozzle for rinsing the candle filter with an aqueous caprolactam solution, which is connected to the candle filter; a reservoir having a drain which is connected to the candle filter, a circulation pump for recirculating the aqueous caprolactam solution from the reservoir to the candle filter, a refractometer and a feedback equipment for maintaining the caprolactam concentration in the reservoir at a predetermined level and a fan for moving the air through the header, duct, candle filter and candle filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Beth O. Teague, Dennis G. Shealy, William C. Hiatt
  • Patent number: 5405433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling the bottoms product from an absorber tower back to the absorber tower. However, before the bottoms product is returned to the tower, the solid particles entrained therein are removed via one or more centrifuges closely coupled to the absorber tower. These centrifuges are located adjacent the tower and are elevated with respect to the tower such that their centrate can be directly returned or delivered back to the absorber tower via gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Kevin J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5401297
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing emissions from caprolactam polymerization operations and thermoplastic polycaprolactam processing operations by collecting air containing the emissions, directing the air, containing the emissions, to a candle filter in a candle filter housing and rinsing the air, containing the emissions, within the candle filter with an aqueous caprolactam solution, containing at least 4% by weight caprolactam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Beth O. Teague, Dennis G. Shealy, William C. Hiatt