Abstract: A pollution control system and method in which hot flue gas is cooled to saturation in a quencher and passed through a condenser absorber assembly to further cool the saturated gases while growing small particles as the particles act as nuclei for the condensation of water vapor thereon. The grown particles are carried through an aperture having a low pressure drop throat so that high efficiency particle collection is accomplished. At its outlet, the aperture produces a concentration of the gases and water droplets. A dome shaped gas reverser, having its concave surface directed upstream, is located spaced apart from the aperture and in substantial alignment with the outlet of the aperture. The gas reverser receives the gas stream as it exits the aperture, mixing and diffusing the gas and its constituents as they change direction to spill out over the lip of the gas reverser.

Abstract: A process for removing a water-soluble acid gas from a gaseous stream containing normally gaseous hydrocarbon compounds, hydrogen and the acid gas to produce an aqueous solution containing the dissolved acid gas and having a very low level of normally gaseous hydrocarbon compounds. The gaseous feed stream is contacted with a lean aqueous stream to remove water-soluble acid gas. The resulting acid gas rich aqueous stream is stripped with a hydrogen-rich gas to produce an aqueous stream containing dissolved acid gas and essentially no normally gaseous hydrocarbon compounds.

Abstract: A solute gas absorbing procedure employs a parallel flow of liquid absorbing medium to dual-fluid spray nozzles from which are formed fine droplet sprays in which the solute gas is absorbed. The invention is particularly applicable to the removal of acid gases, such as SO.sub.2, using regenerable aqueous alkaline absorbing media, such as amines or amine salts.

Abstract: An improved process for oxidizing industrial spent caustic streams, whereby oxidation of spent caustic occurs in a unitary processing tower with three chambers that cooperate simultaneously to oxidize the caustic in the first chamber; to separate the caustic from the oxidizing gas in the second chamber; and, in the third chamber, to pass gas and cooled caustic through a mass transfer apparatus that cools and cleans the gas and releases the caustic and gas into a gas-liquid separation zone of the upper chamber. An alternative embodiment of the invention involves spatially separating the upper chamber from the other two chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for utilizing one stream from a gas separation unit in an evaporation cooler to provide cool water which is used to cool the feed gas mixture by direct or indirect contact prior to entering the gas separation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus removes water from a liquid mixture which has formed in a compressed gas system. The apparatus includes a gas compressor having an inlet port for receiving low pressure gas to be compressed and a discharge port through which a stream of compressed gas flows. An aftercooler is disposed in fluid communication with the discharge port for cooling the compressed gas stream. A vessel collects any entrained liquid water and lubricant from the compressed gas stream. The vessel has a sump portion and a vent to an atmosphere external to the compressed air system. A heat exchanger heats the liquid mixture within the vessel to a predetermined temperature to vaporize the water. The water vapor exits the vessel through the vent and the lubricant remains in the sump portion of the vessel. A valve permits the separated lubricant to be drained from the sump portion of the vessel to a location external to the compressed air system.

Abstract: A decontamination system and method for the decontamination of a contaminated gas. The contaminated gas is characterized by a gas phase and at least one contaminant. The contaminated gas is removed from its source and is introduced into a loop through which a bio-agent is circulated. The bio-agent includes a microorganism (e.g. bacterium) effective for the biodegradation of the contaminant. The bio-agent may also include a liquid carrier. The loop may include absorption column, separator and bioreactor positioned in the loop. An oxidation means can be utilized to oxidize metals in the contaminated gas. Alternatively, the bio-agent can be replaced by a liquid which circulates through the bioreactor and which is effective for absorption of the contaminant. In other embodiments, the loop can be replaced by a conduit in a form or arrangement other than a loop.

Abstract: The acid scrubbing liquid which has a pH value below 3 and is used in a scrubbing zone to remove acid components from a gas. At least part of the scrubbing liquid is circulated. A partial stream of the scrubbing liquid at a constant rate is mixed with an alkaline solution stream which has a constant concentration and is supplied at a constant volume rate, the pH value of the resulting mixture is continually measured, a setpoint in the range from 5 to 9 is selected for the pH value of the mixture, and a neutral or alkaline correcting liquid is added to the scrubbing liquid in response to a decrease of the measured pH value below said setpoint. The scrubbing liquid may mainly consist of water.