Abstract: Heat is removed from a process liquid of a direct contact condenser in waste gas cooling using two separate and distinct cooling devices that provide cooled process liquid to at least two separate sections in the direct contact condenser. Most preferably, the sections are liquidly isolated and provide the heated process liquids to the respective cooling devices. However, in other embodiments, the sections are liquidly coupled to each other so to allow transfer of the process liquid from one section to another section. One of the two cooling devices uses a lower-cost or higher-availability coolant that the other. It is generally preferred that one of the cooling devices is an air cooler and that another one of the cooling devices employs a cooling medium other than air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling head for coupling a towing vehicle to a trailer. According to the invention, in the coupling head a filter element is used. The filter element is bypassed by a continuously open by-pass. Preferably, the path through the by-pass has at least one redirection in the region of an undercut. As a result of the redirection, contaminants in the compressed air are not or not fully transferred through the by-pass. The by-pass might also ensure a supply of compressed air to the trailer, for example, when the filter element is at least partly blocked due to the contaminants. According to the invention, a valve element used to open the by-pass in the case of increasing blockage of the filter element is not required.

Abstract: A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system during a call for humidity includes an air intake configured to fluidically interface with an HVAC duct, a humidifier pad, a valve for controlling delivery of water from a water source to the humidifier pad, and a controller for controlling the valve. The controller may be configured to cause the valve to deliver a variable amount of water over a particular call for humidity. For example, and in some instances, the controller may cause the valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad for substantially less than all of the time for a particular call for humidity.

Abstract: A separation system for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a first inlet (16) for receiving a fluid mixture, a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a dense first fluid and a less dense second fluid, a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid. The system further includes a reverse flow cyclonic separator (32) having a second inlet (30) for receiving the first fluid from the first outlet (22), a separation chamber for separating the first fluid by cyclonic action into a dense third fluid and a less dense fourth fluid, a third outlet (34) for the third fluid and a fourth outlet (36) for the fourth fluid. A method for the bulk separation of water from an oil/water mixture is also provided.

Abstract: A gas-to-liquid heat exchanger is presented, where a gas is introduced directly to liquid. The liquid is exposed to the gas as a liquid film upon a series of rotating heat exchange surfaces partially submerged in a liquid reservoir. The liquid vaporizes and then re-condenses on subsequent heat exchange surfaces, such that heat is exchanged between the gas and the liquid. Particulates within the gas coalesce into the vaporized liquid and collect into the liquid reservoir as the vapor re-condenses.

Abstract: An air filter arrangement is disclosed. The air filter arrangement includes strips of media comprising fluted sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Media pack arrangements including such stacked media with peripheral, perimeter, housing seal arrangements are described. Also described are air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided. Also, systems of use are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors. Polytetrafluoroethylene particles may be homogenously disposed throughout hollow fiber contactors to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: A fan filter device with one or more fan blades substantially comprising a filter media coated or impregnated with a fluid for removing particulates, such as dust and other pollution, from airflow in a wide variety of environments. The fluid has evaporation and viscosity characteristics suitable for maintaining the filter media in a wet condition at the desired speed and temperature of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for particle enlargement with continuously wetted wicks includes a container into which a flow of particle-laden air is introduced in a laminar manner through an inlet and to an outlet. The container has a first section, a second section and a third section though which the particle-laden air flows between the inlet and the outlet. The temperature of the second section is warmer than that of the first section at the inlet and the third section at the outlet. In one embodiment, a continuous wick spanning an interior wall of the first second, second section and third section, said wick being capable of internally transporting liquid water along its length is provided.

Abstract: A wet scrubber (1) useful for cleaning a process gas comprises at least a first spray level system (20) and a second spray level system (26) arranged vertically above the first spray level system (20) in a wet scrubber tower (2). The first spray level system (20) comprises at least one gas-liquid contacting plate (38) which is operative for deflecting absorption liquid, that has been atomized by means of the second spray level system (26) and flowing downward in the wet scrubber tower (2), so deflected absorption liquid (AL) may contact process gas (F) contacted by absorption liquid atomized by the first spray level system (20).

Abstract: A column structure is described for the containment of high surface area packing and absorbent liquid reagent for the removal of a target gas from a gas stream. The column structure comprises a plurality of vessel column modules each having an elongate upright wall structure, each column module comprises a plurality of vertically disposed sub-modules, the modules being disposed together alongside one another in two dimensional array to constitute collectively the column structure. A column top support structure is located in the vicinity of the upper part of a column structure so assembled and each column module is mechanically supported from the column top support structure. A method of assembly of such a column and to a method of removal of a target gas from a gas phase using such a column are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for purifying a process gas in a reflow soldering system. Said device comprises a receptacle that contains at least one packing bed. The process gas is fed to the receptacle via a gas inlet while being discharged from the receptacle after penetrating the packing bed. The inventive device further comprises an apparatus for delivering a liquid fluid to the receptacle. Secondary materials of the soldering process in the reflow soldering system can be absorbed by the liquid fluid and thus be eliminated from the process gas. Secondary materials and/or droplets and vapors of the fluid can additionally be absorbed and adsorbed on the surface of the packing.

Abstract: Provided is a ground flare system that can enhance the removal rate of dust and other such impurities contained in exhaust gas to be processed. The ground flare system that performs an incineration process on processing target gas and emits the processed gas to the atmosphere includes: a ground flare that combusts the processing target gas; a knock-out drum that is placed upstream of the ground flare and reduces a flow velocity of the processing target gas introduced thereto; a seal drum for backfire prevention placed upstream of the ground flare; a gas introducing pipe that introduces the processing target gas into the knock-out drum and/or the seal drum; and a water film forming unit that is provided inside of the gas introducing pipe and forms a water film of spray water in a direction that intersects with a flow direction of the processing target gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide-containing gas. In particular, the carbon dioxide-containing gas is contacted with a carbonate-containing solution. At least a portion of carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide-containing gas is absorbed in the carbonate-containing solution to produce a carbon dioxide-, carbonate-containing solution. A heat recovery mechanism is employed to recover heat from the carbon dioxide-, bicarbonate-, carbonate-containing solution exiting the chamber to maintain the temperature of the chamber within a range of from about 50° C. to about 90° C.

Abstract: A method of mixing an oxygen gas with a hydrocarbon-containing gas includes the steps of wet scrubbing the oxygen gas in a wet scrubber, supplying oxygen gas from the wet scrubber to a gas mixer and mixing the oxygen gas with the hydrocarbon-containing gas in the gas mixer. Wet scrubbers for use in the method may take various forms, including packed-tower, bubble cap, and sparger-type wet scrubbers. The removal of the particulate matter reduces the risk of ignition of the hydrocarbon-containing gas in the gas mixer. The use of a wet scrubber in the oxygen supply line overcomes many problems currently faced with screen and filters, as per current practice.

Abstract: A visual indicator device and method for determining the presence of oily contaminants in a gaseous stream are provided. The device includes a filtration status chamber for receiving and discharging the gaseous stream, and a transparent wall enabling viewing of the chamber interior. A fluid-pervious filtration media within the chamber is infused with an absorption composition at which the contaminant on contact with the media is immobilized. The media has a surface viewable through a transparent wall of the filtration status chamber, and the stream flow path is such as to cause the stream to impinge at the media via the said surface, whereby the contaminants collect selectively at the media surface and are therefore highly visible through the transparent wall.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

Abstract: A method for processing flue-gas, in an exemplary embodiment, includes providing an absorber unit having a membrane contactor, channeling a combustion flue gas along a first surface of the membrane contactor, and channeling an ammonia-based liquid reagent along a second opposing surface of the membrane contactor. The method also includes partially separating the ammonia-based liquid from the flue gas such that the ammonia-based liquid and the flue gas contact at gas-liquid interface areas, defined by a plurality of pores of the membrane contactor, to separate CO2 from the flue gas by a chemical absorption of CO2 within the ammonia-based liquid to produce a CO2-rich ammonia-based liquid.

Abstract: A method of absorbing gases into a liquid comprising providing a stream of at least one desirable gas and at least one undesirable gas, exposing the gas stream to a liquid, so that the liquid absorbs more of the desirable gas than the undesirable gas, and releasing the liquid and gas mixture into an underground formation.

Abstract: A system for removing unwanted contaminates from gases using a scrubber, which comprises a housing, a reaction chamber having a liquid level, an inlet connected to a source containing gases to be scrubbed with a contamination concentration greater than zero ppb to saturation. A gas exit port connected to the housing is used for evacuating scrubbed gas and a sintered permeable membrane is disposed across the reaction chamber, which provides a reaction zone in the plurality of pores when gases to be scrubbed are introduced to the membrane on a first side while the membrane is immersed in the lean liquid; and a cleaned gas on a second side wherein the clean gas initially has a drop in contamination concentration of at least 99 percent and gradually decreasing to 70 percent as additional gases to be scrubbed are introduced to the plurality of pores without replacing the lean liquid.

Abstract: A system for removing unwanted contaminates from fluid using a scrubber, which comprises a housing, a reaction chamber having a liquid level, and an inlet connected to a source containing fluid to be scrubbed with a contamination concentration greater than zero ppb to saturation. An exit port connected to the housing used for evacuating scrubbed fluid and a sintered permeable membrane disposed across the reaction chamber, which provides a reaction zone in the plurality of pores when fluid to be scrubbed is introduced to the membrane on a first side while the membrane is immersed in the biodiesel or biomass and a cleaned fluid on a second side wherein the clean fluid initially has a drop in contamination concentration of at least 99 percent and gradually decreasing to 70 percent as additional fluid to be scrubbed is introduced to the plurality of pores without replacing the biodiesel or biomass.

Abstract: A spinning fluids reactor, includes a reactor body (24) having a circular cross-section and a fluid contactor screen (26) within the reactor body (24). The fluid contactor screen (26) having a plurality of apertures and a circular cross-section concentric with the reactor body (24) for a length thus forming an inner volume (28) bound by the fluid contactor screen (26) and an outer volume (30) bound by the reactor body (24) and the fluid contactor screen (26). A primary inlet (20) can be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce flow-through first spinning flow of a first fluid within the inner volume (28). A secondary inlet (22) can similarly be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce a second flow of a second fluid within the outer volume (30) which is optionally spinning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, comprising: two plates of substantially equal dimensions positioned on each other; which plates are connected medium-tightly to each other along their peripheral zones; which plates enclose a cavity; a feed for feeding a liquid, in particular water, into the cavity; and openings close to and along a peripheral edge of the panel for flow of the liquid out of the cavity during operation such that during operation the openings are situated close to the upper peripheral edge of the panel, wherein the liquid flows downward over at least one outer surface of the panel.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a collection module including a gas handler, and a flow controller in communication with the gas handler of the collection module. The flow controller controls the gas handler to move a selected volume of gas through the collection module.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact column tray has a section including a gas pathway (SAA) and a liquid pathway section (SD) delimited by at least one downspout, wherein a deflecting system including a roof is included, located above the liquid gas interface at the level of the liquid pathway section (SD), in order to apportion the gas phase over a surface section greater than the section including the means of gas pathway (SAA). In a method for gas-liquid contact in such a column, most of the gas phase part is redirected and apportioned over the whole pathway section available for gas, corresponding to the tray section provided with the gas pathway (SAA), increased by the liquid pathway section (SD), using a deflecting system consisting of the roof located higher than the gas-liquid interface level of the liquid pathway section (SD), and the liquid collected is evacuated toward the lower tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of fluids includes a material exchange apparatus which contains a more volatile fluid and a less volatile fluid. The material exchange apparatus contains a structured packing, with the structured packing containing a first packing layer (10) and a second packing layer (100). The first packing layer (10) and the second packing layer (100) have corrugations, with open channels (12, 14, 16, 112, 114, 116) being formed by the corrugations.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

Abstract: This invention involves ship flue gas desulphurization method and system. It employs seawater to reduce SO2 and other pollutant discharged by ship. The method includes seawater scrub, acidic seawater transfer, deacidification, and discharge processes. The system includes a scrubber and a water-saving deacidification device. Upper portion of the scrubber comprises a scrubbing section which is connected with scrubbing seawater pump by pipelines. Lower portion of the scrubber comprises a cooling section. One end of the scrubber links the ship engine smoke pipe by a scrubbing inlet pipe, and the other end links the scrubber to a scrubbing outlet pipe. The water-saving deacidification device lies below the scrubber and is connected with it. The water-saving deacidification device is coupled to a blending seawater pump, fan, and total drain pipe for discharging seawater after deacidification. This invention provides high desulphurization efficiency, and requires small seawater quantity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a humidifier assembly for humidifying a gas stream. The humidifier assembly including a heating element structured to be disposed in the gas stream for directly heating the gas stream as the gas stream passes therethrough and a supply of fluid provided at or near the heating element.

Abstract: A method for sorbing a gas using an ionic liquid to sorb a vapor having an electric multi-pole moment. The ionic liquid comprises an anion and a cation. The electric multi-pole moment may be an electric dipole moment and/or an electric quadru-pole moment. The sorption may be an adsorption or an absorption. The ionic liquid may be a liquid that substantially contains only anions and cations, while not containing other components, such as water. Alternatively, a solution containing the ionic liquid and a solvent or further compound, such as water, may be used.

Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.

Abstract: A spinning fluids reactor, includes a reactor body (24) having a circular cross-section and a fluid contactor screen (26) within the reactor body (24). The fluid contactor screen (26) having a plurality of apertures and a circular cross-section concentric with the reactor body (24) for a length thus forming an inner volume (28) bound by the fluid contactor screen (26) and an outer volume (30) bound by the reactor body (24) and the fluid contactor screen (26). A primary inlet (20) can be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce flow-through first spinning flow of a first fluid within the inner volume (28). A secondary inlet (22) can similarly be operatively connected to the reactor body (24) and can be configured to produce a second flow of a second fluid within the outer volume (30) which is optionally spinning.

Abstract: A panel filter for removal of contaminants from a gas, the panel filter having at least one V-pocket formed of two halves, each half composed of multiple pleats of filter media. The pleats extend generally parallel, often at an angle of less than 5 degrees or even less than 1 degree, to the overall filtration path, so that air or gas to the filtered passes through the pleats in a generally straight manner, with minimal bends. Each pleat has two legs of different length. The panel filter provides improved dust collection and retention while restricting pressure drop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the absorption of acid gases, such as CO2 and H2S, from gas mixtures. According to the invention, acid gases are absorbed from a gas mixture by contacting this gas mixture with a liquid in which is dissolved so high a concentration of an amino acid or a salt thereof that a precipitate is formed. The contact takes place in a column of the packing-free type or a column suitable for processing slurries.

Abstract: A liquid film is formed on the surface of a porous body provided with a hydrophobic layer and hydrophilic layer, by moving thereon an ionic liquid having a selective absorption capacity of specific gas, and the specific gas within the gas to be processed is absorbed into the liquid film by bringing pressurized gas to be processed into contact with the liquid film. The specific gas is, for example, a carbon dioxide gas and the ionic liquid is, for example, an imidazolium salt. The specific gas absorbed into the liquid film is passed through the porous body by the use of a difference in pressure, whereby it is collected on a low pressure side. The specific gas absorbed into this collected liquid is then separated into a gas and a liquid by a separator, and the specific gas is released and collected.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a gas scrubbing system for removing contaminants from a flow of fluid, comprising a container having an interior volume, an inlet for receiving the flow of fluid and an outlet for dispensing the stream of fluid, a treatment liquid, a porous medium positioned in the interior volume, between the inlet and outlet, said porous medium providing a high surface area to facilitate chemical interactions between the fluid flow and the treatment liquid and means to apply the treatment liquid onto the porous medium. A contact cell aspect of the porous medium and a method aspect are also provided.

Abstract: An air/liquid exchanger comprising an open-cell foam 102 supporting a liquid sorbent. The exchanger may be used for removing trace gaseous components from the air.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of an unwanted material from a gas comprising the steps of introducing an extraction liquid into a fluid having an unwanted liquid therein to form a physical aerosol comprising a plurality of extraction liquid droplets and the fluid, allowing the plurality of extraction liquid droplets to interact with the unwanted liquid in the gas to cause the extraction liquid droplets to be “wetted out” and captured on a porous medium, where the liquid is further contacted by the gas and simultaneously formed into a plurality of coalesceable droplets, coalescing the coalesceable droplets into larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid, and separating the larger droplets containing the unwanted liquid from the fluid.

Abstract: A microchannel device includes several mass transfer microchannels to receive a fluid media for processing at least one heat transfer microchannel in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid defined by a thermally conductive wall, and at several thermally conductive fins each connected to the wall and extending therefrom to separate the mass transfer microchannels from one another. In one form, the device may optionally include another heat transfer microchannel and corresponding wall that is positioned opposite the first wall and has the fins and the mass transfer microchannels extending therebetween.

Abstract: A bioreactor and process is described which offers a transition or continuum between one or more of (a) from biotrickling filter conditions to biofilter conditions, (b) changing media characteristics, c) liquid or nutrient recirculation rates or frequency, (d) pH, (e) gas velocity, (f) retention time along the gas flow passage or (g) cross-sectional area. For example, media may be arranged in sections of a rectangle, with gas flow in a horizontal direction sequentially through the sections, and liquid flow in a vertical direction from top to bottom in one or more sections. Zonal control of process conditions may be provided as the gas passes from inlet to outlet and liquid is introduced at the top of one or more zones and flows down by gravity.

Abstract: A filter system including a method for self cleaning the filter system of an electronic equipment enclosure where air flow is monitored either by monitoring fan performance of air flow velocity through the enclosure. The system includes two filters elements, an upstream ASHRAE or HEPA filter element to block particulate matter and a downstream PTFE filter element to block water vapor. The ASHRAE or HEPA filter element is relatively inexpensive and easy to clean. The PTFE filter element is more expensive and difficult to clean. Thus, the cheaper filter is used to protect the more expensive filter from contaminants and to increase its useful life.

Abstract: Processes comprising: providing a gas comprising chlorine and at least one sulfur-containing component; and countercurrently contacting the gas with circulating chlorine-containing water in a column such that the at least one sulfur-containing component is oxidized with chlorine in the chlorine-containing water to form sulfate and chloride and a portion of the chlorine from the gas is absorbed by the water to an equilibrium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling humidity and temperature in gases or air streams used in semiconductor processing systems. These systems and methods can be used in combination with systems and methods for contaminant detection and removal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for efficiently venting impurities from a heat recovery steam generator system by concentrating the impurities in a condensing deaerating vent line 40 and then venting a proportionately small amount of steam with a proportionately high concentration of impurities. The condensing deaerating vent line 40 is attached to a low pressure drum 10, and feed water 54 may be added to the upper portion of the condensing deaerating vent line 40 to improve condensation and conserve thermal energy.

Abstract: In a process for preparing water-absorbent resins based on acrylic acid, crude acrylic acid is firstly isolated from the reaction gases from the catalytic gas-phase oxidation of propane, propylene and/or acrolein. This is treated with an aldehyde scavenger and pure acrylic acid is separated by distillation from the treated crude acrylic acid, and this pure acrylic acid can be subjected directly to a free-radical polymerization.

Abstract: A method of cleaning air, including a humidifying operation for humidifying the air containing chemical contaminants by a humidifier and taking a part of the gaseous contaminants in the air into excessive moisture to remove the contaminants from the air, and a dehumidifying operation for dehumidifying the humidified air by a condenser and taking the gaseous chemical contaminants remaining, without being removed, in the humidifying operation into condensed water for removal. By using an oblique honeycomb having both front and rear faces and both upper and lower faces disposed in open state, air is led from the front opening part of the oblique honeycomb and water is fed from the upper opening part thereof to one or both of the humidifier and condenser.

Abstract: The method involves contacting the air with an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid in a stand-alone system. The air may be brought into contact with the liquid using a number of different types of apparatus, including a packed column scrubber. The liquid may be non-evaporative.

Abstract: In a process for the fractional condensation of an acrylic acid-containing product gas mixture of a gas-phase partial oxidation of C3 precursors of acrylic acid with molecular oxygen under heterogeneous catalysis, the separation column used contains both dual-flow trays and hydraulically sealed cross-flow trays as baffles having separation activity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas compressor system capable of delivering dry clean compressed gas, the system including a driven compressor unit (8) typically including a rotary compressor (10) driven by a motor 11 with the compressed gas being separated from any entrained liquid lubricant in a separator vessel (13), the compressed gas being thereafter passed through a moisture absorber column (22) in moisture absorbing relationship with a fluid capable of removing moisture from said compressed gas, said fluid either also acting as said liquid lubricant or being maintained in a separate closed circuit relative to said liquid lubricant, and a moisture stripping device (32) preferably provided to receive a portion of the dry compressed gas discharged from the absorber column (22) and being passed in moisture exchange relationship with the fluid prior to the fluid being introduced into said absorber column (22), the moisture absorber column (22) having an outer housing (36) defining a vertically disposed ab

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering germanium from a gaseous mixture which includes a germanium-containing compound in vapor or particulate form, acid in vapor form, and water vapor. The gaseous mixture is contacted with a liquid containing water under conditions effective to dissolve the germanium-containing compound in the liquid. The acidity of the resulting liquid mixture is increased under conditions effective to vaporize the germanium-containing compound. The vaporized germanium-containing compound is contacted with one or more aqueous solutions under conditions effective to dissolve and precipitate the germanium-containing compound in at least one of the one or more aqueous solutions, and the resulting precipitate is separated from the at least one of the one or more aqueous solutions. The methods described herein are particularly well suited for recovering germanium from the waste gases produced during optical waveguide manufacturing processes.