Abstract: An isolator includes a work chamber, a sterilizing substance supply unit, a gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit, a work chamber barometer, and a controller. The controller is configured to control execution of a gas flow channel leak test for checking a gas leak in a gas flow channel based on a detection result by the work chamber barometer after making the gas flow channel pressure adjustment unit increase or decrease the pressure in the gas flow channel, and is configured to control supply of the sterilizing substance by the sterilizing substance supply unit. The controller performs heating of a heater, which accompanies the supply of the sterilizing substance, in parallel with the gas flow channel leak test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.

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 method for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises contacting a process gas with a hygroscopic working fluid in order to remove a constituent from the process gas. A system for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises a hygroscopic working fluid comprising a component adapted to absorb or react with a constituent of a process gas, and a liquid-gas contactor for contacting the working fluid and the process gas, wherein the constituent is removed from the process gas within the liquid-gas contactor.

Abstract: A choke assembly comprises an inlet (48) for a multiphase fluid stream, the stream comprising a first relatively heavy fluid phase and a second relatively light fluid phase; a first fluid outlet (116); a choke element (22) disposed between the inlet and the first fluid outlet operable to control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the first fluid outlet; a separation chamber (40, 114) disposed to provide separation of phases in the fluid stream upstream of the choke element; and a second outlet (118) for removing fluid from the separation cavity. The choke assembly is of particular use in the control of fluid streams produced from a subterranean well, in particular oil and gas produced from a subsea well.

Abstract: In a process, a portion of a liquid mixture flow is vaporized to produce a vapor and a depleted flow of liquid. The vapor is introduced to a brine which is adapted to exothermically absorb one or more components therefrom, and heat is withdrawn, to produce at least a flow of heat and a flow of brine which is enriched in the one or more components. The heat previously withdrawn is transferred, to drive the vaporization. This transfer can be associated with the change of a working fluid from a gaseous into a liquid state. In this case, the heat withdrawal involves the change of the working fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state. In the liquid state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of gravity, convection and wicking. In the gaseous state, the working fluid flows only by one or more of diffusion and convection.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and system for the infusion of a gas into a liquid. The gas is passed through a container with ceramic filtering material of a specific pore size after which the gas enters the flow stream of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a sour gas rich in carbon dioxide in a Claus process, so sulfur compounds are removed by a selective solvent in a gas scrubbing process. Sulfur components and carbon dioxide, are separated into at least two sour gas fractions, wherein at least one sour gas fraction having a higher content of sulfur components is obtained, wherein the fraction having the highest hydrogen sulfide content is introduced in the thermal reaction stage of the Claus furnace with a gas containing oxygen by means of a burner. The sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide in the thermal reaction stage of the Claus furnace and exhaust gases are discharged into the closed Claus reaction chamber behind the burner. The remaining sour gas fractions stripped of sulfur components are fed to the Claus reaction chamber and are mixed with the combustion gases leaving the burner.

Abstract: A filter support casing and filter provides powder into a Bernoulli flow system. The system has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having an opening therein. The filter support casing extends downward from the upper end. There is a filter supported within the casing. The filter support casing and the filter define an internal volume within both the filter support casing and the filter. The volume is exposed to the opening in the upper end and as later explained is flow connected into a gas stream that will carry particles and spray particles. The casing has at least two concentric elements, a first inner elements and a second outer element, that rotate with respect to each other and which slide with respect to each other. The two elements rotate about their concentric positions and slide along their lengths. The first inner element is contiguous (adjacent and/or touch and adjacent) with the filter. The first inner element encloses the filter with arms (fingers, extensions, posts, etc.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of capturing and concentrating CO2 from atmospheric air by utilizing geothermal heat to provide the energy needed to move the atmospheric air through a tower.

Abstract: SO2 and/or NOx are removed from gaseous CO2 at elevated pressure(s) in the presence of molecular oxygen and water and, when SO2 is to be removed, NOx, to convert SO2 to sulfuric acid and/or NOx to nitric acid. The sulfuric acid and/or nitric acid is/are then removed from the gaseous carbon dioxide to produce SO2-free, NOx-lean carbon dioxide gas. The invention has particular application in the removal of SO2 and/or NOx from carbon dioxide flue gas produced in an oxyfuel combustion process, for example, in a pulverized coal fired power station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.

Abstract: A method for treating cement kiln exhaust is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a cement kiln exhaust gas stream from a kiln; providing a water soluble alkaline-earth metal polysulfide; combining the cement kiln exhaust stream with the water soluble alkaline-earth metal polysulfide to create a combined stream; and removing at least a portion of one heavy metal from the combined stream.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for separation of carbon dioxide from an exhaust gas of a fossil-fired power are provided. In an absorption process, the exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide is brought into contact with an absorption medium so that the absorption medium is laden with carbon dioxide. In a desorption process, vapor from a water/steam circuit of the fossil-fired power plant is heated, wherein a laden absorption medium is regenerated. In a subsequent expansion process, the regenerated absorption medium is expanded so that a vapor and an expanded absorption medium are formed, wherein the vapor is recirculated into the desorption process. The laden absorption medium is divided into a first part stream and a second part stream. Only the second part stream is brought into heat-exchanging contact with the expanded absorption medium. The first and second part streams are supplied to the desorption process at different process stages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machinery arrangement, which comprises a combus-tion unit (3) arranged in an engine room (11), and an exhaust gas duct assem-bly (4) connected to the combustion unit (3) for receiving an exhaust gas flow and for leading the exhaust gas flow to the atmosphere through an exhaust gas cleaning system (5) provided with an exhaust gas pipe (52). In order to condi-tion the exhaust plume, the exhaust gas pipe (52) is arranged in an enclosure (114), whereby the enclosure (114) is arranged in flow connection with the en-gine room (11) in order to provide heat for the exhaust gas pipe (52) by means of a heated air flow from the engine room.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes an enclosed contactor vessel having a first inlet to receive vapor containing volatile organic compounds from the container and a second inlet. The second inlet receives a vapor capture medium from a source. A contactor facilitates entrainment of the volatile organic compounds with the vapor capture medium while a first outlet recirculates treated vapor back to the container to effect a closed loop.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery apparatus includes a desulfurization tower which includes a desulfurization unit and a cooling unit, an absorption tower which includes a CO2 absorption unit and an acid washing unit, a regeneration tower, and an acid water production device configured to produce acid water by causing exhaust gas yet to be introduced into the desulfurization to come into contact with water. In the CO2 recovery apparatus, the water to be come in contact with the exhaust gas is condensed water that is generated in the desulfurization tower, the absorption tower, or the regeneration tower.

Abstract: A separation and scrubbing system for exhaust gases includes a plurality of industrial discharge outlets, a separation unit, pipelines to direct exhaust gases from the industrial discharge outlets to the separation unit and pipelines to return treated exhaust gases to stacks corresponding to the industrial discharge outlets.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a gas cleaner. The gas cleaner includes a solvent to clean a syngas. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to heat a liquid to generate a vapor. The system further includes a vapor absorption refrigeration (VAR) cycle coupled to the gas cleaner and the heat exchanger. The VAR cycle is configured to cool the solvent. In addition, the vapor drives the VAR cycle.

Abstract: In a gas scrubber, a gas stream containing at least one sublimed substance is brought in contact with a liquid or melt stream containing at least one thermally convertible substance, which has a lower temperature than the gas stream. For the intensive and intimate mixing of the gas stream with the liquid or melt stream, an orifice plate with a plurality of holes each surrounded by a retaining edge is provided in the upper part of the gas scrubber, and above the orifice plate inlets for the gas stream and the liquid or melt stream are provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage scrubbing system comprises a pre-scrubber system structured to receive a vent stream therein and pre-scrub the vent stream with a pre-scrubber fluid. The pre-scrubber system includes a first outlet for discharging a pre-scrubbed vent stream and a second outlet for discharging a discharge stream of pre-scrubber fluid. A main scrubber system is fluidly coupled to the first outlet of the pre-scrubber system for receiving and further scrubbing the pre-scrubbed vent stream.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery system includes an absorber 2 and a regenerator 3. The absorber 2 includes a CO2 absorbing section 21 and at least one water-washing section 22. The CO2 absorbing section 21 allows flue gas 101 to come into contact with a basic amine compound absorbent 103 so that the basic amine compound absorbent 103 absorbs CO2 in the flue gas 101. The at least one water-washing section 22 allows the decarbonated flue gas 101A in which the amount of CO2 has been reduced in the CO2 absorbing section 21 to come into contact with wash water 104A and 104B to reduce the amounts of the basic amine compounds entrained in the decarbonated flue gas 101A. The regenerator 3 releases the CO2 from the basic amine compound absorbent 103 containing CO2 absorbed therein.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes an enclosed contactor vessel having a first inlet to receive vapor containing volatile organic compounds from the container and a second inlet. The second inlet receives a vapor capture medium from a source. A contactor facilitates entrainment of the volatile organic compounds with the vapor capture medium while a first outlet recirculates treated vapor back to the container to effect a closed loop.

Abstract: Post-combustion conditioning systems are described that include a flue gas conditioning device configured to condition an exhaust stream to produce a conditioned stream. First and second outlet ducts can be fluidly coupled to, and substantially supported by, the flue gas conditioning device. This advantageously can eliminate costly ductwork, reduce the space required, and reduce the pressure drop of the system. The first outlet duct can fluidly couple the flue gas conditioning device to an exhaust duct, such that the conditioned stream can flow from the first conditioning device via the first outlet duct.

Abstract: A gas treatment system has a housing defining an interior space adapted for holding liquid therein. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port so that gas passing through the interior space flows through the liquid therein. A gas delivery system directs gas to be treated into the interior space of the housing at the inlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An ultraviolet light source is for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: A method and system for coal-to-liquids (CTL) conversion is provided. The system includes a coal gasifier configured to partially oxidize a coal fuel stream to generate a flow of synthesis gas (syngas), a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactor configured to receive the flow of syngas and to generate a stream of tail gas, and an absorber coupled in flow communication downstream of the FT reactor and configured to receive the stream of tail gas. The absorber is further configured to generate a first flow including carbon dioxide, C2 hydrocarbons, and higher boiling gas components (C3+) and a second flow including C1, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. The system also includes a first membrane separator including a selective membrane configured to separate the second flow from the absorber generating a permeate flow of hydrogen and a non-permeate flow of combustion turbine fuel gas including methane and hydrogen.

Abstract: A raw material recovery method for recovering a raw material of an organic metallic compound, which has the property of being stable toward a specific refrigerant without being decomposed thereby, from exhaust gas discharged from a treatment container in which a metallic thin film is formed on the surface of an object to be treated by using source gas obtained by vaporizing the raw material is characterized by being provided with a solidification step for solidifying the unreacted source gas by cooling the exhaust gas by bringing the exhaust gas into contact with the refrigerant and reprecipitating the raw material, and a recovery step for separating and recovering the raw material reprecipitated in the solidification step from the refrigerant. To provide a method for controlling an exhaust gas flow rate so that flow of gas in a processing chamber becomes uniform.

Abstract: A CO2 recovery system includes an absorber 2 and a regenerator 3. The absorber 2 includes a CO2 absorbing section 21 and a water-washing section 22. The CO2 absorbing section 21 allows flue gas i01 to come into contact with a basic amine compound absorbent 103 so that the basic amine compound absorbent 103 absorbs CO2 in the flue gas 101. The water-washing section 22 allows the decarbonated flue gas 101A in which the amount of CO2 has been reduced in the CO2 absorbing section 21 to come into contact with circulating wash water 104 and to be washed with the wash water 104 so that the amounts of the basic amine compounds entrained in the decarbonated flue gas 101A are reduced. The regenerator 3 releases CO2 from the basic amine compound absorbent 103 the CO2 absorbed therein.

Abstract: A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.

Abstract: An air pollution control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from a boiler outside; a blower that is provided downstream of the stack and draws in the flue gas; and a CO2 recovering apparatus that recovers CO2 in the flue gas drawn in by the blower. The stack includes a controlling unit that suppresses release of the flue gas outside from the stack and suppresses inflow of atmosphere to the stack, and the controlling unit is a channel forming unit that forms a serpentine channel through which the flue gas and the atmosphere in the stack flow.

Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods employ COS hydrolysis and a downstream H2S removal unit to produce a treated feed gas that is then further desulfurized in an absorber using two lean oil fluids. The so produced mercaptan enriched hydrocarbon fluid is fed to a distillation column that produces a light overhead vapor that is preferably combined with the treated feed gas and a sulfur rich bottom product that is in most cases preferably directly fed to a hydrocarbon processing unit comprising a hydrotreater. In further especially preferred aspects, the hydrocarbon processing unit produces at least one and more typically both of the two lean oil fluids, and the treated gas is optionally further processed to produce clean fuel gas in a hydrotreater for olefinic saturation and sulfur conversion using a lean oil recycle for reactor temperature control.

Abstract: This invention is a dust removal system for dust gas which comprises at least an atomizer. The atomizer comprises an atomizing chamber and an atomizing mechanism; the atomizing chamber includes an inlet for the dust gas and an outlet for the gas after mixture; the atomizing mechanism comprises a water chamber, the first atomizing ball, the second atomizing ball, an umbrella-shaped atomizer, and a regulating mechanism; the water chamber includes the first and second water inlet and the first and second water outlet; the regulating mechanism adjusts the fit clearance between the first atomizing ball and the first water outlet, the fit clearance between the second atomizing ball and the second water outlet, and the flare angle of the umbrella surface of the umbrella-shaped atomizer. The beneficial effect is: the two-stage atomization—coordinating the atomizing balls and the water outlets, and using an umbrella-shaped atomizer—guarantees the atomizing effect.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly and hub combination for operation in a boiler feedwater deaerator is disclosed, the combination including a tubular hub capable of being affixed to a wall of a deaerator tank and a spray nozzle assembly that is removably engageable with the hub, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle body, a twist lock for retaining the nozzle body relative to the hub when the nozzle body is in a fully engaged position, and a spreader moveably coupled to the nozzle body and biased by a spreader spring against opening, the spreader is capable of moving to an open position against the spreader spring bias in response to boiler feedwater pressure to form an annular opening about the spreader, thereby enabling feedwater flow.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including a compressed air energy storage system that includes an ambient air intake configured to intake a quantity of ambient air for storage in a compressed air storage volume, a compression system having a compression path that is configured to convey air compressed by the compression system through the compression system, a first path configured to convey ambient air to the compression system, a second path proceeding from the compression system to the compressed air storage volume and configured to convey compressed air to the compressed air storage volume, and a dehumidifying system. The dehumidifying system is coupleable to at least one of the first path that proceeds from the ambient air intake to the compression system, the compression path, and the second path. The dehumidifying system includes a dehumidifying component configured to remove moisture from the ambient air and/or the compressed air.

Abstract: A method of scrubbing flue gases of two or more diesel engines and a scrubber for scrubbing flue gases of two or more diesel engines. The scrubber (1) comprises scrubbing means (3) for scrubbing the flue gases, and conduits (4) for conveying the flue gases to said scrubbing means (3) to be scrubbed in the same scrubbing process. The different flue gas flows are arranged to be conveyed in separate conduits (4) all the way to the scrubbing means (3).

Abstract: A system includes a direct contact absorber configured to circulate a flow of a liquid desiccant solution for absorbing moisture from a gas stream flowing through the direct contact absorber.

Abstract: A river water utilizing flue gas desulfurization system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a pre-treatment facility 13 that removes humic substances in river water 11 to produce makeup water 12; and a desulfurization apparatus 17 that brings sulfur content in flue gas 15 into contact with limestone gypsum slurry 16 in an apparatus body 14. The pre-treatment facility 13 includes a flocculant mixing basin 22 in which a flocculant 21 is added to the river water 11 to flocculate and remove the humic substances contained in the river water 11; and an activated carbon absorption unit 23 in which the humic substances contained in the river water 11 are absorbed and removed by way of activated carbon.

Abstract: A gas scrubber, equipped with heat exchanger surfaces constructed of thermoplates, suitable for cooling and cleaning a hot gas by avoiding an excessive thermal load of the washing liquid.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to ionic liquids comprising an anion of a heteraromatic compound such as optionally substituted pyrrolide, optionally substituted pyrazolide, optionally substituted indolide, optionally substituted phospholide, or optionally substituted imidazolide. Methods and devices for gas separation or gas absorption related to these ionic liquids are also described herein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for contacting two or more fluids, useful, for example for purifying or infusing a fluid (by allowing efficient and/or uniform addition of components to or removal of components from the fluid). The components may be undesirable components to be removed from a fluid, or a desired component or components to be added to the fluid, for example, each of which is referred to herein as “component”. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification or infusion of a fluid by passing a liquid and a fluid through a contacting zone which facilitates intimate mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A differential of partial pressure, activity, fugacity or concentration of the components between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the components between the liquid and the fluid in the intimately mixed liquid and fluid.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO2), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via exposing air containing carbon dioxide to a solution comprising a base—resulting in a basic solution which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces a carbonate solution. The solution is causticized and the temperature is increased to release carbon dioxide, followed by hydration of solid components to regenerate the base.

Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.

Abstract: An air pollution control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from a boiler outside; a blower that is provided downstream of the stack and draws in the flue gas; and a CO2 recovering apparatus that recovers CO2 in the flue gas drawn in by the blower. The stack includes a controlling unit that suppresses release of the flue gas outside from the stack and suppresses inflow of atmosphere to the stack, and the controlling unit is a channel forming unit that forms a serpentine channel through which the flue gas and the atmosphere in the stack flow.

Abstract: A dispenser fixture for dispersing aromatic vapors into a facility includes an elongated dispenser chamber bounded by end walls, one containing a motor driven fan and the other wall containing fixtures for supplying and controlling electrical current for powering the fan motor. The chamber, containing trays supporting a replaceable supply of aromatic material, presents the aromatic material to an air flow passing into apertures positioned near or in the other wall such that a carrier arm supporting the fixture orientates the fan motor to discharge air enriched with aromatic vapors in a horizontal direction into the facility. The fixture includes upstanding side walls joining the end walls, a floor wall joining the side walls and the end walls, and a top wall overlying the side and end walls for enclosing the aromatic materials in the chamber. The dispenser fixture may be made of a hard plastic or metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method as well as a device for separation of a carbon-dioxide-containing gas mixture (1), whereby carbon dioxide is separated from the carbon-dioxide-containing gas mixture (1) by physical gas washing (W1) and is converted into two product streams (3, 4) that consist primarily of carbon dioxide and have different pressures, and in the event of an operational breakdown, after their pressures are balanced, said product streams are subjected to an after-treatment step (W2) and then are released into the atmosphere. For balancing the pressures of the two carbon dioxide product streams (3, 4), the carbon dioxide stream (3, 7) that has the lower pressure is compressed by means of a gas jet ventilator (G), whereby the carbon dioxide stream (4) that has the higher pressure is used as a pumping medium (6).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the treatment of a carbon dioxide-containing flue gas stream are described, at least part of the carbon dioxide present being removed from the flue gas stream in a separating device having in particular an absorption column 7 with the formation of a gas stream having a low carbon dioxide content and a carbon dioxide-rich gas stream. For overcoming the pressure drop caused by the carbon dioxide removal in the absorption column 7, it is proposed that the gas stream having a low carbon dioxide content and formed after the removal of the carbon dioxide from the flue gas stream is subjected to a gas stream compression, for example by means of a flue gas blower 14.

Abstract: A sorbent container includes a permeable plastic container, a permeable membrane, and a sorbent. The permeable plastic container includes a sidewall and an endwall, the sidewall defining an opening opposite the endwall. The permeable membrane is fused to the sidewall to cover the opening. A fused junction is formed between the sidewall and the permeable membrane. The sorbent is disposed within the plastic container.

Abstract: A dust scrubber (30, 130) for a mining shearer machine (12) is adapted to be mounted behind the rear surface of the shearer arm (18), on the opposite side of the arm to the mine surface being cut, so as to extract airborne particulates. The scrubber may be mounted to the shearer via a compensation mechanism such as a double hinge (160, 162) and link (164) arrangement which maintains relatively static position and/or orientation of the scrubber despite the pivoting of the shearer arm in operation.

Abstract: This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.