Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first air stream and a second air stream includes a plurality of plates limiting first and second exchange chambers which are serially arranged in a transversal direction with respect to the plates. A first air stream of outside air passes through the first exchange chambers, a second air stream originating from ventilated rooms passes through the second exchange chambers. The heat exchanger further includes an ionization device for ionizing particles entrained in the first air stream so that the particles deposit at conductive plates of the first exchange spaces, a water distribution system for periodically discharging water into the first exchange spaces for cleaning the plates of the heat exchanger from deposited particles, and a water collection device for discharging collected water.

Abstract: Electrostatic precipitators, including wet electrostatic precipitators, having a bank of conductive tubes which receive a gas stream having entrained particulates and an electrode connected to an electric current, wherein the tubes each include an internal restriction creating a hydrostatic pressure more evenly distributing the gas flow between the tubes eliminating the requirement for flow distribution devices, such as air straighteners and perforated plates.

Abstract: An ionizing particulate scrubber is provided for the removal of particulate from a gaseous exhaust stream, said scrubber including two sections: a charging section and a collection section. The charging or ionizing section includes one or more cylindrical tubular ground chambers each with a rigid threaded rod electrode extending through the center thereof. A transformer/rectifier (T/R) is provided to supply high voltage DC power to the electrode such that the cylindrical tubular ground chambers act as the ground to enable a corona to form on the threaded rod electrode. As the gas stream passes through the current flowing from the electrode to the cylindrical tubular ground chambers walls, the particulate contained within the stream is electrostatically charged. The collection system includes either a fixed or fluid bed packed section which is constantly irrigated from above. Ground rods in the packing and liquid sump allow the entire section to act as a grounded collector for the charged particulate.

Abstract: The separation of liquid and/or solid components from a multiphase fluid stream passing through a supersonic fluid separator is enhanced by injecting a surface active agent into the fluid stream passing through the separator. Preferably the spray is injected via an injection tube that has a positive or negative electrical potential, whereas one of the walls of the separator housing has an opposite electrical potential, so that the injected spray and any liquid droplets and/or particles formed around the injected nuclei are induced to flow towards said electrically loaded wall.

Abstract: An air purifying data processing system includes a chassis, a planar, a microprocessor and an air purifier. The air purifier produces purified air that is exhausted exterior to the chassis to improve the air quality in the vicinity of the chassis. The air purifier produces an air flow that is preferably in proximity to the microprocessor to facilitate dissipation of heat generated by the microprocessor. The air purifier may be oriented to direct the air flow through an opening in a first face of the chassis. The air purifier may include a high voltage unit to create an electrical discharge within the air purifier. The high voltage unit preferably produces a voltage greater of 8000 V or at an output point of the high voltage unit. The air purifier includes a grounded and electrically conductive grid in the vicinity of the high voltage unit output point.

Abstract: A mist elimination device in the form of a hood for the removal of moisture from a gas stream treated by a WESP includes a series of gutters on the outer surface of the hood to trap liquid droplets and direct the moisture to channels to drain to the lower region of a housing. Gutters are also provided on the interior surface of the hood to catch liquid droplets carried by the gas stream into the interior of the hood.

Abstract: A nozzle spray head is provided for use in a dynamic electrostatic air filter, in which the nozzle spray head assembly exhibits multiple nozzle orifices as outlet ports, which extend from the bottom of the nozzle body such that the distances between the outlet ports and a target member are not constant. The charged multiple outlet ports exhibit a more uniform electric field at their tips, thereby enabling a better and more uniform spray pattern to be emitted by each of the individual outlet ports. In one embodiment, the outlet ports are grouped in concentric circles, in which the innermost circle comprises outlet ports of the greatest lengths, and the outermost circle comprises outlet ports of the smallest lengths.

Abstract: Contaminant laden gas streams from wood product dryer operations, and other sources, are purified. The gas stream first is saturated with moisture by contacting the gas stream with fine liquid droplets which entrain particulates. The gas stream then is subjected to a plurality of separate particulate and liquid droplet removal steps before a droplet-free gas stream having substantially reduced particulate contaminant levels is passed to a burner for removal of volatile organic compounds from the gas stream.

Abstract: A gas separation apparatus combines the technologies of electrostatic precipitators and centrifugal particle separators into a single unit. At an inlet into the gas separation apparatus, a water spray is introduced into the gas stream. The water spray may include various chemical additives, typically selected to react with or neutralize the particulates as they are mixed with the water or for other benefit. The resulting water and particulate mixture, which is much more dense than air, is centrifugally separated and collected through a drain tube outlet. In addition to the centrifugal forces applied to the gas and water stream, an electrical field of magnitude sufficient to produce coronal discharge is also applied to a central electrode. The electric field is generated between the cylinder wall and the central electrode, to assist the centrifugal forces and thereby remove additional particulate beyond that ordinarily removed by a standard centrifugal separator.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for gas cleaning, as in HVAC systems or semiconductor manufacturing clean rooms, for removing 99.999% of particulate and gaseous contaminants, which may be effectively used to remove and neutralize Bio-chem agents introduced by terrorists, having a first stage in which large quantities of positively charged liquid droplets are introduced into the gas to be cleaned so as to remove virtually all negatively charged particulates and at least 90% of neutral particulates and soluble gases; a second stage in which most positively charged droplets from the first stage are removed and remaining particulates are given a positive charge; a third stage in which large quantities of negatively charged liquid droplets are introduced to remove positively charged particulates and more soluble gas contaminants; and a fourth stage in which the negatively charged droplets are removed from the cleaned gas stream.

Abstract: Fine particles of dust and other pollutants in gas streams are agglomerated to form larger particles which are more easily filtered in downstream processing. In one embodiment, particles in successive portions of the gas stream are charged with opposite polarity, and the gas stream is introduced into an Evasé portion (12) to slow it down. Particles of different sizes have differential deceleration and therefore mix generally in the direction of flow, leading to agglomeration of oppositely-charged particles. In another embodiment, a gas stream is divided into substreams in respective parallel passages, and the particles in adjacent passages are charged to opposite polarity. Deflectors at the downstream end of the passages cause substreams of particles of opposite polarity to mix, with resultant agglomeration of oppositely charged particles.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus is disclosed which, in one embodiment, has: an inlet for ambient air; an outlet for purified air; a mechanism for the uptake of a scrubbing liquor and for the removal of impurities dissolved or dispersed in the ambient air by contact with said scrubbing liquor; an inlet for feeding a scrubbing liquor from a scrubbing liquor feeding tank; an outlet for discharging used scrubbing liquor; and a blower for drawing ambient air into the apparatus, flowing the air through the apparatus and discharging the purified air from the apparatus. A kit including an apparatus as described above and a refill of scrubbing liquor ingredients, or of a scrubbing liquor concentrate or of a ready-to-use scrubbing liquor is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the purification of a gas which apparatus comprises three-conduit section, that is,

Abstract: A dynamic electrostatic aerosol filter and collection system is provided that collects airborne particulate matter, including biological materials. Once collected, the particles can be directed to sensing stations for real-time detection of dangerous materials, and this can be achieved in a continuous re-circulation system. As an option, the collection fluid can be diverted to a station where a detailed analysis is performed, in a batch operation. The filter/collection system is also useable as a concentration “concentrator” to more quickly detect dangerous materials, such as smallpox germs.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semiconducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semi-conducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semi-conducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.

Abstract: A dust collector for collecting dust, in which the rarefaction of a dielectric at the rear part of electric field forming apparatus is prevented, whereby the collecting efficiency can be increased. The dust collector includes a charging device for charging a substance to be collected, such as dust and mist, contained in a gas; a sprayer device for spraying a dielectric on the substance to be collected which is charged by the charging device; an electric field forming device, having first and second electrodes and which form a direct current electric field and dielectrically polarize the dielectric sprayed by the spray device; and a dielectric collecting device for collecting the dielectric which has arrested the substance to be collected. The spray device includes grounding device and for electrically grounding the dielectric before being sprayed to let a charge of the dielectric escape.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator includes an upright hollow body having a lower smoke inlet and an upper smoke outlet, with a pair of spaced horizontal partitions formed in the hollow body between the inlet and outlet. A set of parallel ducts extends vertically between the partitions, and a pair of distributor frames is arranged in the hollow body, with one of the distributor frames disposed over the ducts and the other of the distributor frames disposed under the ducts. Between the distributor frames is stretched a plurality of wires that extend through respective ducts. Furthermore, each of the distributor frames is formed with a plurality of terminals to be electrically connected to one electrode of a DC high-voltage power supply, but the ducts are adapted to be electrically connected to the other electrode of the DC high-voltage power supply.

Abstract: Effluent gas cleaning process and apparatus for effectively removing particulates in the 0.01 micron to 0.1 micron diameter range, and for removing water-soluble gaseous contaminants, by first bringing the effluent to a relatively high temperature and humidity in a first stage, and then exposing the effluent to copious quantities of small cool water droplets in a second stage, for particular combinations of: the first stage relative humidity; the first-to-second stage droplet temperature difference; the stage two water droplet mass flow rate vs. effluent flow rate; the second stage droplet size; the travel time of the effluent during exposure to the cool droplets; and the electrical charge state of the second stage water droplets and opposite charge state of the particulates. The combinations enhance effluent cleaning through the combined operation of up to four distinct physical processes which can be made to occur during the second stage.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an arrangement for purifying the intake air of a gas turbine of solid particles and liquid droplets. According to the invention air is taken into the system of intake air passages (1, 2, 4) of the gas turbine and the particles contained in the intake air are collected by means of at least one plate filter (3) to which a collection voltage has been connected. In order to enable and enhance collection, the air is taken into at least one charging chamber (2) arranged at a distance prior to the plate filters (3) in the flow direction of the air, where an electric field is formed between at least two electrodes (5, 7) by connecting a voltage between the electrodes which exceeds the collection voltage, whereby powerful charging of the particles and at least partial removal of the water contained in the air are effected.

Abstract: An improvement in an electrostatic precipitator and method for removing particulate contaminants entrained in a gas stream passed through an electrode arrangement in which particulates are charged in a first electrostatic field and subjected to a second electrostatic field to be removed and collected for further disposition. The electrode arrangement includes a charging section having a charging electrode and a field electrode, and a collecting section having a repelling electrode and a collecting electrode. The field electrode and the collecting electrode are integrated, providing a relatively compact construction, and the charging electrode and the repelling electrode are electrically separated by high voltage diodes in a single power supply arrangement such that the charging section and the collecting section each are provided with a corresponding electrostatic field operated at an optimum voltage and current for respectively charging and collecting particulate contaminants entrained in the gas stream.

Abstract: A dust collector for collecting dust, in which the rarefaction of a dielectric at the rear part of electric field forming apparatus is prevented, whereby the collecting efficiency can be increased. The dust collector includes a charging device (1) for charging a substance (9) to be collected, such as dust and mist, contained in a gas; a sprayer device (2) for spraying a dielectric (10) on the substance (9) to be collected which is charged by the charging device (1); an electric field forming device (3), having first and second electrodes (11) and (12) which form a direct current electric field and dielectrically polarize the dielectric (10) sprayed by the spray device (2); and a dielectric collecting device (16) for collecting the dielectric (10) which has arrested the substance (9) to be collected. The spray device (2) includes grounding device (17) and (18) for electrically grounding the dielectric (10) before being sprayed to let a charge of the dielectric (10) escape.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) field disposed along a combusted fossil-fuel flue gas stream path downstream of a dry ESP field. The wet ESP field includes a chamber having a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet, and at least one collection plate positioned within the chamber. The chamber also includes one or more wash nozzle positioned adjacent the collection plate, and a wet hopper positioned substantially under the collection plate. The apparatus preferably further includes one or more cooling nozzles positioned near the flue gas inlet. The cooling and wash nozzles are fluidly coupled to a water source, while the wet hopper is fluidly coupled to either a pH adjustment module or a treatment processor. A method of removing contaminants from a flue gas stream using the above apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for collecting dust using highly charged hyperfine liquid droplets formed through an electro-hydrodynamic atomization process is disclosed. In the dust collecting device of this invention, a high voltage is applied to capillaries, set within a dust guide duct and having nozzles at their tips. An electric field is thus formed between the capillaries and the duct, and allows the nozzles to spray highly charged hyperfine liquid droplets. Such liquid droplets absorb dust laden in air, flowing in the duct by suction force of a fan. An electrostatic dust collector is detachably coupled to the duct while being insulated from the duct, and forms an electric field having polarity opposite to that of the highly charged liquid droplets, thus electrostatically collecting and removing the dust absorbed by the highly charged liquid droplets. The dust collecting device of this invention easily and effectively removes fine dust having a size smaller than 0.1 cm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultra-high particulate collection of sub-micron aerosols in a fuel gas conveys the fuel gas to a first venturi scrubber for removing a relatively large amount of particulates and leaving a smaller particulate load which is not removable in the first venturi scrubber. The fuel gas with the smaller particulate load is then conveyed to an electrostatic agglomerator for agglomerating the remaining smaller particles in the smaller particle load into larger particles. The fuel gas with the agglomerated larger particles is then conveyed to a second venturi scrubber for removing the agglomerated larger particles.

Abstract: An alcohol separator is provided with an atomizer which supplies a mist of atomized alcohol solution to one region of a flow path, and an electrostatic collection device which uses an electrostatic field corona discharge to capture, liquefy, and recover alcohol solution mist generated by the atomizer.

Abstract: This invention provides a flue gas treating process for removing sulfur oxides and dust from exhaust gas containing sulfur oxides and dust by using an absorption tower into which an absorbing fluid containing an alkaline agent is sprayed, comprising the steps of equipping the absorption tower with integrally formed dust collection means comprising dust collecting plates and discharge electrodes, and with dust separation means for sweeping off the dust collected by the dust collection means; and treating the exhaust gas in the dust collection means and subsequently cleaning the exhaust gas in the absorption tower, whereby desulfurization and dust removal are effected while sweeping off the collected dust by the dust separation means. Thus, desulfurization and dust removal can be effected in a simple manner, and the capacity of an electrostatic precipitator installed on the upstream side can be reduced.

Abstract: Gas scrubbing apparatus and method, employing highly charged liquid droplets for removal of both particulates and pollutant gases from the gas to be cleaned, allowing scrubbing of uncharged particulates by means of monopole--dipole attractive forces between the charged liquid droplets and the electric dipoles induced in the uncharged particulates by the charged droplets; employing electrode geometry at the site of droplet production and charging, having spreading liquid sheet electrodes emitting the droplets from the edges of the liquid sheets, interspersed with electrically conductive induction electrodes, with electrostatic potential of no more than about 20 kv existing between the induction electrode array and the array of liquid sheets, and with spacing such that adequately high electric field strength can be maintained at the edges of the liquid sheets to allow adequate charging of the droplets emitted from the liquid sheets, without the occurrence of corona discharges which could deplete droplet charges

Abstract: The dust concentration of the flue gas leaving an electrostatic precipitator and introduced into an absorption tower of a desulfurizer is adjusted to a level of 100 to 500 mg/Nm.sup.3. At the same time, a dust slurry having a higher dust concentration is separated and withdrawn from the slurry within the aforesaid absorption tower, and then subjected to a solid-liquid separation treatment. Thus, solid matter containing dust at a high concentration is extracted and discharged out of the system of the desulfurizer.

Abstract: A dust reduction system for reducing airborne contaminants such as, for example, dust, smoke, microorganisms, etc., includes at least one ion generator made up of at least one ionizer bar and a ground plane which is parallel and proximate to at least one bar. The system can also include a dust collection device such as a tray containing an aqueous composition optionally containing a degreaser, and/or a metal sheet with a water rinse system, and/or the surfaces of a room-sized enclosed space. The system can be applied to any enclosed space where it is desired to obtain high efficiency reduction of airborne dust and microorganisms. The system is especially useful in poultry production and processing areas such as hatching cabinets, throwing rooms, and controlled environment poultry rearing rooms.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ predetermination of the effects of NOx reduction systems on selected components. This determination can yield quick, inexpensive and accurate results for a number of characteristics, for example: catalyst longevity; efficiency with differing fuels, in differing locations, and at different temperatures; potential of catalyst poisoning in specific circumstances; ammonia slip considerations; SCR and SNCR interplay, as well as staged NOx reduction design criteria; pressure and blockage considerations; downstream effect on air preheater elements; and more. These determinations can be made in real, or accelerated time. Furthermore, the determinations can be made before any system modifications are made, or to assist in increasing the efficiency of existing systems, or even to assist in predictions of preventive maintenance and associated down time.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing particulate, nitrogen oxides ("NOx"), sulfur dioxide ("SO.sub.2 "), and mercury ("Hg") emissions from the combustion exhaust of fossil fuel fired plants while producing an end product that is commercially useful, comprising the steps of oxidizing Hg, NOx and SO.sub.2 using a barrier, pulse, corona, or electron beam electrical discharge apparatus (100) to produce HgO and the acids HNO.sub.3 and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 collecting the HgO, acids and particulates in a wet ESP (120), and separating the particulates from the collected acid mixture, then separating and concentrating the acids for industrial use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing particulates and corrosive gases from a gas stream includes the serial use of a condensing wet electrostatic precipitator section for removing smaller particulates, in the submicron range, in conjunction with a vertically aligned preliminary scrubber section which removes larger particulates, in the micron range, and corrosive gases, in an integrated unit in which the temperature and moisture conditions in the gas stream are controlled for assuring effective and efficient operation of the condensing wet electrostatic precipitator section. Discharge electrodes of the electrostatic precipitator are supported by insulators which are protected against deleterious deposits of particulates by discharge electrode elements and collector electrode elements placed between the gas stream and the insulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas cleaning process and apparatus for removing solid and liquid aerosols entrained in a gas stream. The gas to be treated is passed through a wetted, electrostatically charged filter media. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polarity of the electrostatic charge on the filter media is selected to enhance the removal of captured solid particles from the filter media. The apparatus is readily adaptable to a modular gas cleaning system configuration wherein varying numbers of the apparatus may be operated in parallel to provide a gas cleaning system of any desired gas flow capacity.

Abstract: A submicron filter assembly (24) is added to an exhaust gas controlled destruction and oxidation unit (10). Controlled destruction and oxidation unit (10) treats exhaust gas from at least one semiconductor wafer fabricating reactor. The submicron filter (24) filters submicron particles out of the treated exhaust gas to prevent visible plumes from forming in wafer fab exhaust systems (stacks). The controlled destruction and oxidation unit (10) and submicron filter assembly (24) are ideally suited for use at the point of generation of the exhaust gases. In one embodiment of the invention, the submicron filter assembly comprises an electrostatic filter (26). The electrostatic filter (26) includes a positively charged first grid (28) and a grounded second grid (30). The second grid may include a mist screen for removing particulate build-up. In another embodiment of the invention, the submicron filter assembly (36) comprises a mist eliminator (38) and a HEPA filter (40).

Abstract: An air pollution control system using a novel control system is disclosed. The control system is particularly useful with a gas conditioning tower ("GCT") which uses a spray from a two-fluid nozzle to cool hot process gases prior to flowing to an electrostatic precipitator. A first control loop, employing, for example, a temperature feedback control system, is used during normal operation of the system, and an override control loop is used to protect the electrostatic precipitator from overheated gases which may be diverted in the case of a plant upset. The override control loop adjusts the spray based on a calculation of the spray characteristics needed to meet the new GCT conditioning requirements. In another aspect the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for optmizing the spray from a two-fluid nozzle used in a GCT. In particular, the spray droplets are made larger when possible, thereby reducing the energy usage of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a gas stream and concentrating selected constituents found therein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber into which a gas stream is drawn and a nozzle which sprays charged droplets of a collection fluid countercurrent to the gas stream. The charged droplets, now containing the selected constituents, are propelled to the wall under the influence of an electrostatic force and collected in a collection well at the bottom of the collection chamber. The apparatus can include a cyclonic flow inducer which imparts a circumferential component to the gas stream velocity, thereby enhancing collection efficiency by increasing the residency time of the gas stream within the collection chamber.

Abstract: A dust collector efficiently collects dust, especially fine dust (submicron particles). The dust collector, which removes dust and/or mist contained in a gas, includes a charger for charging the dust and/or mist contained in a gas, a sprayer for spraying the charged dust or charged mist or spraying a dielectric material to the charged dust or mist, an electric field former for forming an electric field for subjecting the dielectric material to dielectric polarization, and a collector for collecting the dielectric material which has arrested the charged dust and/or the charged mist.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for removing undesired particles from a gas stream including the steps of contacting a composition containing an adhesive with the gas stream; collecting the undesired particles and adhesive on a collection surface to form an aggregate comprising the adhesive and undesired particles on the collection surface; and removing the agglomerate from the collection zone. The composition may then be atomized and injected into the gas stream. The composition may include a liquid that vaporizes in the gas stream. After the liquid vaporizes, adhesive particles are entrained in the gas stream. The process may be applied to electrostatic precipitators and filtration systems to improve undesired particle collection efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for removing undesired particles from a gas stream including the steps of contacting a composition containing an adhesive with the gas stream; collecting the undesired particles and adhesive on a collection surface to form an aggregate comprising the adhesive and undesired particles on the collection surface; and removing the agglomerate from the collection zone. The composition may then be atomized and injected into the gas stream. The composition may include a liquid that vaporizes in the gas stream. After the liquid vaporizes, adhesive particles are entrained in the gas stream. The process may be applied to electrostatic precipitators and filtration systems to improve undesired particle collection efficiency.

Abstract: Electrostatic spray apparatus including an electrode for generating a high-voltage corona, one or more sprayers for generating a spray of liquid droplets and for directing the droplets into the high-voltage corona whereby an electrical charge is imparted to the droplets. The conduit which supplies the liquid to the sprayers is electrically grounded so that liquid supplied to the sprayer device is at ground potential. The electrode is continuously maintained substantially clean and dry as it generates the high-voltage corona. A process for removing particulates from a gas stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for removing undesired particles from a gas stream including the steps of contacting a composition containing an adhesive with the gas stream; collecting the undesired particles and adhesive on a collection surface to form an aggregate comprising the adhesive and undesired particles on the collection surface; and removing the agglomerate from the collection zone. The composition may then be atomized and injected into the gas stream. The composition may include a liquid that vaporizes in the gas stream. After the liquid vaporizes, adhesive particles are entrained in the gas stream. The process may be applied to electrostatic precipitators and filtration systems to improve undesired particle collection efficiency.

Abstract: A method for removing mercury from a gas stream. In the method, sorbent is injected into the gas stream. Water is dispersed into the gas stream to create a cooled gas stream. The cooled gas stream is allowed to dwell with the sorbent in a chamber to remove mercury from the cooled gas stream. The cooled gas stream is passed through an electrostatic precipitator located above the chamber which collects water and recycles the collected water back into the chamber for cooling the gas stream in the chamber. An apparatus for removing mercury from a gas stream is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated flue gas treatment condensing heat exchanger having a particle charger located upstream of the second stage heat exchanger of the system for improved cleaning of flue gas and increased removal of fine particulate matter.

Abstract: Method to remove organic halogenated molecules from gaseous currents arriving as a residue of industrial working processes or not, the gaseous current being delivered into a reactor (16) containing a fluid bed consisting of at least one solid adsorbent element after having undergone at least one filtration followed by a cooling, the gaseous current cooperating with the solid particles with exchange by adsorption between the gaseous current and the solid particles, the reactor (16) achieving a time of contact between the gaseous current and the solid particles at least longer than 3 seconds, the gaseous current which enters the reactor (16) having a temperature lower than 80.degree. C., but advantageously between 30.degree. and 70.degree. C., the cooling of the gaseous current upstream of the reactor (16) being followed by a gas/water or gas/air heat exchanger (13).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system for treating boiler flue gas to improve the removal of particulate matter contained therein by electrostatic precipitation.

Abstract: A gas is purified using both mechanically atomized liquid and liquid dispersed by electrostatic atomization at asperities arranged at surfaces of emitting electrodes. The concentration of washing liquid between the make-up pipeline and discharge pipeline is obtained, on the one hand, by recycling using atomization pipes of a group of electrodes for the run-off liquid collected by an accumulation tank and, on the other hand, using a back-flow of the liquid between successive accumulation tanks through interconnecting pipelines. A physical and/or chemical treatment line for the liquids and the sludges is also associated with the gas treatment line.

Abstract: A novel electrostatic precipitator includes an electrostatic collector section with discharge electrodes positioned between pairs of grounded collector electrodes, a gas entry port located upstream of said electrostatic collector section, and a transition section between the gas entry port and said electrostatic collector section into which an aqueous acid gas neutralizing agent is sprayed into a gas stream. An additional collector section may be interposed between the gas entry port and the point where the acid gas neutralizing agent is injected into the gas stream. The collector section may comprise alternating charging and short collection sections in which the grounded electrodes of adjoining charger and collector sections are connected. A liquid spray removes particulates collected on the grounded electrodes of the collector sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for removing acid gases, air toxics and/or other contaminants from a flue gas stream formed during the combustion of fossil fuel, and/or waste materials. The flue gas stream is conditioned immediately downstream of the combustion source with a finely atomized liquid which is preferably water. The water spray decreases the volume of the flue gas and cools the flue gas to condense air toxics or heavy metals on the baghouse fabric filters. Advantageously, this may utilize the alkalinity inherent in the fly ash component of the particulate to assist in the removal of acid gases and/or other contaminants via adsorption. Also, the conditioned gas reduces the flue gas volumetric flow rate and hence the size of the particulate collection device, and the cost of the fabric filter media.