Abstract: A process for removing halogenated hydrocarbons and other solvents from a solvent laden air (SLA) stream, includes the step of passing the SLA from an SLA intake through at least three adsorbers each containing an activated carbon bed. At least one adsorber undergoes regeneration while at least two other adsorbers operate in series in the adsorption mode. Regeneration is accomplished by passing a regenerating fluid such as steam through the bed. The steam and solvent vapor is condensed to form a liquid having at least one solvent rich fraction and at least one solvent poor fraction. This condensation product undergoes one or more separation steps to remove the solvent rich fractions from the solvent poor fractions. Non-condensibles are returned to the SLA intake. The SLA is pre-conditioned prior to the SLA inlet to remove extraneous contaminants and to control inlet conditions of temperature, relative humidity and flow rate. Removal efficiencies of 99 percent and above are attainable by the process.

Abstract: A process is provided for the removal of solvents and other contaminants from an inlet solvent laden air (SLA) path. The process comprises the step of passing the SLA through an adsorbent in an adsorber. The adsorbent is regenerated when it becomes saturated with solvents. The regeneration step is performed by passing a regenerating fluid, preferably steam, through the adsorber. The steam removes solvents from the adsorbent and transports the solvents out of the adsorber. The steam and solvents are condensed in a condensation step. Water is separated from the condensaton produced in a separation step such as decantation and distillation. The condensed water is passed to a steam generation step. The recovered water is used as boiler feed water to generate low pressure steam. The steam generated in the steam generation step is recycled to the adsorbent regeneration step.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering halogenated hydrocarbons from solvent streams, particularly those including water and at least one alcohol, ketone or ester impurity. The process also provides for the recovery of the alcohol, ketone or ester, which can be reused or incinerated. The solvent stream is condensed and initially spearated into a halogenated hydrocarbon rich fraction and a water rich fraction containing the impurities. Impurities are removed from the halogenated hydrocarbon rich fraction in a first separation step, preferably liquid-liquid extraction with water. The impurities are extracted from the halogenated hydrocarbons into the water, which is passed to the water fraction of the initial separation step for further treatment. Halogenated hydrocarbons leaving the extraction column are passed to a distillation column where remaining water and impurities are removed. A continuous halogenated hydrocarbon vapor draw is preferably removed and condensed from the distillation column.

Abstract: A process is provided for the removal and disposal of airborne contaminants from paint booths and the like. The process includes the steps of passing the effluent air stream from a paint booth through an adsorbent in at least one adsorber. The adsorbent is preferably activated carbon. The adsorbent is regenerated periodically by a regeneration step. The regeneration step is preferably performed by passing a regenerating fluid through the adsorber. The regenerating fluid removes the contaminants from the adsorbent and transports the contaminants out of the adsorber. The regenerating fluid is preferably partially or totally scrubbed of contaminants and recycled through the process to provide an essentially closed-loop operating system. The regenerating fluid is preferably a vapor or gas which is partially or totally cooled and condensed after regeneration. The condensate is separated in one or more steps into contaminant rich fractions and contaminant poor fractions.