Abstract: In a filter insert which is received exchangeably in a shaft along a channel and which can be fixed sealingly relative to frame shaped shaft walls via at least one gasket preferably continuous on a flow-off side of the filter, it becomes possible to change the filter easily, without the danger of damaging the gasket, if there is at least one pressing element which can be connected to a pressure reducing device. When the pressing element is in the contracted pressure reduced position, a continuous gap forms between the gasket and associated shaft wall during a shift of the filter, this gap being cancelled when the pressure reducing device is disconnected.

Abstract: In a method of wetting particles contained in a gas stream including particles and gas, a primary gas stream containing the particles is separated into first and second gas streams such that the first gas stream includes substantially all the particles of the primary gas stream. The particles are wetted in the first gas stream with water in a wetting stage. The amount of water which is introduced into the wetting stage exceeds that amount of water which is capable of reducing the temperature of the first gas stream below its dew point. The resulting first and second gas streams are then combined into an aggregate gas stream downstream of the wetting stage to produce an aggregated gas stream having a temperature greater than the dew point of the aggregated gas.

Abstract: A collector electrode for an electrostatic precipitator for collecting charged particles suspended in a gas flow includes a planar base parallel to the gas flow, and a plurality of spaced projections projecting into the gas flow. Each of the projections includes an outer non-perforated section which is substantially planar and parallel to the planar base, and a perforated juncture section joining the outer section with the base.

Abstract: An intermittent drive (10) for intermittently advancing a cleaning head (50) for sequential cleaning of filter bags (44) in a bag house (12). The intermittent drive includes a ratchet wheel (80) secured to a central shaft (74) on which the cleaning head is radially mounted. A drive plate (90) in proximity to the ratchet wheel is continuously rotated by a drive motor (83) about a drive axis (88). An elongated drive arm (94) has a base end portion (100) pinned to the upper surface (92) of the drive plate at a point radially offset from the drive axis. The drive arm (94) also has a distal end portion (102) that is engageable with the teeth (82) of the ratchet wheel. The bottom surface (98) of the drive arm frictionally contacts the upper surface of drive plate to urge the drive arm into engagement with the ratchet wheel teeth.

Abstract: A rotational separator for separating particulate material from gas includes a housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A centrifuge is rotatably mounted in the housing along a rotation axis extending through the housing. The centrifuge includes a plurality a radially-spaced individual separation channels which extend parallel to each other and parallel to the rotaton axis. The separation channels extend azimuthally about the rotation axis by less than 360.degree. to prevent azimuthal flows greater than 360.degree. about the rotation axis in any of the individual separation channels.

Abstract: A process for the removal of polar and nonpolar solvents from a gas stream by contacting the gas stream with an absorption liquid in order to absorb the solvents from the gas stream is described, in which the glycol di-n-butyl ethers of the formula below ##STR1## in which R is H or CH.sub.3, and x is 1 to 8 are used as absorption liquid.

Abstract: The anti-suction air cyclone method and apparatus insulate the most suction active part of the air core in an air core bed to prevent separated particles from being entrained from the cyclone walls into the inner vortex. Use of the air core bed increases the separation efficiency and capacity of a given cyclone dust collector.

Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaner is attached to a side of a furnace in such a manner as to be positioned and supported during the installation process, and easily connected to the electrical power within the unit. A bracket is attached to the air cleaner frame in such a way as to have an extended lip portion engaged with one edge of the cabinet opening to thereby position and support the air cleaner during the installation process. The power lead is so positioned on the air cleaner frame that, when the air cleaner is placed in position against the unit side wall opening, the lead will project through the side wall opening for connection to a power supply within the unit.

Abstract: Process for the recovery of maleic anhydride from a gaseous mixture thereof, in which the gaseous mixture containing maleic anhydride is contacted with an absorbant for the maleic anhydride to give an enriched absorbant. Water present in the enriched absorbant is then substantially removed by contacting the enriched absorbant with a water adsorbant or with a low humidity stripping gas to produce a dried enriched absorbant. The maleic anhydride is then recovered from the dried enriched absorbant.

Abstract: Separation of substances present in fluid media can be obtained by directing at an angle of incidence up to 180 degrees, a first flow of fluid medium against a second flow of fluid medium. A boundary layer is formed between the mutually incident media and the substances to be separated pass from the first medium through the boundary layer into the second medium.

Abstract: A tent-free technique, system, and apparatus for effecting protection of humans from airborne asbestos and other particulate contamination is disclosed. It comprises a first transparent cowling means operatively associated with drilling means and at least one filtration unit flow connected therewith. The first cowling means comprises two members slidably disposed relative to one another, with the first member thereof being more or less substantially fixed relative to the drilling means housing and the second member adapted to be more or less substantially fixed temporarily to the plane of the material first engaged by the drill bit. A second cowling means, also flow connected to said filtration unit, is operatively associated with the instant apparatus and more or less substantially fixed temporarily to the plane of the material lastly engaged by said drill bit. A third cowling means is operatively associated with sawing means and fixed relative to the housing thereof and adapted for enclosing the saw blade.

Abstract: A filter apparatus having a plurality of filter zones that are disposed one above the other and have associated therewith at least one common unfiltered fluid channel and at least one common filtrate channel. Each filter zone has at least one filter sheet, which is provided on a filter element, serves for the deposition of a cake layer formed from at least one filtering aid, and separates a filtrate collection area that opens into the filtrate channel from a filling space disposed above the filter sheet. Provided for each filter zone is an annular distribution space, which extends about the central axis of the filter, opens into the filling space at its outer periphery, and in the region of the central axis of the filter communicates with the unfiltered fluid channel.

Abstract: Many industrial operations generate and release volatile organic compounds. The fumes, frequently mixed with large quantities of air, are collected and sorbed on activated carbon. The spent sorbent is frequently sent to an off-site facility for reactivation since on-site reactivation of the spent sorbent has heretofore been very costly. Shipping of hazardous waste products such as spent sorbents containing sorbed volatile organic compounds on public roads is a growing concern of governmental bodies and regulations requiring on-site handling are anticipated.This invention provides a closed loop system for on-site reactivation of the spent sorbent and incineration of the contaminants. The combustion gases are cleaned simultaneously with the main gas stream containing the volatile organic compuonds so that only cleaned gases are vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable vacuum and air filtration unit, comprising: a plurality of separately transportable modules and a means for locking the modules together during use, an air inlet located in one of the modules, a debris screen and a means for receiving debris stopped by the screen located in one of the modules, an electrostatic filter located in one of the modules, a bag filter assembly located in one of the modules, a HEPA filter assembly located in one of the modules, and a means for drawing a substantial volume of air through the inlet, screen, electrostatic filter, bag filter assembly and HEPA filter assembly.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for regenerating a diesel filter (1) mounted in the exhaust pipe (3) of a diesel engine (2) wherein for initiating regeneration, the exhaust flow is throttled in the exhaust pipe (3) and/or in an exhaust feedback passage (7) by means of a control unit (10) responsive to setpoint exhaust temperatures measured upstream and downstream of the diesel filter (1) in the exhaust pipe (3), and that the air ratio is set to a value between 1.2 and 1.3 to inhibit regeneration.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) for use with a dry bulk type trailer (B) for transporting granular material and other commodities. The trailer is pulled by a truck (T) having an air pump (P) installed thereon. The trailer has an air line (A) by which air is directed from an outlet (OL) of the pump to outlets (O1-O4) of compartments (C1-C4) of the trailer in which commodities are stored. A filter element (24) of the assembly is capable of removing dirt, dust, and rust particles entrained in the airstream flowing from the pump through the air line. The filter element is removably installed in a housing which is installable in-line withing in the airline. Couplers at each end of the housing effect connection of the housing in the air line. A pressure gauge (56) measures the pressure drop across the filter element to help determine when the element is becoming clogged and should be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for absorbing oils and petroleum based products, having a buoyant, anti-static foam pad impregnated with a hydrophobic amorphous silicate.

Abstract: The present invention presents an exhaust gas purifying apparatus characterized by a first electrode composed of an electric conductor in which its surface is formed as a projected formation, a second electrode composed of an electric conductor and disposed opposite to the first electrode, an electric insulator attached to at least one surface of the second electrode, opposite to the first electrode, a streamer corona generating portion composed of a high voltage electric power source connected to the first and second electrodes, means for injecting an adhesive oil into the surface of the electric insulator at the first electrode side, means for circulating the adhesive oil, a set member for removably supporting the streamer corona generating portion within a path duct of the exhaust gas, and further a contact member for contacting the second electrode when the streamer corona generating portion is mounted within a path duct of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A pair of wire electrodes in an electrostatic precipitator is replaced by a single rigid discharge electrode. Shrouds on the upper end of the rigid discharge electrode cooperate with the original supporting and locating means on the upper high voltage frame to suspend the rigid discharge electrode midway between the vertical grounded electrodes. Suspending means on the lower end of the rigid discharge electrode provide for suspending the weights originally suspended from the bottoms of the wire electrodes from the rigid discharge electrode in their original positions.

Abstract: In its broad aspect, the present invention involves a governor-controlled gas compressor system for maintaining gas pressure in a gas reservoir between a predetermined first pressure level at which said compressor commences to compress pressurized intake gas from a supercharged source thereof and a predetermined higher second pressure level at which the compressor ceases to compress said gas. The system includes a gas dryer vessel intermediate said compressor and said reservoir to effect drying of the compressed gas. The gas dryer is provided with means for exhausting purge gas therefrom only when the pressure of the purge gas exceeds the pressure of the pressurized intake gas from the supercharged source thereof.