Abstract: In a method for regenerating an electrically conducting adsorbent laden with organic substances the adsorbent is heated by passing electric current through the adsorbent while not passing a flushing gas through the adsorbent. Subsequently, the flushing gas is passed through the adsorbent while not heating the adsorbent by passing electric current through the adsorbent so that the adsorbed organic substances are flushed from the adsorbent and the adsorbent is simultaneously cooled by the flushing gas.

Abstract: In a method for regenerating an electrically conducting adsorbent laden with organic substances the adsorbent is heated by passing electric current through the adsorbent while not passing a flushing gas through the adsorbent. Subsequently, the flushing gas is passed through the adsorbent while not heating the adsorbent by passing electric current through the adsorbent so that the adsorbed organic substances are flushed from the adsorbent and the adsorbent is simultaneously cooled by the flushing gas.

Abstract: In a known method for the purification of exhaust air containing impurities which are biologically degradable and difficultly soluble in water, by means of activated sludge washing liquid in an absorption tower, pulverized activated carbon is added to the activated sludge washing liquid. The impurities are initially absorbed by the activated carbon and are subsequently degraded by the microorganisms of the activated sludge. Since the impurities are not transferred directly to the activated carbon, but through the washing liquid, material exchange apparatus having high turbulence are required which have a high energy consumption. By adding a high-boiling, organic solvent, for example, dialkyl phthalate, material exchange apparatus having a low energy consumption can be used, the absorption efficiency is increased and peak loads can be compensated in a buffer-like manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the purification of waste air containing biologically decomposing impurities. The waste water is conducted through an absorption tower in which the impurities are absorbed by washing liquid containing an activated sludge. Subsequently, the impurities are biologically decomposed in an activated sludge basin by the microorganisms of the activated sludge. To ensure that the residual amount of washing liquid to be removed is small and only a small amount of biological excess sludge is produced even if large amounts of impurities must be decomposed, while the activated sludge basin remains relatively small, the waste air is subjected to a preliminary purification in at least two successive stages by means of a highly polluted washing liquid. Subsequently, the waste air is subjected to an after purification by means of an only lightly polluted washing liquid. The two different washing liquids are then conducted in a cascade-like manner through separate activated sludge basins.