Abstract: A process for purifying polluted air, includes passing polluted air through a fluidized bed of micro-organism-containing primary particulate media so that, as the polluted air passes through the fluidized bed, organic pollutants therein are removed by the micro-organisms. Partially purified air containing a lower level of the organic pollutants than the polluted air that enters the fluidized bed, emerges from the fluidized bed. The partially purified air is passed through a static bed of secondary particulate media thereby to remove residual organic pollutants from the partially purified air. Purified air is thus produced.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated gas or vapor stream, which method includes passing a contaminated gas or vapor stream through a bed of curled separating media linearly in an upward direction at a linear velocity of up to 6 m/s; allowing a contaminant in the contaminated gas or vapor stream to collect on the separating media as the gas or vapor stream passes through the bed of separating media, thereby removing the contaminant from the gas or vapor stream and thus purifying the gas or vapor stream; allowing the contaminant that has collected on the separating media to pass from the separating media into a collection zone; removing the contaminant from the collection zone; and withdrawing a purified gas or vapor stream from the bed of separating media.

Abstract: A process for purifying polluted air includes passing the polluted air through a fluidized bed of micro-organism-containing particulate media. As the polluted air passes through the fluidized bed, organic pollutants therein are decomposed by the micro-organisms. Purified air containing a lower level of the organic pollutants than the polluted air that enters the fluidized bed, emerges from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated gas or vapour stream, which method includes passing a contaminated gas or vapour stream through a bed of curled separating media linearly in an upward direction at a linear velocity of up to 6 m/s; allowing a contaminant in the contaminated gas or vapour stream to collect on the separating media as the gas or vapour stream passes through the bed of separating media, thereby removing the contaminant from the gas or vapour stream and thus purifying the gas or vapour stream; allowing the contaminant that has collected on the separating media to pass from the separating media into a collection zone; removing the contaminant from the collection zone; and withdrawing a purified gas or vapour stream from the bed of separating media.

Abstract: A process for purifying polluted air includes passing the polluted air through a fluidized bed of micro-organism-containing particulate media. As the polluted air passes through the fluidized bed, organic pollutants therein are decomposed by the micro-organisms. Purified air containing a lower level of the organic pollutants than the polluted air that enters the fluidized bed, emerges from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated gas or vapour stream, includes passing the contaminated stream through a bed of curled separating media (56, 58) in an upward direction. A contaminant in the contaminated stream is allowed to collect on the separating media (56, 58) as the gas or vapour stream passes through the bed of separating media (56, 58), thereby removing the contaminant from the stream and thus purifying the stream. The contaminant that has collected on the separating media (56, 58) is allowed to pass from the separating media into a collection zone, from where it is removed. A purified gas or vapour stream is withdrawn from the bed of separating media (56, 58).

Abstract: An air extraction hood, which comprises a canopy defining an enclosed air collection and treatment zone, and having an operatively downwardly directed air inlet through which air to be treated can enter the zone, as well as an air outlet through which air can be discharged from the zone, the canopy being mountable with clearance above a cooking surface such that its inlet is located above the cooking surface; mounting means for mounting treatment means inside the canopy in the collection and treatment zone, between the inlet and outlet; and passageway defining means defining an air passageway between the inlet and the mounting means along which air can pass, with at least part of the passageway defining means being curved over at least a major portion of the distance from the inlet to the mounting means, to enhance air flow along the passageway.

Abstract: An air extraction hood, which comprises a canopy defining an enclosed air collection and treatment zone, and having an operatively downwardly directed air inlet through which air to be treated can enter the zone, as well as an air outlet through which air can be discharged from the zone, the canopy being mountable with clearance above a cooking surface such that its inlet is located above the cooking surface; mounting means for mounting treatment means inside the canopy in the collection and treatment zone, between the inlet and outlet; and passageway defining means defining an air passageway between the inlet and the mounting means along which air can pass, with at least part of the passageway defining means being curved over at least a major portion of the distance from the inlet to the mounting means, to enhance air flow along the passageway.

Abstract: A separation process comprises passing a gas or vapor stream contaminated with an undesired substance or contaminant downwardly through a plurality of spiral separating media such that the direction of movement of the gas or vapor stream is transversely the longitudinal axes of at least some of the spiral separating media. The undesired substance or contaminant is allowed to separate from the gas or vapor as it passes through the bed, and purified gas or vapor is withdrawn from the bed.

Abstract: A separation process comprises passing a gas or vapor stream contaminated with an undesired substance or contaminant downwardly through a bed of curled separating media. The undesired substance or contaminant is allowed to separate from the gas or vapor as it passes through the bed. Purified gas or vapor is withdrawn from the bed.

Abstract: A large container 12 has a narrow top opening 14. An apparatus 10 is collapsible to be insertable into the container via the opening. When inside the container, arms 18 are opened outwardly from a central chine 24. Castor wheels at ends of the arms roll along an inner wall surface 18 to stabilize the apparatus and to allow displacement thereof. Service operations such as inspection, cleaning, maintenance and repair of the surface can be effected from the apparatus which serves as a platform. The service operations can be effected manually, or by means of remote controlled or automatically controlled service devices mounted on an arm.