Abstract: Apparatus for biological production of ethanol from waste gases includes a bioreactor including a plurality of tunnels each having inlet and outlet passageways, a gasifier reactor generates a continuous supply of syngas from waste gases into the upper portion of each tunnel. A mixing device provides a continuous supply of fermentation microbes in a liquid directed by pumps and spray misters into the tunnel. Pumps direct the liquid vertically for conversion of the syngas into ethanol.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas, particularly carbon dioxide, uses, in some forms, a reactor, such as a plasma gasification reactor (PGR), to chemically reduce sequestered carbon dioxide with high heat in a carbonaceous bed to form gaseous products then used above the bed to convert biomass to lighter hydrocarbons, as well as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In some arrangements the sequestered carbon dioxide supplied to a reactor is derived from a power plant's exhaust. The gaseous products of a reactor may be supplied to an additional reactor for processing to form liquid fuels or may be supplied as gas fuel to an electric power plant or otherwise combusted. Where the output of the CO2 conversion and the biomass conversion is converted to liquid fuels, such as ethanol, such fuels may be either applied as transportation fuels or used to generate electric power, among other uses.

Abstract: Apparatus for biological production of ethanol from waste gases includes a bioreactor including a plurality of tunnels each having inlet and outlet passageways, a gasifier reactor generates a continuous supply of syngas from waste gases into the upper portion of each tunnel. A mixing device provides a continuous supply of fermentation microbes in a liquid directed by pumps and spray misters into the tunnel. Pumps direct the liquid vertically for conversion of the syngas into ethanol.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing fluid onto a hydrometallurgy leach field consists of individual modules having structure for operatively coupling the modules to one another to form the apparatus. Each module, which alone can form a fluid distribution apparatus, includes a frame and an elongated reel assembly on which a plurality of individual distributors, such as perforated hoses, are carried at axially spaced positions along the elongated reel assembly. A fluid supply conduit carries fluid from a fixed fluid supply line through the elongate reel assembly to each of the hoses carried on the elongated reel assembly and to an adjacent module. The frame is supported at its ends by frame translating mechanisms, preferably endless track crawler units, which serve to selectively move the apparatus forward and rearward. Adjacent modules are coupled at respective ends thereof to a common frame translating mechanism, thus coupling the adjacent modules to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing fluid onto a hydrometallurgy leach field consists of individual modules having structure for operatively coupling the modules to one another to form the apparatus. Each module, which alone can form a fluid distribution apparatus, includes a frame and an elongated reel assembly on which a plurality of individual distributors, such as perforated hoses, are carried at axially spaced positions along the elongated reel assembly. A fluid supply conduit carries fluid from a fixed fluid supply line through the elongate reel assembly to each of the hoses carried on the elongated reel assembly and to an adjacent module. The frame is supported at its ends by frame translating mechanisms, preferably endless track crawler units, which serve to selectively move the apparatus forward and rearward. Adjacent modules are coupled at respective ends thereof to a common frame translating mechanism, thus coupling the adjacent modules to one another.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker valve includes a body defining a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and a vent cap structure having vent openings defining an air passage into the breaker element. A float element is slidably disposed on a float post within the breaker to move between a system sealing position and a venting position. The vent cap structure includes a riser structure having a vent wall in which the vent openings are formed and an external cap element. An air permeable water resistant barrier, which substantially prevents foreign debris from entering the piping system through the air passage, is operatively coupled to the vent cap or the body within the air passage. The barrier may be disposed within the riser structure beneath the cap element, may span a gap between the cap element and the riser structure, or may replace the cap element and be attached to the breaker over the riser structure.