Abstract: Flue gases as generated in the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel are extracted while at a high temperature, e.g. 2000.degree. to 3800.degree. F, and mixed with a fuel and converted in the presence of an oxidant such as air and/or steam to a thermally generated gas stream enriched in hydrogen and/or its equivalent carbon monoxide. Conversion efficiencies based on the hydrocarbon feed in excess of 100% are achievable.

Abstract: A catalyst chamber capable of converting the oxides of sulfur to hydrogen sulfide and the oxides of nitrogen to inert nitrogen and ammonia in the presence of a reducing atmosphere is inserted downstream of the boiler section of a fossil fuel burning power generator and there is added a system for extracting formed hydrogen sulfide from the fuel gas stream.After combustion of the primary fuel, typically sulfur bearing coal in excess air, a gaseous hydrocarbon such as methane, is combined with the products of combustion to at least scavenge the oxygen present to form a boiler effluent which ranges from slightly oxidizing to reducing in nature.Where the boiler effluent is reducing in nature, partial conversion of the oxides of sulfur and the oxides of nitrogen occur in the boiler, the balance occurring in the catalyst chamber.

Abstract: Ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide contained in gas streams are separated from the gas streams by contacting the gas stream with an aqueous solution containing free oxygen for a time sufficient for the ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide to react with the oxygen present to form ammonium thiocyanate and water for further treatment or disposal.One method of treatment is to thermally and catalytically convert for the ammonium thiocyanate to ammonia or nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide in the form of a second gas stream which is processed for recovery of any formed ammonia and the hydrogen sulfide.