Abstract: A process for removing halogenated hydrocarbons and other solvents from a solvent laden air (SLA) stream, includes the step of passing the SLA from an SLA intake through at least three adsorbers each containing an activated carbon bed. At least one adsorber undergoes regeneration while at least two other adsorbers operate in series in the adsorption mode. Regeneration is accomplished by passing a regenerating fluid such as steam through the bed. The steam and solvent vapor is condensed to form a liquid having at least one solvent rich fraction and at least one solvent poor fraction. This condensation product undergoes one or more separation steps to remove the solvent rich fractions from the solvent poor fractions. Non-condensibles are returned to the SLA intake. The SLA is pre-conditioned prior to the SLA inlet to remove extraneous contaminants and to control inlet conditions of temperature, relative humidity and flow rate. Removal efficiencies of 99 percent and above are attainable by the process.

Abstract: A process is provided for the removal and disposal of airborne contaminants from paint booths and the like. The process includes the steps of passing the effluent air stream from a paint booth through an adsorbent in at least one adsorber. The adsorbent is preferably activated carbon. The adsorbent is regenerated periodically by a regeneration step. The regeneration step is preferably performed by passing a regenerating fluid through the adsorber. The regenerating fluid removes the contaminants from the adsorbent and transports the contaminants out of the adsorber. The regenerating fluid is preferably partially or totally scrubbed of contaminants and recycled through the process to provide an essentially closed-loop operating system. The regenerating fluid is preferably a vapor or gas which is partially or totally cooled and condensed after regeneration. The condensate is separated in one or more steps into contaminant rich fractions and contaminant poor fractions.