Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle separator configured to be operatively connected between an enclosure hood and a ventilation system. In practice, an air stream containing particulate matter from an industrial process is directed through an enclosure hood, through the particle separator and into the ventilation system. Relatively large particles are removed from the air stream in the particle separator before the air stream reaches the ventilation system. This reduces the abrasion and general damage that can occur from relatively large particles moving through the duct structure of a ventilation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle separator configured to be operatively connected between an enclosure hood and a ventilation system. In practice, an air stream containing particulate matter from an industrial process is directed through an enclosure hood, through the particle separator and into the ventilation system. Relatively large particles are removed from the air stream in the particle separator before the air stream reaches the ventilation system. This reduces the abrasion and general damage that can occur from relatively large particles moving through the duct structure of a ventilation system.

Abstract: A method or process is provided for treating contaminated sludge or soil that includes adsorbed polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCB) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (collectively termed “dioxin-furans compounds”), the method includes pulverizing the sludge or soil and thereafter directing the sludge or soil to an extraction tank where the PCB and dioxin-furan compounds are extracted from the sludge or soil and are caused to become dissolved in a solvent. The treated sludge or soil is separated from the solvent and the solvent is subjected to an ultraviolet irradiation process that destroys the PCB and dioxin-furan compounds.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method of removing ammonia from a gas stream. The method entails irradiating the gas stream with light in the spectral range of 200–350 nanometers and disassociating hydrogen free radicals from ammonia to form NH2. Once NH2 is formed, then reacting the NH2 with NOx to form N2 and water. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the method entails removing ammonia from a gas stream associated with a cement producing process. In particular, a raw feed is directed into a pyroprocessing system of a cement manufacturing facility. This raw feed is heated and in the process of producing cement, a gas stream results. Ammonia present in the gas stream is removed or substantially reduced by irradiating the gas stream and disassociating hydrogen free radicals from the ammonia to form NH2. NH2 is then reacted with NOx to form water.

Abstract: An adsorption-desorption photochemical oxidation process for destroying formaldehyde within an industrial process effluent gas stream is disclosed. The process includes an adsorption-desorption step to concentrate the formaldehyde into a seprate gas stream. The desorbed formaldehyde is oxidized in a photochemical reactor using ultraviolet light. The frequency of light in one embodiment is set at a spectral range of from 220 to 370 nanometers. A conventional wet scrubber is included downstream to control the effluent gas stream from the photochemical reactor. Formaldehyde that escapes the adsorption removal step is directly photolyzed using ultraviolet light in the spectral range of 220 to 370 nanometers.

Abstract: A photochemical process for removing or minimizing the concentration of PCDD or PCDF compounds within an industrial gas stream. The process includes the gas phase of PCDD or PCDF compounds. Light within a particular spectral range is irradiated into the gas stream and is absorbed by the PCDD and PCDF compounds in the presence of a free radical hydrogen donor and this results in producing a lower chlorinated PCDD or PCDF compound form. In addition, the gas stream may be treated by removing particular matter therefrom and thereafter subjected to the above-described irradiation. Further, as another optional step, the gas stream may be irradiated with the specific purpose of targeting PCDD and PCDF precursor compounds. In this case, the irradiation is absorbed by the precursor compounds causing them to be chemically modified to different chemical compounds that do not participate in chemical reactions that result in the formation of PCDD and PCDF compounds.

Abstract: A photochemical process for removing or minimizing the concentration of PCDD or PCDF compounds within an industrial gas stream. The process includes the direct photolysis of PCDD or PCDF compounds. Light within a particular spectral range is irradiated into the gas stream and is absorbed by the PCDD and PCDF compounds in the presence of a hydrogen donor and this results in producing a lower chlorinated PCDD or PCDF compound form. In addition, the gas stream may be treated by removing particular matter therefrom and thereafter subjected to the above-described irradiation. Further, as another optional step, the gas stream may be irradiated with the specific purpose of targeting PCDD and PCDF precursor compounds. In this case, the irradiation is absorbed the precursor compounds causing them to be chemically modified to different chemical compounds that do not participate in chemical reactions that result in the formation of PCDD and PCDF compounds.

Abstract: A termination for fiberoptic or liquid-filled light-conducting cables comprises a fitting which extends into the end of the cable sheath, and on which is threaded a ferrule. In one version, the ferrule and fitting have opposed frusto-conical surfaces which pinch the sheath to provide a secure connection between the sheath and the fitting and to prevent the entry of foreign matter into the interior of the cable or the leakage of liquid out of the cable, if liquid-filled. In another version of the invention, the ferrule and fitting have opposed radial walls which compress an auxiliary elastomeric ring. The ring, when compressed, pushes the sheath radially inwardly into a groove in the fitting to provide a secure attachment of the sheath to the fitting and an effective seal of the interior of the cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for controlling air pollution and basically relates to a photochemical method of removing contaminant compounds, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, from polluted effluent gas systems. Such contaminant compounds are first formed into complexes (such as an electron donor-acceptor molecular complexes) and clusters. After the contaminant compounds become associated with these complexes and clusters, ultraviolet light is introduced into the system resulting in the complexes or clusters being photooxidized. The photooxidization of the complexes or clusters generally tends to internally rearrange the complexes or clusters and to form non-volatile acid products that readily condense on available nuclei. The acid-like products resulting from the photooxidization treatment of the complexes or clusters can be removed from the gas system by conventonal particulate removal techniques.