Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow-fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: Methods for removing acid gases and recovering water from flue gas. A flue gas is introduced into a water spray tower and is cooled by direct contact with a sprayed aqueous stream to condense a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas. Acid gases present in the flue gas are absorbed into the aqueous mixture, and a chemical added to the stream facilitates conversion of absorbed acid gases. The aqueous stream leaving the spray tower is next treated to remove contaminants, such as carbonates and bicarbonates, thereby producing a cleaned aqueous stream that may be split into a stream that is cooled prior to reuse in the spray tower, as well as a stream that is fed back to the boiler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow-fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the level of elemental mercury contained in a crude oil at the well site by separating the crude oil stream into a gaseous hydrocarbon stream containing hydrocarbons, mercury and water, and a liquid hydrocarbon stream containing hydrocarbons and elemental mercury; removing mercury from the gaseous hydrocarbon stream in a mercury removal unit, thereby forming a treated gas stream; contacting a recycle gas stream comprising a portion of the treated gas stream with at least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon stream for transfer of at least a portion of the elemental mercury contained in the liquid hydrocarbon stream to the recycle gas stream; thereby forming a mercury rich gas stream, and a treated liquid hydrocarbon stream; and passing the mercury rich gas stream, along with the gaseous hydrocarbon stream, to the mercury removal unit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for on-line determination of concentrations in an HF alkylation process catalyst stream containing HF acid, ASO, water and optionally an additive which suppresses the vapor pressure of HF acid. The method employs near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometric data analysis. The data analysis uses a partial least squares regression technique which determines unknown concentrations based on spectral calibration data. In use, an absorbance spectrum of material is obtained, e.g., from a slipstream taken from the process alkylation catalyst stream, and the detected spectrum is mathematically analyzed with the aid of the computer to simultaneously predict concentration of HF acid, ASO, water and optionally the additive which suppresses the vapor pressure of HF acid.