Abstract: A multiple-field precipitator, flue-gas treating device, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a first section having a dual-function, sensible-cooling heat exchanger/electrostatic precipitator, a second section having a wet electrostatic precipitator, and a middle section fluidly connecting the first and second sections. In the first section, the exchanger/precipitator sensibly cools the flue gas and collects most of the dust from the flue gas. In the middle section, the dust-reduced flue gas is combined with an alkaline material, thereby forming reaction products. These reaction products and several other pollutants are captured by the wet electrostatic precipitator, in the form of a pollutant-laden liquid. The pollutant-laden liquid is directed to a series of heat exchangers and settling tanks, where various pollutants such as SOx, metals, NOx, and chlorides are removed in different stages.

Abstract: An engine, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a compressor which compresses inlet air; a combustor in which a mixture of fuel and air is combusted; a turbine which is driven by gases from the combustor; and a dielectric coating applied to a surface of at least one of: the compressor and the turbine, the dielectric coating having a dielectric constant of at least 3.0 and a loss tangent of at most 0.1, wherein the dielectric coating reduces the magnitude of an electrostatic force which attracts particles flowing through the engine to the surface of the engine. In operation, only a thin layer of particles typically accumulates on the dielectric coating. While the dielectric coating reduces the magnitude of the electric field which attracts particles, the repulsive force produced by the accumulated particles repels additional particles of the same charge.

Abstract: A two stage method is described for the removal of NOx and SOx from flue gas. The first stage removes all NOx by sodium sulfite sorbent injection. The second stage removes SOx by sodium bicarbonate injection. The sodium sulfite product formed in the second stage is transferred to the first stage for injection.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for desulfurizing and denitrifying coal by pyrolysis and subsequently treating the gaseous pyrolysis by-products with a solid sorbent to substantially reduce the release of SO.sub.x gases to acceptable levels. In one aspect of the invention, coal is pyrolyzed in the inner chamber of the desulfurization and denitrification apparatus to drive off the sulfur and nitrogen compounds contained therein. In another aspect of the invention, the gaseous by-products of pyrolysis are treated with a solid sorbent in the outer chamber of the desulfurization and denitrification apparatus to substantially desulfurize those gases. In a further aspect of the invention, the desulfurized gases, which contain nitrogen compounds, are combusted under controlled conditions to minimize the production of NO.sub.x gases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of making a silica-based membrane comprising the steps of:(1) pyrolyzing the material made of one of the class comprising polysilicone rubber, polysilane and polysiloxane at a temperature range of about 500.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. for about 2 hours (minimum) in an inert atmosphere; and(2) oxidizing the pyrolyzed material at a sufficient temperature range of about 300.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. to crosslink the material with oxygen. The membrane typically has a B.E.T. surface-area measurement of about 220 m.sup.2 /g which indicates a highly porous membrane--about 40 to 70% porosity.