Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating spent equilibrium catalyst (ECAT) for reuse, in which a quantity of spent ECAT comprising hydrophilic particles with differing levels of metal contamination is disposed into a reactor and treated to form carbon nanotubes on the particles having metal contamination, thereby rendering at least a portion of the spent ECAT particles hydrophobic; the hydrophobic particles can then be separated from the hydrophilic particles. Also disclosed is a method of remediating an oil spill using a carbon nanotube sponge material.

Abstract: A process of purifying acetic acid is provided. The process includes feeding a stream of acetic acid into a distillation column and distilling acetic acid in the presence of an oxidizing agent in the distillation column, to oxidize oxidizable impurities in the acetic acid, wherein the oxidizing agent is an oxidant capable of cleaving C?C bonds. The process further includes removing a distilled acetic acid stream from the distillation column. Further processes for purifying acetic acid and systems for purifying acetic acid are also provided.

Abstract: An ammonia removal system can remove ammonia from liquid, and can include an ammonia removal portion having liquid flow surfaces for flowing the liquid downward with gravity, and for receiving vapor moving upwardly past and over the downward flowing liquid for absorbing and removing ammonia from the liquid. An evaporator can be positioned below the ammonia removal portion for receiving the downward flowing liquid now with reduced ammonia from the ammonia removal portion. One portion of the liquid with reduced ammonia can evaporate and produce the vapor for moving upwardly into the ammonia removal portion for removing the ammonia. Another portion of the liquid with reduced ammonia can be drained for removal or use. A compressor can be in communication with the ammonia removal portion for compressing the vapor after exiting the ammonia removal portion. A condenser can be in communication with the compressor for receiving compressed vapor from the compressor for condensing into liquid condensate.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for purifying a rosin-containing material from sulfur compounds. In particular the method comprises a) contacting a rosin-containing material comprising rosin and sulfur compounds with an oxidizing agent at a temperature from 0 to 60° C. for 10 minutes to 3 hours, to oxidize at least part of the sulfur compounds; and b) separating the rosin from the oxidized sulfur compounds; to obtain a purified rosin-containing material. The invention also relates to the purified rosin-containing materials, the preparation of products derived therefrom and the use of the purified rosin-containing materials and derived products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant for the production of urea. The plant comprises conventional sections for synthesis and recovery, for evaporation and condensation, for urea finishing, and for dust scrubbing. According to the invention, an additional evaporation and condensation loop is introduced from and to the dust scrubbing section. This loop results in a more favorable energy consumption of the plant.

Abstract: Methods and a system for removing carbon nanotubes from a water stream are provided herein. The system includes a purification vessel, wherein the purification vessel is configured to form a carbon oxide from the carbon nanotubes within the water stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation method of separating (A) and (B), comprising: a step of separating at least either an active hydrogen-containing compound (A) or a compound (B) that reversibly reacts with (A) from a mixture containing (A) and (B) by distillation in a multistage distillation column; and a step of supplying the mixture to an inactive region formed within the multistage distillation column.

Abstract: A system for treating recovered fluids in-line that includes a thermal reactor for separating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants by applying heat to the contaminated drill cuttings so as to vaporize contaminants from the contaminated drill cuttings; a first condenser in fluid connection with the thermal reactor for condensing the vaporized contaminants; a separator in fluid connection with the first condenser for separating the condensed vapors into an oleaginous liquid and an aqueous liquid, wherein at least a portion of one of the aqueous liquid and oleaginous liquid is fed back into the first condenser via a feedback line; and an ozone generator operatively coupled to the feedback line, wherein at least the portion of the fed back liquid is ozonated by the ozone generator and fed into the condenser is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing a cyclododecanone-rich target fraction (A) from a dehydrogenation mixture (O) comprising low boilers (LB), cyclododecanone (CDON), medium boilers (MB), cyclododecanol (CDOL) and high boilers (HB) is provided. According to the process, substantially pure CDON is obtained via a distillative sequence of two side draw columns connected in series, wherein the sidestream of the primary side draw column is fed into the secondary side draw column. From the top of each of the two side draw columns, a CDON-rich fraction is drawn off, and these are combined to form a target fraction, which is essentially pure CDON.

Abstract: A process for removing a cyclododecanone-rich fraction from a dehydrogenation mixture comprising low boilers, cyclododecanone, medium boilers, cyclododecanol and high boilers is provided. According to the process, the cyclododecanone is separated from the cyclododecanol in a dividing wall column. The apparatus which is the dividing wall column is also provided within this invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods generate steam in hydrocarbon recovery operations and may further enable emulsion separation and product upgrading. The methods rely on indirect boiling of water by contact with a thermal transfer liquid heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Examples of the liquid include oils, recovered hydrocarbons, liquid metals and brine. Heating of the liquid may utilize circulation of the liquid across or through a furnace, heat exchangers, or a gas-liquid contactor supplied with hot gas. Further, a solvent for bitumen introduced into the water may also vaporize upon contact with the thermal transfer liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating wastewater containing peroxide and ammonia includes performing a first stage peroxide pretreatment of the wastewater with a catalyst, and performing a second stage ammonia separation of the peroxide treated wastewater by a distillation process, thereby producing a concentrated ammonium hydroxide end product that is separated from the wastewater.

Abstract: A method for purifying a crude acetone raw material containing low molecular weight impurities using two columns is disclosed. Crude acetone raw material is fed into a first column; adding an alkaline reagent and an oxidative agent into the first column to form high molecular weight impurities; removing a top fraction from the first column by distillation to form bottom fraction containing an acetone mixture containing high molecular weight impurities; feeding the bottom fraction containing the acetone mixture obtained to a second rectification column at a charge point on the column; adding an alkaline reagent to the second column above the charge point of the bottom fraction fed; and separating a purified acetone from the high molecular weight impurities and removing the purified acetone as a top fraction by distillation in the second column, wherein the second rectification column is operated at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for recycling and treating the wastes of silicon wafer cutting and polishing processes. To begin with, a dewatered filter cake is mixed with water so that the filter cake is diluted to form a working fluid. The water reacts with silicon in the filter cake to produce silicon dioxide and hydrogen. After the hydrogen is extracted for storage, specific gravity separation takes place via water so that silicon carbide and silicon particles are separated for sorting. Then, solid-liquid separation is performed on the remaining working fluid to separate silicon dioxide (solid) from water and PEG (liquid), before PEG is separated from water. Thus, the useful silicon particles, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, and PEG are recycled from the filter cake to reduce the total amount of wastes. Moreover, as the side product, hydrogen, is of high commercial value, the method also adds value to recycling.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming trimethylolpropane from purification residue includes hydrolyzing a purification residue with an aqueous medium in the presence of (i) an acid and (ii) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for concentrating an aqueous solution containing at least 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl propanal and/or a dimer thereof, which includes subjecting a mixed solution of an aqueous solution containing at least 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl propanal and/or a dimer thereof and an azeotropic agent to azeotropic distillation in a distillation column to distil off water and the azeotropic agent from the mixed solution, wherein the mixed solution is prepared by adding, as the azeotropic agent, at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-pentanol and 1-hexanol to the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for purifying a crude acetone raw material containing low molecular weight impurities using two columns is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of feeding the crude acetone raw material into a first column; adding an alkaline reagent and an oxidative agent into the first column to form high molecular weight impurities; removing a top fraction from the first column by distillation to form bottom fraction comprising an acetone mixture comprising high molecular weight impurities; feeding the bottom fraction comprising the acetone mixture obtained to a second rectification column at a charge point on the column; adding an alkaline reagent to the second column above the charge point of the bottom fraction fed; and separating a purified acetone from the high molecular weight impurities and removing the purified acetone as a top fraction by distillation in the second column, wherein the second rectification column is operated at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses a method for the improvement of flakes recovery from hydrocarbon processing units and in particular slurry reactors as well as slurry flakes obtained thereof.

Abstract: A process for purifying a brine of organic compounds comprising: (a) supplying a brine that comprises at least one organic compound; (b) feeding at least one stripping zone with the brine from (a) and at least one stripping agent; (c) withdrawing from the stripping zone at least one fraction (I) consisting essentially of brine, the content of the organic compound being lower in fraction (I) than in the brine from step (a), and at least one fraction (II) consisting essentially of the stripping agent; wherein the temperature (T1) of the hotter fraction of the two fractions (I) and (II) and the temperature (T2) of the colder fraction of the two fractions (I) and (II), such temperatures expressed in degrees Celsius being the temperatures measured before any possible thermal conditioning which might be carried out before and/or during their withdrawal from the stripping zone, correspond to the following formula: 6×10?7(T1)3.

Abstract: A process and a plant for producing an olefin stream from a hydrocarbon mixture feed stream, wherein the olefin stream is depleted as regards its content of oxygen-containing organic compounds (oxygenates) as compared to the feed stream. The hydrocarbon mixture feed stream is charged to a separation column operated by a thermal separation process, for example to a distillation column, wherein a material stream enriched in oxygenates is withdrawn via a side outlet and removed from the process. The process according to the invention is particularly useful for processing the product streams obtained in the olefin synthesis by an OTO process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for treating pulp mill black liquor so as to recover the energy in chemicals therein. In the invention the black liquor is pyrolysed in a pyrolysis reactor (4), where causticizing material consisting of metal oxide and sodium oxide and heated in a burning unit (6) is conveyed, and gaseous components formed in pyrolysis are conveyed for utilization and solids are returned to the burning unit.

Abstract: Odorant from a process stream is removed by passing the stream (18) to a counter-current contacting device (12) for stripping odorants. The odorants passes from the contacting device (12) as contaminated steam (26) whilst the remaining process stream passes directly to a “tube side” of a falling film evaporator (14) and is heated producing steam that passes into the counter-current contacting device (12) to strip that process stream and produce the contaminated steam (26). This contaminated steam from the contacting device (12) passes through a vapour compression step (16) from which it is introduced into a “shell side” of the falling film evaporator (14) and in which it heats the process stream passing from the contacting device (12) into the evaporator (14). The contaminated steam that is not condensed in the falling film evaporator passes as a low flow vent gas (50) in which the odorants have been concentrated.

Abstract: A method for recycling cutting fluid, comprises a step of “separation,” by preparing and oxidizing a cutting fluid of silicon including a silicon mixture and a cutting fluid at 150° C. to 350° C. in a container, to obtain a vaporized cutting fluid and a silicon slurry; and a step of “recycling,” by condensing the vaporized cutting fluid to obtain a recycling cutting fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone.

Abstract: A process for removal of a crude acrylic acid from a product gas mixture which comprises glyoxal as a by-product from a heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of at least one C3 precursor compound, which comprises the absorption of the acrylic acid in a high-boiling absorbent and the rectificative workup of the resulting adsorbate, and in which absorbent present in the bottoms liquid withdrawn from the bottom space of the absorption column is distilled off in a distillation unit and recycled into the absorption, before high boilers which remain are discharged, and in which the glyoxal content of the crude acrylic acid is reduced by restricting the high boiler residence time in the distillation unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating fluid streams produced during the combustion of carbon- and ash-containing fuels optimally uses the heat content contained in the system, as well as the amount of water for cooling and condensation required during recirculation of the latter. Suspension withdrawn from the mixing vessel is expanded in at least one subsequent stage during the evaporation of at least part of the water and reduction of the temperature, The vapor produced is cooled by direct contact with water and at least partially condensed out. In the device, a line between a lower section of the mixing vessel leads to a first expansion vessel that is designed as a scrubber tower, the scrubber tower being provided with a condensate collection bottom and a recirculation line towards the mixing vessel for the forming condensate, which mixing vessel is equipped with spray heads.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for thermal processing of slurry, slurry is combined with a bio-mass to produce a mixture. The mixture is subjected in a heated mixer pump to a cracking temperature, thereby allowing the mixture to catalytically undergo a cracking reaction to produce a reaction mixture which is directly outgased in the mixer pump to produce an outgased portion and a solid portion. The outgased portion and the solid portion are separately discharged from the mixer pump; with the low boiling fraction of the outgased portion allowed to cool down for further processing, and the solid portion collected in a residual matter container for further processing.

Abstract: A method for purifying a crude acetone raw material containing low molecular weight impurities using two columns is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of feeding the crude acetone raw material into a first column; adding an alkaline reagent and an oxidative agent into the first column to form high molecular weight impurities; removing a top fraction from the first column by distillation to form bottom fraction comprising an acetone mixture comprising high molecular weight impurities; feeding the bottom fraction comprising the acetone mixture obtained to a second rectification column at a charge point on the column; adding an alkaline reagent to the second column above the charge point of the bottom fraction fed; and separating a purified acetone from the high molecular weight impurities and removing the purified acetone as a top fraction by distillation in the second column, wherein the second rectification column is operated at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Propane and/or butanes are separated from a hydrocarbon feedstock contaminated with alkyl mercaptans by fractional distillation at such a pressure that the separated overheads stream containing said propane and/or butanes is at a temperature in the range 50 to 100° C. Sufficient oxygen is introduced into the hydrocarbon feedstock to oxidise the mercaptans therein and the resultant mixture is subjected to the fractional distillation in a column including at least one bed of a catalyst capable, under the prevailing conditions, of oxidising the mercaptans to higher boiling point sulphur compounds. These higher boiling point sulphur compounds are separated as part of the liquid phase from the distillation.

Abstract: The present invention provides acetic anhydride, a method of purifying crude acetic anhydride, and a method of producing polyoxytetramethylene glycol using acetic anhydride. A method of producing polyoxytetramethylene glycol by ring-opening-polymerizing tetrahydrofuran in the presence of acetic anhydride and an acid catalyst, wherein said ring-opening polymerization is conducted using acetic anhydride having a diketene concentration of 10 ppm or less to produce polyoxytetramethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for removing arsenic compounds using amino/ammonium-functionalized anion exchangers from the distillation bottoms obtained in the purification of hydrogen fluoride by distillation.

Abstract: Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous liquid deposit device has an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; a heatable depositor surface in liquid communication with the volume; a supply for at least one of an oxidant and another substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and a relatively thin film forming unit which delivers the test liquid to the depositor surface in a relatively thin film. Thin film thermal oxidative engine oil or other oleaginous fluid deposit method is also provided, which includes providing an oleaginous test liquid in an oleaginous test liquid placement volume; providing a depositor surface and heating said surface; delivering the test liquid as a relatively thin film to the heated depositor surface; providing to the test liquid an oxidizing and/or other substance which can adversely affect the test liquid; and observing any deposits or other activity thereabout. The invention is useful in oil testing.

Abstract: Process for the revamping of urea production plants for the synthesis of ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide, with a stripping section with NH3, in which the process carries out with differentiated yields, a majority reaction a) between highly pure reagents and a reaction b) between less pure substantially recycled reagents, according to European Patent No. 91116297.2/0479103. According the invention, the urea solution is now fed upstream the stripping section and a reactor with heat removal is utilized. Advantageous, the production capacity of the existing reactor is reduced, with respect to the projected one, in a quantity of 35% to 5%, preferably from 20% to 10%, in favor of the capacity of the “once-through” reactor.

Abstract: A method of remediating water contaminated by dissolved gases and liquids and suspended particles wherein the contaminated water is collected into a closed container without filling the container and heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water. Negative pressure is then drawn on the closed container without causing the water in the container to boil, whereby the dissolved gases and liquids in the contaminated water, having a boiling point lower than water, will evaporate out of the water into the head space above the water in the container. Finally, atmospheric air and/or oxygen are allowed into the container to push the vapors out of the head space of the container.

Abstract: A process for producing an amide and/or acid from a nitrile comprises introducing a nitrile, as a first reactant, and a hydration compound, as a second reactant which is capable of reacting with the nitrile to convert it to its corresponding amide thus hydrating the nitrile and/or to convert it to its corresponding acid, into a treatment zone. The nitrile is subjected to catalytic distillation in the treatment zone in the presence of the hydration compound, to hydrate at least some of the nitrile to the corresponding amide and/or to form its corresponding acid. The amide and/or acid is withdrawn from the treatment zone.

Abstract: An improved process for urea production as well as a method of retrofitting a pre-existing urea plant based on the Stamicarbon process are disclosed. According to the invention, a high-yield reactor with partial removal of the reaction heat and a urea recovery section of the solution leaving the high-yield reactor, are added to the pre-existing urea plant, means being provided for recycling unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide vapors as well as a carbamate solution obtained in the urea recovery section to the pre-existing reactor.

Abstract: Caprolactam is recovered from oligomers and/or polymers of caprolactam by cleavage of oligomers and/or polymers of caprolactam and subsequent working up by distillation of the caprolactam obtained in the cleavage, by a process including(a) cleaving oligomers and/or polymers of caprolactam to obtain an aqueous reaction mixture which contains caprolactam,(b) removing water from the reaction mixture obtained under (a) to obtain a residue,(c) distilling the residue obtained under (b) in an acidic medium and(d) then distilling the distillate in an alkaline medium to obtain caprolactam, or(c') distilling the residue obtained under (b) in an alkaline medium and(d') then distilling the distillate in an acidic medium to obtain caprolactam.

Abstract: An improved process for urea production as well as a method of retrofitting a pre-existing urea plant based on the Stamicarbon process are disclosed. According to the invention, a high-yield reactor with partial removal of the reaction heat and a urea recovery section of the solution leaving the high-yield reactor, are added to the pre-existing urea plant unreacted ammonia and carbon dioxide vapors as well as a carbamate solution obtained in the urea recovery section are recycled to the pre-existing reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for removing acrolein from a gaseous or liquid mixture, in one case aqueous solutions, involving contacting the mixture with a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite; an acid salt of hydroxylamine; a urea compound such as urea itself or thiourea; sodium bisulfite and 4,4-dimethyl-1-oxa-3-azacyclopentane in an amount effective to substantially remove acrolein has been discovered. The process works particularly well in selectively scavenging acrolein from aqueous solutions containing acrylonitrile.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a container for accommodating water to be treated and evaporating the water. Container is attached with water supply for supplying the water to be treated into the container. The water to be treated in container is heated by a heater. Vapor evaporated from the inside of container is cooled by a cooler. Distilled water output from cooler is irradiated with ultraviolet light by a ultraviolet light irradiator. An organic decomposed substance contained in the distilled water irradiated with the ultraviolet light is removed by organic decomposed substance removal device, and ultrapure water is obtained.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.

Abstract: A method for recovering 1,4-butanediol from a hydrolysate obtained by hydrolyzing diacetoxybutane, by (1) supplying the hydrolysate to a first distillation column, distilling off substantially all the amounts of water and acetic acid as the top stream from the first distillation column, and supplying a bottom liquid to a second distillation column, (2) distilling off diacetoxybutane and hydroxyacetoxybutane as the top or upper side stream from of the second distillation column, and circulating the distillates to a hydrolysis zone, while withdrawing crude 1,4-butanediol as a lower side stream in vapor phase from the second distillation column, (3) supplying the crude 1,4-butanediol and hydrogen gas to a hydrogenation reaction zone packed with a hydrogenation catalyst, and (4) supplying the hydrogenation reaction product to a third distillation column, distilling off low boiling point components and withdrawing 1,4-butanediol as the bottom or side stream from the third distillation column.

Abstract: Acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride containing methyl crotonate, vinyl acetate, or both as impurities, is contacted with ozone in an amount of excess molar to the carbon-carbon double bond in said methyl crotonate and/or vinyl acetate and the impurities produced by ozone-treatment are removed off by distillation. A large quantity of impurities such as aldehydes are produced after treatment by treating acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride containing much amount of unsaturated compounds as impurities with ozone. Distilling the ozone-treated acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride make it possible to remove methyl crotonate and vinyl acetate, which are unsaturated compounds difficult to remove by the conventional separation methods, to give high-quality acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride excellent in the residence time in the potassium permanganate test.

Abstract: A process to modernize existing urea plants which use a stripping with carbon dioxide, and to increase urea yields and flexibility under overload conditions while at the same time reducing energy consumption, corrosion phenomena and possible risks of explosive mixtures. The plant includes: a passivation stage with the introduction of an oxidizing agent and reduction of the air fed to the system; a medium pressure distillation stage of the products leaving the stripping section, and a condensation of the products of the distillation, effected in a pre-evaporation phase to concentrate at low pressure the urea solution.The modernized plant, includes at the start at least a reactor, a scrubber, a condenser, a stripper and the evaporators, includes also a passivation section, a medium pressure distillation section, and a distillation section with double-effect technique.

Abstract: An integrated system provides combined space heating, water heating and water distillation. The system is adapted for supplying combined services to residential and commercial buildings. The system may be used in retrofitting existing space heating furnaces and/or water heaters to provide an energy and cost efficient combined system. A portable water heating/water distilling unit can be used with an existing portable self-contained heater.

Abstract: A continuous process for the extraction of bromine from a bromide-rich brine in high efficiency while dramatically reducing the steam requirement for the distillation by operating a contact tower under vacuum. The contact tower is designed to operate near the boiling point of the feed brine so that only stripping steam is needed to remove elemental bromine from the brine.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydrogen fluoride involving treating anhydrous hydrogen fluoride containing primarily trivalent arsenic impurities with an effective amount of chromium (VI) oxide (i.e., CrO.sub.3) and oxygen such as to oxidize substantially all of the trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic (i.e., As.sup.+3 .fwdarw.As.sup.+5) followed by separation and recovery (e.g., by distillation) of purified anhydrous hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing high purity anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (HF) having low levels of arsenic impurity by contacting anhydrous hydrogen fluoride product, or an intermediate product obtained during the manufacture of HF, with hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the arsenic impurity in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a catalytic amount of a component selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, a molybdenum compound, vanadium, and a vanadium compound, and a phosphate compound. The volatile trivalent arsenic impurity in the anhydrous hydrogen fluoride is oxidized to a non-volatile pentavalent arsenic compound and the resultant mixture is distilled to recover high purity anhydrous hydrogen fluoride with reduced levels of arsenic impurity. In one embodiment, an oxidizing agent such as nitric acid or a nitrate salt is added to the reaction mixture to oxidize organic compounds.

Abstract: A combination of pollution control technologies are employed in the treatment of effluent from photographic processing. The technologies employed are evaporation, oxidation by photolysis and catalyzed ozone, condensation, treatment by activated carbon and electrolysis. The method includes the steps of filtering the liquid wastes, electrolytically treating the filtered liquid, evaporating the wastes to create steam and vapors, oxidizing the steam and vapors by photolysis and photolytic catalyzed ozone, and condensing the vapors and passing them through a column of activated carbon. The carbon is regenerated by oxidizing the carbon sites with ozone.

Abstract: A continuous process for the extraction of bromine from a bromine-rich brine in high efficiency while dramatically reducing the steam requirement for the distillation by operating a contact tower under vacuum. The contact tower is designed to operate near the boiling point of the feed brine so that only stripping steam is needed to remove elemental bromine from the brine.