Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the photocatalytic purification and ultrapurification of water. Water containing organic, inorganic and/or biological contaminants is directed through an open cell, three dimensionally reticulated, fluid permeable, semiconductor unit. Within the unit, a semiconductor surface capable of promoting electrons from its valence band to its conduction band, when exposed to a photoactivating light source, removes the contaminants through a photocatalytic reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation. The emission cleaning installation of a preferred exemplary embodiment is provided with a cylinder body, which is ultraviolet light permeable and through which the emissions pass, with photocatalyst pellets, which are accommodated in the interior of the abovementioned cylinder body and come into contact with the abovementioned emissions, and with a light source, which photoexcites the above-mentioned photocatalyst pellets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation. The emission cleaning installation of a preferred exemplary embodiment is provided with a cylinder body, which is ultraviolet light permeable and through which the emissions pass, with photocatalyst pellets, which are accommodated in the interior of the abovementioned cylinder body and come into contact with the abovementioned emissions, and with a light source, which photoexcites the abovementioned photocatalyst pellets.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing an organic contaminant in an aqueous medium generates H2O2 in the aqueous medium through the use of a corona discharge procedure. A quantity of hydroxyl radicals is generated from the H2O2. An organic contaminant is oxidized in the aqueous medium by reacting the hydroxyl radicals with the organic contaminant, the oxidation being enhanced by methods for facilitating the generation of hydroxyl radicals.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a catalyst is described which comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, and chromium distributed over a catalyst support comprising a material containing at least one of silicon, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, aluminum, and activated carbon. The catalyst is used to remove phosgene from a contaminated gas stream and/or reduce or eliminate phosgene from an effluent of a previously treated gas stream. At least one metal in the catalyst of the present invention is preferably present in an amount from about 0.001 wt % to about 15 wt %. When more than one metal is present, the combined metals preferably do not exceed 20 wt %. Catalysts in accordance with the present invention may be used as Photocatalysts. Processes for using the catalysts and Photocatalysts of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A method for the removal of embedded contamination from a metallic surface in which a laser beam is directed on to the contaminated surface. The laser beam has sufficient power density to cause direct ejection of laser-generated melt pool liquid from the metallic surface thereby removing a metallic surface layer containing the embedded contamination. Means are provided for the collection of laser ejected material in order to prevent recontamination of the metallic surface or contamination of previously uncontaminated surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds by zeolite and/or mesoporous material hosted photocatalysts. The present invention further relates to a method of treating a contaminated aqueous liquid or gaseous fluid containing organics using a combination of visible or solar light energy in the presence of a photocatalyst to decompose the organic impurities in the liquid or gaseous fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for gas phase sorption in which a sorption device having an inlet is provided in combination with a source of UV light. The UV light is directed at the inlet of the sorption device for the purpose of destroying organic gas phase compounds and the removal of residue, and OH radicals are formed by the UV light proximate the inlet of the sorption device to destroy organic gas phase compounds disposed on and proximate the inlet of the sorption device. The sorption device is reactivated in situ, the single pass efficiency of the sorption device is enhanced, and the mechanical useable service life of the sorption device is enhanced.

Abstract: A process of gas purification occurs in the presence of radiofrequency microwave energy and carbonaceous material by decomposing adsorbed impurities on a bed surface at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave enhanced catalytic oxidation to purificatory gases normally occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the fluids to produce high intensity cavitations in the fluids as the fluids pass through the apparatus. The fluids are retained in the apparatus for a sufficient period of time to destroy contaminates in the fluids, neutralize acids or bases in the fluids and dissociate other chemical compounds.

Abstract: A process for gasifying solid organic matter from wastewater sludge involves dewatering the sludge to a solids content of at least 35% by weight using a combination of centrifugation, microwave heat exchange and screw press separation. The denatured solids are than at least partially pyrolyzed by passing through a heated inclined screw auger. The pyrolysis solids, tars and gases are then gasified by exposure to a high intensity microwave field. Resulting fuel gas and char from the gasification are then separated, with the char then being combusted in a cyclonic char burner to produce vitrified ash and process heat. Fuel gases are cleaned and then burned in internal combustion engines for the generation of electricity and process heat.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sterilizing products and a method of packaging them, which little denature of the products, little concern with rusting or corrosion of the equipment, permit a safe working environment, and can shorten the treatment time, and this invention relates to a method of sterilizing products by adding hydrochloric acid to water not containing sodium chloride, passing the resulting fluid to a diaphragm-less electrolytic bath, electrolyzing the fluid, collecting the electrolytic water, diluting the collected electrolytic water with water, and sterilizing products with both the diluted electrolytic water and ultraviolet radiation; and to a method of packaging products with packaging members sterilized by the above process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decomposing bromate ions contained in a liquid. The method includes the sequential steps of bringing the liquid into contact with a photocatalyst; and irradiating the photocatalyst with a light ray having an energy that is not lower than that of a band gap of the photocatalyst, thereby generating a photocatalytic reaction to decompose the bromate ions. The invention further relates to an apparatus for decomposing bromate ions contained in a liquid. The apparatus includes a first section for generating therein a photocatalytic reaction to decompose the bromate ions; a photocatalyst adapted to be brought into contact with the liquid in the first section; and a light source for irradiating the photoacatalyst with the light ray such that the photocatalytic reaction is generated in the first section when the photocatalyst is in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A photocatalyst is provided consisting of TiO2 doped with at least one lanthanide metal oxide. The photocatalyst may be prepared by forming a titanium-containing gel and then drying the gel and subjecting it to calcinations. The photocatalyst may be used in photodegradation of organic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of purifying air where a photocatalyst is exposed to ambient air to purify it from bacteria, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. The apparatus can contain a vertical reactor containing the photocatalyst either on sheets, in a web-like structure, or in a fibrous mass, or any other way of holding it. The photocatalyst can be excited with an ultraviolet light source. Air rises through the reactor by natural convection caused by a heater or heater element located in the reactor, or by heat from a transformer or from the ultraviolet light. The apparatus can contain no moving or replaceable parts. An optional air filter can also be located at the bottom of the reactor to remove particulate matter from the rising air. In one embodiment, excess visible light from the ultraviolet light source is allowed to escape from the top, bottom, or side of the device to provide light for persons to see at night thereby acting as a night light which simultaneously purifies air.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus suitable for use in the treatment of liquid 31, comprising a high voltage electric discharge device 8 with spaced apart first second electrodes 24,25. The discharge device has electrical power supply control means 13 for applying a series of high voltage pulses across said first and second electrodes 24,25 so as to produce an extended area electrical discharge in an electric discharge zone 37 extending between said first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a gas delivery means 14-18,29 for feeding a series of bubbles 36 of gas into the liquid in said electric discharge zone.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing air includes an air duct for flowing the air therethrough. A first electron beam generator is positioned relative to the duct for irradiating the air flowing therethrough with a first electron beam. The first electron beam for disabling microorganisms within the air.

Abstract: A new method for design and scale-up of photocatalytic and thermocatalytic processes is disclosed. The method is based on optimizing photoprocess energetics by decoupling of the process energy efficiency from the DRE for target contaminants. The technique is applicable to photo-thermocatalytic reactor design and scale-up. At low irradiance levels, the method is based on the implementation of low pressure drop biopolymeric and synthetic polymeric support for titanium dioxide and other band-gap media. At high irradiance levels, the method utilizes multifunctional metal oxide aerogels and other media within a novel rotating fluidized particle bed reactor.

Abstract: This invention refers to a removal and recovery procedure and method of pollutant materials, which separates contaminants from waste inorganic aqueous solutions and from waste air pollutants having contaminants in therein, with pressure, temperature, electrical-and radiation fields, simultaneously/successively applied. A waste stream source of polluted water and/or waste gases containing waste acids, bases and salts, and/or waste air pollutant suspension particles are fed into a separation reactor. The combined physicochemical effects of removal/recovery of pollutants inside the reactor take place by solubilization, ionization, reaction, deposition and settling, which concurrently remove and separate the pollutants as solid materials, deposited on selective electrodes sets, as gases and as sludge and/or precipitates.

Abstract: A source of radiation (10,12), particularly a pulsed accelerated electron beam, directs a beam of radiation through an irradiation chamber (14, 50). The irradiation chamber is depleted of oxygen and oxygen containing gases, such as being drawn to a vacuum of 10−1 or greater Torr by a vacuum pump (20, 52). Particulate fluoropolymer material is entrained (36) in substantially oxygen free gas and conveyed through the irradiation chamber. The accelerated electrons break chemical bonds in the fluoropolymer particles and electrostatically charge the particles. Magnetic fields (42, 60) of different polarity rotate the charged particles such that they are irradiated from different sides. The irradiated fluoropolymer particles are cooled (24) and separated (26) from the entraining gas. The entraining gas is recirculated through pneumatic line (34) for a continuous cycle. In an alternate batch processing embodiment, the fluoropolymer material is placed in the shallow container (50) which is sealed and evacuated.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a UV lamp for treating waste gas and for treating waste gases therewith is provided which is designed and fabricated based on solgel coating techniques. A sol of photo-catalytic materials comprising anatase TiO2 as the main component, and/or other semiconductive components such as WO3, AnO, SnO2, or Fe2O3, coated on a glass-fiber-cloth. Then, the cloth is impregnated with an oxidation catalyst of precious metal such as Pd, Au, Pr or Ag, or a transition metal oxide of Mo, Nb, V, Ce or Cr. The impregnated cloth is then wrapped on a UV lamp tube. The UV lamp treats waste gas by irradiating the UV light therefrom onto the surface of the photocatalytic materials to generate free electron and electron hole pairs which can decompose waste gases such as organic or inorganic pollutants in the air into unharmful gases.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing strong oxidizing agents from liquids. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus includes an inlet for receiving an input stream having a first concentration of a strong oxidizing agent. The input stream flows into an irradiation unit in fluid communication with the inlet. While resident in the irradiation unit, the input stream is irradiated with UV radiation to substantially reduce the first concentration, thereby forming a first product stream having a second concentration of the strong oxidizing agent. The first product stream then passes through a treatment unit in fluid communication with and positioned downstream of the irradiation unit where the second concentration is substantially reduced, thereby forming a second product stream having a third concentration of the strong oxidizing agent. The treatment unit is selected from the group consisting of a softener unit, a reaction vessel containing a bed of metal redox media, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of treatment of liquid, air and surfaces using UV radiation with a pulse duration of 10−6 to 10−3 sec. and a radiation intensity of at least 100 kWt/m2, using a plasma radiation source with a pulsed storage element, wherein the energy stored in the storage element at the time of discharge, the pulse duration and the area of the radiating surface of the radiation source are interrelated as follows: W0/A Srad t ½>1, where W0, is the energy stored in the storage element, Joules; Srad is the area of the radiating surface of the radiation source, m2; t½ is the radiation pulse duration at mid-height of a peak, sec.; A=108 Wt/m2 is the constant coefficient. A device for the UV treatment of liquid, air and surfaces includes a secondary winding integrated in a series with a charged condenser, and a pulsed lamp to form a discharging circuit.

Abstract: A method and equipment for accomplishing same for rapid sterilization of huge quantities of medical waste materials by exposure to a high dose of radiation energy. The radiation sterilizes organic materials destroying insects, molds, bacteria, viruses and other destructive biological vectors. The equipment includes an improved irradiating facility, namely, either a mobile temporary irradiating chamber, or a fixed temporary irradiation chamber with protective walls capable of being assembled or disassembled. The gear is mounted on suitable transportation means.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oxidation of air contaminants on an ultra-low density, UV light accessible aerogel photocatalyst is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a photocatalytic reactor system broadly comprising a photocatalytic reactor cell, a UV light source, and a pump to force the contaminated air stream through the photocatalytic reactor cell. The photocatalytic reactor cell includes glass cell. A catalyst bed formed of a titanium dioxide aerogel is provided in the glass cell whereby a high fraction of the titanium dioxide aerogel is accessible to UV light and gas. The catalyst bed is exposed to UV light from the UV light source and a contaminated air stream is introduced into the photocatalytic reactor cell such that the air stream passes through the catalyst bed causing oxidation of the contaminants of the air stream.

Abstract: Toxic components in a gaseous effluent containing toxic organic, chlorinated and non-chlorinated compounds are degraded by a process, comprising: contacting the gaseous effluent containing toxic components with a semiconductor metal oxide; and heating the gaseous effluent in contact with the semiconductor metal oxide to a temperature ranging from 300 to 600° C. while irradiating the gaseous effluent with ultraviolet light having a wave-length ranging from 180 to 400 nm.

Abstract: A process for destroying aromatic compounds in an exhaust gas containing also sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust, first the dust is removed at a temperature of between room temperature and 150° C. to a residual quantity of not more than 50 mg/m3,the sulfur dioxide is removed to a residual quantity of not more than 1000 mg/m3, the nitrogen oxides are removed to a residual quantity of not more than 300 mg/m3 and the exhaust gas is then subjected to electron irradiation having an energy of 3 to 10 kWh/1000 m3 exhaust gas.

Abstract: A process of air purification occurs in the presence of activated carbon or its equivalent by decomposing adsorbed hazardous materials, such as volatile organic compounds, on the carbon surface by radiofrequency energy in the microwave range at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave oxidation to nonhazardous gases occurs in the presence of an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: Provided are a process and apparatus for purifying a gas. In accordance with the process, the gas to be purified flows through a hollow dielectric tube. An electric field is created in the gas to be purified by a traveling electromagnetic wave which travels in the dielectric tube and creates, in the gas, an atmospheric-pressure plasma which is not in local thermodynamic equilibrium, for the purpose of dissociating impurities in the gas to form reactive compounds. The formed reactive compounds are reacted with a corresponding reactive material for eliminating the reactive compounds from the gas to be purified.

Abstract: This process occurs in the presence of activated carbon or its equivalent by decomposing adsorbed hazardous materials, such as hydrazine and microorganisms, on the carbon surface by radiofrequency energy in the microwave range at near ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. Further microwave oxidation to nonhazardous gases occurs in the presence of a microwaves enhanced oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the oxidation of gaseous contaminants for the control of air pollution, comprises a two stage process comprising a photolytic stage followed by a photocatalytic stage.

Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas by irradiation with an electron beam. Flue gas discharged from a fuel combustion facility is treated with an electron beam to remove sulfur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides. Ammonia is added to the flue gas and the mixed gas is irradiated with an electron beam in a process vessel. A dust collector receives the gas and collects a by-product mainly composed of ammonium sulfate and/or ammonium nitrate which is produced by the reaction in the process vessel. A gas-contacting portion extending from the process vessel to the dust collector is cooled either wholly or partly, to a dew point of the gas or below.

Abstract: A process comprises passing a contaminated gaseous stream through a photocatalytic stage and, thereafter, through a catalytic stage.