Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for refining platinum group metal concentrates and the separation therefrom of silver and of the majority of base metals which are present with them. In more detail, the apparatus comprises means for reacting together gaseous hydrogen and chlorine so as to produce a flame and means for passing into the reaction zone of the said flame the said mineral concentrate in finely divided particulate form.The apparatus comprises a tubular burner having a hydrogen-chlorine flame discharging into an inner heat resistant tube, means for the passage of the said mineral concentrates in particulate form through the reaction zone of the hydrogen chlorine flame, means for maintaining the reaction zone of the flame at a temperature within the range 900.degree. C. to 2500.degree. C. and means for scrubbing the reaction products after passage through the flame with an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the removal of pollutant material including solid or liquid particulate matter and gaseous pollutants from gas streams in which the gas is driven through a mixing tube by forming a jet of a compressible fluid such as steam or air or the whole or a part of the polluted gas itself. In some instances the jet acts as an ejector to induce flow of the polluted gas into the mixing tube but when all of the polluted gas is formed into a jet it is directed into the mixing tube without any ejector action. A mechanically atomized liquid is introduced into the outer region of the jet of compressible fluid emerging from the nozzle in which the jet is formed. The mechanically atomized liquid is further atomized by the shearing action of the jet to form high velocity droplets which are intimately and turbulently mixed with the pollutant-containing gas and retained in the mixing tube for a sufficient time so that the pollutants become entrained with the water droplets.

Abstract: Dispersions comprising water and particulate solids i.e. carbon and ash are produced in at least one gas cooling or scrubbing zone by quench cooling or scrubbing the raw gas stream from a partial oxidation gas generator with water. The dispersions are resolved by liquid extraction in a decanting zone to produce a water layer containing carbon, dissolved gas, and ash, and also a separate dispersion comprising carbon, extractant, and water. Solids-free water and liquid extractant are then separated from said dispersion in a distillation zone. This water is introduced on to a stripping plate of a flash column along with solids-free recycle condensate from the flash column. The solids-containing water from the decanting zone is flashed below said stripping plate and a portion is converted into steam. The steam passes up through holes or bubble caps in the stripping plate and is dispersed through the water contained on said plate.

Abstract: Distribution of a mixed-phase, vapor/liquid reactant stream to a fixed-bed of catalyst particles is accomplished through the use of a distributor tray in the form of a horizontal plate (or deck) having a plurality of vertically-disposed venturi-shaped eductors. The distributing device is installed within a substantially catalyst-free area of the reaction chamber and serves (i) to initially distribute the reactant stream as a froth to the reaction chamber and/or, (2) to distribute the effluent from one bed of catalyst particles to the next succeeding bed of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A carbon black reactor is comprised of a housing which defines a precombustion zone, a reaction zone and a quench zone which are in flow communication. Inlet means open into the precombustion zone or the reaction zone and is operable to introduce make hydrocarbon into the reactor. Also, inlet means open into the precombustion zone and is operable for the introduction of hot combustion gases into the precombustion zone. The make hydrocarbon is pyrolyzed by contact with the hot combustion gases as same flow along the reaction zone. After a predetermined time as determined by the length of flow along the reaction zone, the effluent produced by the pyrolysis of the make hydrocarbon by contact with the combustion gases is quenched to stop the reaction.

Abstract: An attemperator in the form of a steam desuperheater is disclosed herein and comprises a water tube adapted to be connected to a source of water under high pressure and a spray tube communicating with the water tube through a flow-control device for controlling the flow of water from the water tube to the spray tube. The spray tube is adapted to be located in a steam line for injecting cooling water into the steam when its temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature and accordingly is formed with one or more nozzles for injecting a spray of water travelling along an expanding swirling path into the steam, the water being atomized into small droplets which easily evaporate in the steam. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles are provided arranged in rows extending axially of the spray tube and the rows are circumferentially spaced apart. Also, the nozzles preferably communicate with the inside of the spray tube through a series of small ports.

Abstract: A quenching device for a hot, dirty gas stream, the quenching device being disposed between a flow-through duct carrying a hot, dirty gas stream and a housing to treat the gas, the quenching device including a pair of cooling water sources in parallel transversing the gas stream. The quenching device further includes means to prevent dirt build-up at the entrance of the housing due to entrainment of the dirt in the cooling water flowing through the gas stream.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine power plant employing a water injection system having a water/fuel mixing device for injecting water into the engine fuel as it is conducted to the engine combustion chambers. The water/fuel mixing device employs a fuel conduit with a helical arrangement of water injection apertures for injecting water jets through the fuel to impinge upon the inside wall of the conduit and mix homogeneously with the fuel.

Abstract: A cooling device for use in the quenching of combustion gases containing hydrogen chloride. The device is an elongated steel vessel with angularly spaced openings to receive nozzles for the injection of a quenching liquid. The vessel contains a hard rubber layer extending over its inner surface and an acid-resistant ceramic lining within the hard rubber layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for the conveyance and atomization of a liquid including at least one nozzle directed toward an atomizing chamber, a pressure source or reservoir providing a conveying pressure for the liquid, a fluid-dynamic connection connecting the nozzle and the pressure source or reservoir, and an electrode disposed a predetermined distance in front of the nozzle. At least a portion of the nozzle is formed of an electrically conductive material and is electrically insulated at least with respect to the electrode. A difference in potential is applied between the electrically conductive portion of the nozzle and the electrode during an atomizing period, whereby liquid discharged from the nozzle is atomized.

Abstract: The structure of a gas scrubber for large diameter conduits. It employs an axially located element that forms an annular venturi passage. This eliminates any tendency toward incomplete scrubbing of the gas stream.

Abstract: An automatically regulated variable orifice desuperheater valve is disclosed which includes improved constructional features providing for a more compact installation then heretofore, one which is more reliable in operation and which is at the same time more economical to construct. The desuperheater unit has a welded-closed housing, which includes a concentrically mounted valve guide structure. The lower portion of the desuperheater valve housing structure is arranged so that, after the unit is welded closed, with the valve guide structure contained therein, the valve element may be inserted into the housing from the bottom or inlet opening, followed by a shouldered sleeve which functions as the valve seat. The sleeve is seated against a facing shoulder in the inlet opening of the valve housing, and is secured against such shoulder by appropriate means such as welding.

Abstract: Water is continuously circulated in a closed stream through a plurality of vertically juxtaposed passages. Steam is introduced at the upstream ends of these passages and is drawn along the passages by the water so as to directly contact this water and condense. A restriction provided in each of the passages insures good condensation so that only gaseous noncondensable and nonsoluble portions of the incoming steam are drawn off at the downstream end of the passages where only the water is allowed to pass out.

Abstract: A self-cleaning smoke filter is disclosed. The filter includes a channel having a plurality of longitudinal sides angularly disposed relative to the horizontal, an inlet port for receiving gaseous emissions contaminated by particulate matter and other pollutants, and an outlet port. The filter further includes spraying means for producing a cleansing spray inside said channel, and serpentine baffle means, angularly disposed relative to the horizontal, disposed inside said channel in advance of said outlet exit port.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for stripping and absorption of useful gases and vapors and/or averse gases and vapors, which comprises a unit consisting ofA. a stripping part for the aforementioned gases and vapors in which an inert gas is contacted in a cross-flow with the solution containing said gases and vapors, andB. an absorption part for the gases and vapors in which the resulting inert gas containing the gases and vapors is contacted in a cross-flow with a liquid absorbent orA combination of the units arranged in a series, thereby providing high efficiency of stripping and absorption of the gases and vapors as well as low operation costs.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for cooling water, comprising a relatively large air duct which is open to ambient air at the upstream end, where there is situated an annular, coaxial nozzle to jet hot water through a venturi tube toward the downstream end of the air duct. The high velocity stream of water draws air into the low pressure zone to intermix with the finely divided water droplets moving downstream. The water is cooled by transfer of heat of vaporization as well as by transfer from the air itself, whereby water drawn from the downstream end of the air duct is cool enough for recycling.

Abstract: The installation comprises at least one trickling channel oriented vertically and whose cross-section diminishes from above to below. A transverse wall is arranged below the lower end of this trickling channel. The invention is applicable to the air coming from painting cabins.

Abstract: The invention provides for easy, efficient repair and maintenance of cooling towers by a design in which the internal elements such as liquid distribution pipes, demister, grating and the like are structurally unified with a supporting means so that they can be removed from or replaced in the tower as a unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of exhaust gases, which comprises a first reaction purifier having one or a plurality of undulating conduits with first spray nozzles therein for injecting an alkaline solution to react with said exhaust gases, a second serially disposed reaction purifier having a plurality of spaced apart, parallel glass fiber mats with second spray nozzles for jetting a liquid chemical therein thereby further treating the gases leaving said first reaction purifier and separate exhaust ports for removing liquid from each of said reaction purifiers.

Abstract: A Venturi apparatus and method used with a cyclone separator to separate particulates, fumes and waste gases from gas, as air. The apparatus has a housing having a generally rectangular chamber through which the gas and particulates flow. The housing has converging side walls forming an elongated rectangular Venturi throat. Plates movably located in the chamber between the side walls are spaced from each other to control the length of the Venturi throat. Controls connected to the plates are operable to move the plates relative to each other to change the length of the Venturi throat. The width of the Venturi throat is determined by the spacing of the side walls and is not changed by movement of the plates.

Abstract: A melt is passed as a flow into a space wherein the melt flow impinges against a deflecting surface transforming the melt flow into a thin, evenly spreaded film which, upon meeting one or more jets of a dispersing gaseous or liquid substance, is effectively dispersed.

Abstract: A steam conditioning valve having a multi-turn labyrinth disk stack mounted between the inlet and the outlet of the valve is provided with a cooling fluid spray assembly for injecting the cooling fluid into the valve upstream of the labyrinth. The spray assembly includes a cooling fluid supply line extending through the valve housing without physically contacting the housing to prevent heat transfer between the cooling fluid line and the valve housing.

Abstract: In a steam reforming valve having pressure-reducing valve means for reducing the pressure of superheated steam at high temperature and high pressure and temperature reducing means for reducing the temperature of said superheated steam by spraying water thereinto, a perforated plate comprises a part fixed to a main structure of the steam reforming valve on the downstream side of the temperature reducing means with respect to the direction of flow of the steam within the main structure and a disc part held by the fixed part and having a plurality of through-holes for passing therethrough steam and sprayed water. The disc part is of a construction whereby it has a free end relative to the fixed part.

Abstract: A gas scrubber is provided for the removal of particulates and chemical contaminants from air and other gases. The particulates and chemical contaminants are removed from gas drawn through the scrubber, by inertial separation, spraying with water or liquid chemicals, and filtering techniques. A throat section of adjustable cross-sectional area is utilized in the scrubber to provide optimum air velocity and turbulence for maximum scrubbing efficiency over a wide range of air handling capacities. The cross-sectional area of the throat is adjusted by controlling the level of the liquid in a liquid-filled sump which is provided for the spray water or liquor. Removable filter baskets of variable depth are utilized during final treatment of the air or gas being cleaned.

Abstract: A gas treatment apparatus suitable for removing sulfur oxides and dust from gas streams is disclosed. The gas to be treated is conveyed through a conduit and past at least one nozzle positioned in fluid communicaton with the interior of the conduit. The nozzle injects an atomized solution, such as an alkali metal carbonate solution, into the gas. Solids formed by contacting the gas with the solution collect on the inner surface of a conical funnel-shaped portion of a hollow body. The hollow body includes a conduit portion in coaxial alignment with the hollow body. The solids are first removed from the hollow body by a screw conveyer positioned on the conical funnel-shaped portion and then withdrawn through a solids exit port. Gases formed by the contact of the gas with the injected solution are removed through a gas exit port in the hollow body and a gas passageway defined by the inner surface of the hollow body and the outer surface of the conduit portion.

Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator has an inlet diffuser, a transverse electrostatic discharge section, an extended discharge section, a mist eliminator section and an outlet section. The inlet diffuses includes discharge electrodes interposed between collection plates extending in the direction of flow of gaseous feed and water sprays. The transverse discharge section includes baffles transverse to the direction of flow of the gaseous feed and water sprays. The extended discharge section includes transverse baffles and electrodes. The outlet section following the mist eliminator includes overlapped baffles.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: Stack gases containing sulfur dioxide and other pollutant gases and particulate matter are passed through a horizontally extending chamber wherein the stack gases are sprayed by a liquid reagent. The liquid spray droplets move across the cross-sectional flow area of the stack gases and scrub the stack gases thereby removing a substantial portion of the pollutant gases and particulate matter therefrom. The resultant liquid slurry which might otherwise collect in the chamber is washed therefrom by the spray and drains downwardly from the chamber for discharge thereby preventing plugging of the chamber.

Abstract: Pollution control apparatus is provided for use in scrubbing a gas, which is normally vented to the atmosphere, with a liquid, which apparatus embodies in one unit a section to remove solid particulates and entrained liquid from the gas, as well as a packed tower scrubbing section for removing noxious gaseous components from the gas. The apparatus is comprised of an outer shell; and an inner shell disposed within and spaced from the outer shell, the inner shell defining an inner contact zone and the space between the inner shell and the outer shell defining an outer contact zone; liquid feed means for introducing liquid into the inner contact zone; gas feed means for introducing a gas into contact with the liquid in the inner contact zone and for introducing the gas into the outer contact zone; outlet means for liquid; and outlet means for processed gas. The inner contact zone preferably includes a packing material.