Abstract: A gas scrubbing system comprising a plurality of water-fed scrubber units each coupled to a respective exhaust stack of a conventional hot-air dryer and each receiving its water supply from a common, centralized, skimmer-type water treatment facility. Non-aqueous gaseous pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, extracted in vapor form from wood or other material within the dryers by a stream of heated drying gas, is condensed from the drying gas prior to exhausting such gas to the atmosphere by conducting the gas through a plurality of scrubber stages in the presence of cooling spray water until the temperature of the gas, due to the effects of heat transfer, has dropped below the condensation temperature of the gaseous pollutants. The condensed liquified pollutants are then removed from the gas by contact with the water spray and conveyed from the scrubbers along with the spray water while the cleansed gas stream is vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of producing an atmosphere suitable for plant growth and providing an atmosphere comprising the steps of supplying hot flue gases, cooling the flue gases to condense the water vapor contained therein, allowing said condensed water vapor and the flue gases to remain in intimate admixture for a time period sufficient for the condensed water vapor to absorb at least a portion of the flue gases and promote inter-reaction, spraying the condensed water vapor within a substantially enclosed chamber, and passing the non-absorbed portion of the flue gases through said chamber at a relatively low velocity. There is also disclosed an apparatus adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter from flue gases wherein a pump extracts hot flue gases from a furnace and discharges such gases, and the particulates entrained therein, into one end of an extractor comprising a horizontal series of water-containing extraction chambers. The gas under pressure is forced from one chamber to the next through communicating openings in the lower side walls of the chambers, the gas pressure being sufficient to displace some of the water and maintain at least the final chamber in substantially filled condition. The water in the series of extraction chambers combines with the sulfur dioxide in the circuitously-flowing flue gases to produce an acid solution, thereby extracting the sulfur dioxide and simultaneously washing particulates from the gases. A suitable heat exchanger is disposed in at least one of the chambers for transferring heat from the water to a fluid circulated through the exchanger.

Abstract: A chimney for purifying smoke or gases has a tubular lining within the chimney on which a cleaning liquid downwardly flows. A central helicoidal surface composed of a plurality of piled helical elements, imparts a helical movement to smoke or gases rising through the chimney, whereby impurities impinge on the film of liquid and are washed down. The lining can consist of a plurality of single or double walled tubular elements piled end-to-end and possibly arranged to supply the liquid in cascade.

Abstract: A plurality of jointly assembled standardized conduction tube segments; one end of which is in communication with the emissions conduit collector means which collector being attached to the plant emissions exhaust orifice or flue stack means and the opposite end of said conduction tube assembly serving as a clean air exhaust orifice. Each conduction tube segment wall externally supports a pressure relief means and said tube internally supports, near its intake end, an axial flow vacuum fan immediately aft of which is supported a helical spiral of high pressure liquid multi-spray nozzles which said liquid is in contact with vacuumed pollutant emissions. The said pollutants (particulates and liquid soluble gasses) being extracted thereby said spray liquid encapsulation and subsequently deposited into conveyor channel thereunder sprays and which channel is in communication with bottom of conduction tube assembly.

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 horizontal tubular housing is supported at one of its ends across the top of a stack and a blower is mounted at one end of the housing for moving gases discharged from the stack through the housing. The housing has a plurality of laterally disposed baffle plates arranged such that when impinged by the moving stack gases, the latter will be directed in a tortuous path, preferably an initial spiral path and a subsequent zig zag path. Some of the baffle plates are adjustable to vary the turbulence of the gases in their tortuous movement. Spray nozzles are mounted in the housing at most of the baffle plates to provide curtains of liquid spray for washing the gases. The housing has a liquid drainage outlet in its bottom wall intermediate its ends, and such bottom wall is inclined downwardly from opposite ends of the housing to the outlet to provide drainage. Adjustable louvers are provided in the outlet of the blower to vary the direction of air movement from the blower across the stack.

Abstract: A gas line loop water seal has a water supply line connected to the entrance end of a vertical gas pipe loop, a vertical water discharge line with a drain seal at the exit end of the loop and a water drain line with a shut off valve connected from the bottom of the loop to the water discharge line. With the valve open, water washes the flowing gas. With the valve closed, water builds up in loop, seals the loop, and then the excess flows through the discharge line.

Abstract: A smoke-stack filter device comprising a plurality of dual-corrugated-plate members disposed at circumferentially spaced apart relationship to one another in an annular space between a pair of coaxially arranged cylinders, said corrugations arranged such that they define a plurality of serpentine passageways extending longitudinally of the cylinders for flow of polluted gases upwardly therethrough, and a treatment liquid flows in a substantially constant quantity down from the top of said members along the corrugated surfaces of said members to form a liquid curtain to wash pollutants from polluted gases and flowing upwardly through the serpentine passageways between the adjacent corrugated members, the downwardly flowing treatment liquid carrying pollutants dissolved or suspended therein to a draining chamber, and the clear filtered gases flowing upwardly to and through vents at the upper ends of the passageways.