Plural Chemical Reaction Stages Patents (Class 422/170)
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Publication number: 20010021357Abstract: An apparatus for removing fluorinated and chlorinated compounds contained in waste gas streams from semiconductor etch and deposition processes. The apparatus has a treatment chamber in which a plurality of liquid films are formed to absorb the fluorinated and chlorinated compounds contained in the waste gas streams that pass through the liquid films. The apparatus includes a tank for receiving the mixture of the absorbed fluorinated and chlorinated compounds and the liquid, and a dehumidifying device for stabilizing and dehumidifying the humidified waste gas streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Applicant: Winbond Electronics Corp.Inventors: C. C. Wang, L. K. Sun, Jeffrey Wen
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Publication number: 20010018032Abstract: An odor treating system in which a silo-type structure (2) incorporates in layered sequence along its height at least one bioscrubber (4) and one wet scrubber (6) or biofilter and incorporates a port (10) for introducing malodorous effluent into the structure (2) below the scrubbers (4, 6) and fan means (1) overlying the scrubbers (4, 6) for drawing the effluent through the scrubbers (4, 6) to deodorize, dilute and disperse the effluent into the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2000Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventor: LARRY J. FINN
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Publication number: 20010014297Abstract: An exhaust gas laden with nitrogen oxides is subjected to a catalytic oxidation in an oxidizing catalyst. The exhaust gas is subsequently brought into contact with water and oxygen or air in a mixing device. This results in an exhaust gas freed of nitrogen oxides and in an aqueous solution. In a reaction vessel, the aqueous solution is reacted with a nitrogen-containing reducing agent, in particular with urea ((HN2)2CO), in an acidic aqueous medium under reducing conditions. The gas occurring at the same time is discharged through a discharge line.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Ronald Neufert
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Patent number: 6267931Abstract: A reconfigurable waste treatment system having one or more waste treatment units such as scrubbers, absorption units, and thermal destruction units, is provided for treating waste supplied to the treatment system from one or more waste sources. The treatment units are selectively connected between an output and an input of a distribution manifold. Each input may be selectively connected to a desired output to achieve a desired configuration of treatment units. A venturi vacuum pump and an inert gas supply are used to assist the evacuation of waste from the waste source. The inert gas can also be used to charge the system as a whole or selected treatment devices, when not in use, to prevent the accumulation of moisture therein. A flow/pressure regulator prevents the system from being overloaded. Holding vessels are provided for collecting waste to allow staged treatment and/or sampling. The system is enclosed in a containment chamber to prevent insufficiently treated waste from escaping into the environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1994Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
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Publication number: 20010009649Abstract: This invention relates to a gas refining system wherein sulfur compounds contained in a high-temperature and high-pressure reducing gas obtained by the pressure gasification of coal or heavy oil or the like are adsorbed and removed in the form of a sulfide by an adsorbent, the adsorbent having the sulfide formed thereon is regenerated by roasting it with an oxygen-containing gas, and the regeneration gas containing sulfur dioxide formed by the roasting reaction is introduced into a reactor (50) where, by use of gas blowing means, the regeneration gas and an oxygen-containing gas are blown into a calcium compound-containing slurry fed to the reactor (50), and thereby brought into gas-liquid contact with the slurry to effect the absorption of sulfur dioxide and the precipitation of gypsum within the reactor (50), characterized in that the gas refining system is provided with temperature control means for selectively controlling the temperature of the slurry within the reactor (50) so as to fall within at leastType: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Applicant: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tatani, Makoto Susaki, Kazuaki Kimura, Taku Shimizu, Toshikuni Sera, Kenji Inoue
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Patent number: 6238628Abstract: A photolytic device for breaking down organic chlorine compounds, such as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, in a fluid includes a first reaction chamber, a second reaction chamber, and an acid component absorption column. The first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber are connected in series, and the second reaction chamber and the acid component absorption column are connected in series. The first reaction chamber is a perfect mixing type chamber, and the second reaction chamber is an imperfect mixing type chamber. The first reaction chamber and the second reaction chamber each have an ultraviolet light source capable of emitting light of wavelength 300 nm or less.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Matsutani
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Publication number: 20010001645Abstract: A waste gas treatment system treats waste gases of the type produced during the manufacture of semiconductor devices and therefore having different chemical characteristics. Based on the size of the particles of the waste gases, a gas separation unit discriminates waste gas that is best-suited for wet treatment from waste gas best-suited for dry treatment. A wet treatment unit is connected to one outlet of the gas separation unit, and a dry treatment unit is connected to another outlet of the gas separation unit. On the other hand, both the wet treatment unit and the dry treatment unit are connected to a water spray unit. The water spray unit treats the waste gases, which have passed through either the wet treatment unit or the dry treatment unit, so as to treat the waste gas for untreated water-soluble components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 1998Publication date: May 24, 2001Inventors: SUNG-JAE LEE, JIN-HEE LEE, SOK-HO YI
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Patent number: 6224834Abstract: An oxidation exhaust trap for filtering a particulate product of a first gas contacted with a gaseous oxidizing agent. The oxidation exhaust trap has a vessel having an interior cavity. The vessel further having a first inlet in communication with the interior cavity for introduction of the first gas into the interior cavity and a second inlet in communication with the interior cavity for introduction of the gaseous oxidizing agent into the interior cavity, the gaseous oxidizing agent mixing with the first gas thereby causing oxidation of the first gas for producing the particulate product suspended in a gaseous product. Lastly, the vessel has an outlet in communication with the interior cavity. A filter is disposed in the interior cavity for filtering the particulate product from the gaseous product which is exhausted through the outlet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first gas is silane and the gaseous oxidizing agent is air.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Charles A. Choate, Michael R Lunn
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Patent number: 6220022Abstract: A catalyst system for the treatment of exhaust gases from a diesel engine includes a first and a second catalyst reducing catalyst arranged in series in an exhaust gas treatment system. The first catalyst is located near the engine in a region of the exhaust gas treatment system in which the exhaust gas temperature reaches temperatures of more than 200° C. under full engine load. The second catalyst is located further from the engine in a region of the exhaust gas treatment system in which the exhaust gas temperature reaches a maximum of 500° C. under full engine load. The maximum nitrogen oxides reduction in the first catalyst takes place at a lower temperature than the maximum nitrogen oxides reduction in the second catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Degussa AGInventors: Wilfried Müller, Jürgen Leyrer, Rainer Domesle, Klaus Ostgathe, Egbert Lox, Thomas Kreuzer
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Patent number: 6210454Abstract: An apparatus for treating a gas containing hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide, comprising a liquid-gas reactor-contactor (2), means (3) for supplying gas to be treated and means (1) for supplying an organic solvent containing a catalyst, means (25) for recovering sulphur an doutlet means (20) for a gaseous effluent containing sulphur in vapour form, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises at least one means (7) for contacting and cooling the gaseous effluent, delivering a three-phase effluent, having an inlet connected to the effluent outlet means (20) and to means (6, 13) for recycling a cooling solvent, means (30) for separating said three-phase effluent connected to the cooling means, adapted to separate purified gas from sulphur and comprising means (17) for evacuating purified gas, means (15) for extracting sulphur and means (14) for recovering solvent connected to the means (6, 13) for recycling the cooling solvent.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jean-Charles Viltard, Claude Dezael, Fabrice Lecomte
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Patent number: 6203762Abstract: A filter device and method of filtering components from a surgery plume. The filter device comprises an integral solution reservoir which intercepts an airstream passage and airstream and cooperates with the airstream to direct air and solution into pads to create a foam. The foam created by the pads and solution and additional elements of the filter react with one or more undesirable components of the surgery plume to cleanse the airstream prior to exhaustion into the atmosphere. No separate solution supply or delivery system is necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: EnviroSurgical, Inc.Inventors: Randy Marc Skalla, Carl Austin Ahrens, Robert Keith Garner, Jr., Bradley Carl Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6192675Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification device, a catalytic converter containing selective reduction catalysts is disposed in an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine capable of being operated at a lean air-fuel ratio. The catalytic converter includes a plurality of the selective reduction catalysts disposed in series in the casing of the catalytic converter. Bypass passages which supply the exhaust gas to downstream selective reduction catalysts in the casing by bypassing the upstream catalysts are provided. When a reducing agent is supplied to the exhaust gas upstream of the converter, a part of the supplied reducing agent directly reaches the downstream selective reduction catalyst through the bypass passages without being oxidized by the upstream selective reduction catalysts. Therefore, the NOx purifying abilities of the downstream catalysts are improved and the formation of sulfates on the downstream catalysts is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinya Hirota, Toshiaki Tanaka, Kouji Yoshizaki, Nobumoto Ohashi, Eiji Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Itoh
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Patent number: 6190620Abstract: A wet flue gas desulfurizer wherein sulfur dioxide is absorbed into a slurry and an oxygen-containing gas is blown into the slurry to oxidize sulfites present in the slurry is characterized in that a slurry oxidation tank is equipped with a return pipeline for returning a portion of the slurry to a position at or near the bottom of the slurry oxidation tank, and the oxygen-containing gas is blown in at the discharge end of the return pipeline so as to divide the oxygen-containing gas finely by the action of the slurry returned through the return pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takeo Shinoda, Toru Takashina, Masakazu Onizuka
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Patent number: 6174349Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which continuously filters scrubbed gases prior to emission to the atmosphere. In particular, the method and apparatus can continuously scrub the effluent stream from a chemical vapor deposition process, such as the process used to deposit epitaxial silicon. In order to provide this continuous scrubbing, a separation housing having a filter housing is provided that permits the filter to be replaced during and without interruption of the scrubbing and filtering process. The filter housing can define a pair of tracks that guide the insertion and removal of a filter such that inserting a clean filter into one end of the pair of tracks causes a spent filter to be pushed out of the opposed end of the tracks as the clean filter is slid down the tracks.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: SEH America, Inc.Inventor: Gennaro Nicholas DeSantis
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Patent number: 6159429Abstract: An apparatus for purifying air which may act as a downstream supplement to a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine for further reducing the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide gases which the catalytic converter failed to remove. The apparatus comprises a housing filled with volcanic ash over which is directed a turbulent stream of exhaust gases for chemical reaction with the volcanic ash.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Milton M. Bemel
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Patent number: 6153150Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus employs curved tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture and flame production within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by annular heating elements and has an interior wall with orifices through which heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. The oxidized gases are treated also for particles removal by flowing through a packed bed. The packed bed is cooled and its upper portion with air inlets to enhance condensation and particle growth in the bed. The treated gas stream is also scrubbed in a continuous regenerative scrubber employing at least two vertically separated beds in which one bed can be regenerated while the other is operative so that the flow may be continuously passed through the bed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Moore, James D. Getty, Ravil Safiullin
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Patent number: 6143254Abstract: An emissions reduction system comprising an emission gas inlet for receiving emissions-containing gas, and an emissions reducing device for reducing emissions contained in the emissions-containing gas. The emissions reducing device is coupled at a first end thereof to the emission gas inlet and an emission gas outlet is coupled at a second end of the emissions reducing device for releasing emissions-reduced gas. The emissions reducing device comprises: a torturous fluid channel, lava material displaced within the torturous fluid channel wherein the lava material is located within a set of self contained containers within the emissions reducing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventors: Roger Joyce Erven, Gene J. Bemel
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Patent number: 6139806Abstract: A venturi eduction and scrubbing system comprising a first container and a second container in fluid communication, each having a liquid treatment reagent therein. The liquid treatment reagent establishes liquid levels in the first and second containers. A waste inlet which contains waste gas or liquid to be processed is connected to at least one venturi eductor. The venturi eductors are also connected to the first container and are disposed above the liquid level of the first and second container. A pump is connected to the second container and each venturi eductor. The pump enables liquid treatment reagent to be pumped from the second container into the venturi eductors such that the waste gas or liquid is drawn from the waste inlet into the venturi eductors where it combines with the liquid treatment reagent and is thereby neutralized. The arrangement of [contains] containers and venturies provides a failsafe mechanism for preventing suckback into the waste container (which is usually the first container).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
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Patent number: 6139807Abstract: An apparatus for removing SO.sub.2 from flue gas treats the hot flue gas with a sump liquid to quench the flue gas and saturate it with water while concentrating ammonium sulfate in the recycled liquid. The gas is then scrubbed in a packed scrubbing zone with a solution of ammonia water, untreated recycled ammonium sulfite and ammonium hydrogen sulfite, and ammonium sulfate solution from an oxidizer to which a partial stream of the scrubbing liquid is fed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Lurgi Lentjes Bischoff GmbHInventors: Theo Risse, Louren.cedilla.o Ferrao
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Patent number: 6132688Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating exhaust gas from a semiconductor fabrication machine by utilizing a dual-stage apparatus are disclosed. The dual-stage apparatus utilizes a first stage treatment of a condensation unit for removing high boiling temperature contents in the exhaust gas and a second stage treatment in fluid communication with the first stage treatment of an absorption unit for removing low boiling temperature contents in the exhaust gas or contents that were not previously removed in the first stage treatment. The condensation unit can be operated efficiently at a temperature range between about 5.degree. C. and about 15.degree. C., while the partially-treated exhaust gas exiting the condensation unit can be pre-heated to a temperature between about 20.degree. C. and about 40.degree. C. prior to entering the absorption unit for removal of the low boiling temperature contents.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: J. S. Hsiue, B. H. Yang, T. J. Fang, J. J. Wang, W. C. Lee, T. D. Chang, C. S. Chung, W. F. Chuang
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Patent number: 6126906Abstract: An apparatus for removing harmful components in a semiconductor exhaust gas includes: a first water scrubber for washing with water a gas to be processed; a gas decomposer tower disposed downstream of the first water scrubber; a second water scrubber disposed downstream of the gas decomposer tower; and a burner tower disposed downstream of the second water scrubber for burning the processed gas, wherein the gas decomposer tower is capable of thermally decomposing a mixture gas of a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon gas and a perfluorocarbon or a perfluoride compound by maintaining the mixture gas at a temperature of 600.degree. C. or more in the absence of separated O.sub.2.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Kanken Techno Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Imamura
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Patent number: 6071481Abstract: A zero air generating system comprises a hydrocarbon and NO oxidizer and a molecular sieve unit which are interconnected by suitable lines for continuous processing of the air stream. Flow control means is provided to maintain the flow rate of the air being treated to 5 liters/minute or less. The system may also include a separate NO to NO.sub.2 converter. The system purifies shop air by reducing the concentration of contaminants such as NO.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and other remaining unoxidized hydrocarbons to levels acceptable under the IM-240 specification for instrument air. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two parallel connected molecular sieves units are utilized in the system. Thus the air being treated can alternately flow through one molecular sieve while the other unit is in the process of being regenerated.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventors: Loren T. Mathews, Radhakrishna M. Neti, David R. Whineray
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Patent number: 6039783Abstract: The present invention describes a process for converting vapor streams from sources containing at least one nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent therein to a liquid fertilizer composition comprising the steps of:a) directing a vapor stream containing at least one nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent to a first contact zone,b) contacting said vapor stream with water to form nitrogen oxide(s) from said at least one nitrogen-containing oxidizing agent,c) directing said acid(s) as a second stream to a second contact zone,d) exposing said second stream to hydrogen peroxide which is present within said second contact zone in a relative amount of at least 0.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Dale E. Lueck, Clyde F. Parrish
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Patent number: 6037169Abstract: A garbage disposal apparatus having a processing chamber for processing garbage; and a purifying chamber for purifying gas discharged from the processing chamber and containing stinking components, wherein the process of garbage in the processing chamber is performed by decomposition using microorganisms, the purifying chamber has a plurality of zones, a first purifying chamber connected to the processing chamber is provided with an ammonia purifying unit for purifying ammonia and a second purifying chamber into which gas allowed to pass through the first purifying chamber is introduced is provided with a non-ammonia purifying unit for purifying non-ammonia gas. Ammonia contained in a high concentration and having a large threshold is first removed in the first purifying chamber. Then, non-ammonia contained at a low concentration and having a small threshold is removed. Therefore, an excellent purifying efficiency can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiharu Sako, Takaharu Nakagawa, Manabu Mizobuchi
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Patent number: 6001313Abstract: A pollutant removing stack device includes a stack body having a lower reactor section which is divided by a partition into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A first set of spraying units is disposed in the lower chamber. A second set of spraying units is disposed the upper chamber. A stack gas inlet is connected to the lower chamber of the lower reactor section for entrance of a stack gas. An oxidant supplying unit is connected to the first set of spraying units in order to produce an oxidant mist in the lower chamber for oxidizing a nitrogen compound contained in the stack gas into nitrogen dioxide. An alkaline solution supplying unit is connected to the second set of spraying units in order to produce an alkaline mist in the upper chamber for removing nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide from the stack gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Tai-Tien Anti Air Pollution Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wen-Shen Su
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Patent number: 5998325Abstract: A composition suitable for safely removing hydrogen from gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen and oxygen, particularly those mixtures wherein the hydrogen concentration is within the explosive range. The composition comprises a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably Pd dispersed on carbon, wherein the concentration of Pd is from about 1-10 wt %, dispersed in a polymeric material matrix. As well as serving as a matrix to contain the hydrogenation catalyst, the polymeric material, which is substantially unreactive to hydrogen, provides both a diffusion restriction to hydrogen and oxygen, thereby limiting the rate at which the reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) can diffuse to the catalyst surface and thus, the production of heat from the recombination reaction and as a heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Timothy Jon Shepodd
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Patent number: 5992142Abstract: NO.sub.X conversion of exhaust gases from lean mixture engines such as Diesel engines is improved by providing a catalytic converter having three zones, the first zone containing an NO.sub.X storage material on a .gamma.-aluminum oxide layer, the second zone having a layer with a noble metal, and the third zone containing an oxygen storage layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Ekkehard Pott
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Patent number: 5987885Abstract: A combination catalytic converter and heat exchanger unit that controls the temperature of one or more catalytic converters within their efficient conversion operating temperature ranges. The unit includes a plurality of spaced apart tubes through which the exhaust emissions flow through the unit. Each of the plurality of tubes includes a substrate on which is formed a catalyst that reduces or eliminates harmful by-products in the exhaust emissions. A cooling system, such as a fan, forces a cooling fluid, such as air, around the tubes to cool the catalyst to be within its efficient operating temperature range. The tubes have a suitable diameter that allows the center of the tubes to be effectively cooled. The speed of the fan is controlled to variably adjust the temperature of the exhaust emissions in response to various input data, such as the temperature of the exhaust emissions at different locations in the exhaust path, engine speed and load, and the type of catalyst being used.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Kizer, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird
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Patent number: 5955039Abstract: A system and method generates electricity and co-produces a hydrogen flow from coal. The electricity is generated by a turbine with a topping combustor and a solid oxide fuel cell ("SOFC") reacting syngas. The syngas is produced in a coal gasifier with a portion of the compressed air from the turbine, coal, and steam. Prior to the syngas being delivered to the topping combustor and the SOFC, it is cleaned and a portion of the hydrogen in the syngas is removed to form the hydrogen flow. Additionally, a vitiated air flow from the SOFC is directed to the topping combustor and another portion of the compressed air from the turbine directed to the SOFC after it is heated with the turbine exhaust. An aspect of the invention varies the amount of electricity generated and the volume of hydrogen co-produced based upon the demand of electricity and/or the demand of said hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventor: Thomas Elwood Dowdy
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Patent number: 5939028Abstract: The hydrocarbon light-off time in engine exhaust is reduced by employing a hydrogen oxidation catalyst, a CO oxidation catalyst of light-off temperature for CO and/or hydrogen below ambient temperature, and sufficient oxygen and sufficient CO and/or hydrogen in the exhaust that the exothermic reaction of the oxygen with the CO and/or hydrogen over the CO oxidation catalyst generates enough heat to raise the temperature of the CO oxidation catalyst to at least the light-off temperature of the hydrocarbon oxidation catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLCInventors: Stephen C Bennett, Jonathan C Frost, David S Lafyatis, Andrew P Walker
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Patent number: 5928412Abstract: A method is disclosed by which vapour is cleaned of gaseous impurities during evaporation of polluted liquids. Vapour is conducted via a boiler, a compressor to a heat exchanger (12) in which condensation takes place. In order to clean the vapour, a scrubber (14) is arranged between the boiler (3) and the heat exchanger (12), in which the vapour is scrubbed in several steps (17, 18) at different pH values. Thus, the step (17) is an acid step, whereas the step (18) is an alkaline step. In this manner, the vapour for condensation may be conducted into the heat exchanger and be condensed in order to remove a clean condensate without pollution of acid or alkaline substances.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Agro Milj.o slashed. A/SInventors: Jeppe Christian Bastholm, Asger Gramkow
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Patent number: 5925322Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined cycle system of enhanced efficiency. The system comprises a top stage, such as a fuel cell, a partial oxidation reactor or a heat engine, and an oxygen-enriching device, such as a temperature swing adsorption device or a chemical reactor bed device, as its bottom stage. The bottom stage uses waste heat produced by the top stage to enrich the oxygen content of air that is inputted to the bottom stage, thereby producing an oxygen-enriched gas mixture as the bottom stage output. This output mixture constitutes a superior oxidant which is fed back as an input for the top stage, thus enhancing the energy conversion efficiency, cheapness, and compactness of the combined cycle system as compared to that of ordinary fuel cells, partial oxidation reactors and heat engines that use unenriched air as their oxidant input.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: H Power CorporationInventor: John Werth
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Patent number: 5916132Abstract: An engine exhaust emission control system in an outboard engine is provided. The exhaust emission control system has a catalyst unit mounted in an engine block exhaust gas passage in the outboard engine. The catalyst unit comprises a catalyst carrier having at least one catalyst element carried therein and a flexible porous bag having at least a portion of the catalyst therein. The catalyst unit is formed to be positioned within the engine block exhaust passage so as to extend therealong and the catalyst unit is removably inserted and detachably mounted in the exhaust gas passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo K.K.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshida, Toyokazu Kawasaki, Motoyoshi Shishido
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Patent number: 5910291Abstract: A filter device and method of filtering components from a surgery plume. The filter device comprises an integral solution reservoir which intercepts an airstream passage and airstream and cooperates with the airstream to direct air and solution into pads to create a foam. The foam created by the pads and solution and additional elements of the filter react with one or more undesirable components of the surgery plume to cleanse the airstream prior to exhaustion into the atmosphere. No separate solution supply or delivery system is necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: EnviroSurgical, Inc.Inventors: Randy Marc Skalla, Carl Austin Ahrens, Robert Keith Garner, Jr., Bradley Carl Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5906797Abstract: A waste gas stream containing toxic NF.sub.3 and optionally other gases, such as acidic fluoride gases, for example, HF, SiF.sub.4, MoF.sub.6 and WF.sub.6 is first treated with particles or ribbons of a Cr-containing Fe alloy at about 300-600.degree. C. to remove the NF.sub.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Kanto Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ituo Orihara, Moriyuki Fukushima, Eisaku Mogi, Shiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 5900216Abstract: A venturi eduction and scrubbing system comprising a first container and a second container in fluid communication each having a liquid treatment reagent therein. The liquid treatment reagent establishes liquid levels in the first and second containers. A waste inlet which contains waste gas or liquid to be processed is connected to at least one venturi eductor. The venturi eductors are also connected to the first container and are disposed above the liquid level of the first and second container. A pump is connected to the second container and each venturi eductor. The pump enables liquid treatment reagent to be pumped from the second container into the venturi eductors such that the waste gas or liquid is drawn from the waste inlet into the venturi eductors where it combines with the liquid treatment reagent and is thereby neutralized. The arrangement of contains and venturies provide a failsafe mechanism for preventing suckback into the waste container.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Earth Resources CorporationInventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
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Reduction of NO.sub.x in the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines containing excess oxygen
Patent number: 5894068Abstract: Removal of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas from lean-burn, diesel and other engines which produce exhaust gases containing excess oxygen is provided by at least two catalysts in sequence, each capable of reducing nitrogen oxides within a particular range of engine operating temperatures. Oxidation of the remaining reducing gases is also accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventors: Karl C. C. Kharas, Michael George Henk, Heinz Juergen Robota -
Patent number: 5874053Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process emissions comprises a horizontal regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO). The system utilizes at least two regenerative chambers and at least two catalytic chambers in a controlled abatement process. Pollutants injected into the RCO from the process emissions are catalytically oxidized. The horizontal configuration of the RCO reduces the size of the RCO per cubic foot of emissions treated, and also simplifies maintenance requirements in removing and replacing, or regenerating, the catalyst. Chutes and valves situated above and below the catalyst provide maintenance means without the associated contamination concerns typically caused by catalytic migration throughout vertically configured RCOs.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: James M. Chen, Richard A. Gay, Sean T. Gribbon
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Patent number: 5874052Abstract: The present invention includes a filter, 10, for purifying smoke plume generated from electrocautery or laser surgery. The filter includes a pre-filter, 11, for filtering gross particulate; a first filter, 12, having a structurally blended antimicrobial agent and adapted to capture and destroy minute and harmful organic particles such as viruses or bacteria at high efficiency; a second filter, 13, having a charcoal bed for removing gaseous toxins and odors from the smoke plume and a post-filter, 14, adapted to complete the general filtering process and to control the migration of any charcoal fines or other filter elements. The filter is adapted to be used in connection with various filter containers or hoods, including a rectangular hood, 16, or an industry-standard cylindrical filtering container, 20.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Medtek Devices, Inc.Inventor: Clint Holland
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Patent number: 5863513Abstract: An elevated pressure nitrogen stream from an air separation plant is used to provide cooling for one or more sulphur condensers in an oxygen-enhanced Claus process for recovering sulphur.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: The BOC Group plcInventor: Thomas Rathbone
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Patent number: 5843382Abstract: An apparatus and process for the removal of sulfur, in the form of hydrogen sulfide, from gas, such as natural gas or industrial gas streams, in which the sulfur is removed and separated in the form of molten elemental sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventor: Amirali G. Rehmat
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Patent number: 5840263Abstract: A flue gas treating system for removing sulfur dioxide and dust present in flue gas by gas-liquid contact with an absorbing fluid and has an inlet side absorption tower of the liquid column type and an outlet side absorption tower of the liquid column type, each of which has a uniform cross-section over the area of gas-liquid contact, and the cross-section of flue gas in the inlet side absorption tower is smaller than the cross section of flue gas in the outlet side absorption tower. The inlet side absorption tower is constructed in the form of a parallel-flow absorption tower wherein the flue gas flows downward for favorable collection of dust and absorption of sulfur dioxide. The outlet side absorption tower is constructed in the form of a counter-flow adsorption tower wherein the flue gas flows upward for favorable absorption of sulfur dioxide. The absorbing fluid within a tank is injected upward from a plurality of spray pipes.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takeo Shinoda, Tamotsu Higuchi, Shinichiro Kotake, Kiyoshi Okazoe, Tatsuto Nagayasu, Koichiro Iwashita, Kenichiro Kawamichi, Susumu Okino, Toru Takashina
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Patent number: 5830423Abstract: The gas stream which is produced in and emanates from landfills, anaerobic digesters and other waste gas streams, is treated to produce a purified gas which is essentially a hydrocarbon such as methane and which can be used as the fuel source in a fuel cell power plant. The gas stream passes through a simplified purification system which removes essentially all of the sulfur compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and halogen compounds from the gas stream. The resultant gas stream can be used to power a fuel cell power plant which produces electricity, or as a hydrocarbon fuel gas for other applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: International Fuel Cells Corp.Inventors: John C. Trocciola, Roger R. Lesieur, John L. Preston, Jr., Richard A. Sederquist
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Patent number: 5829250Abstract: The present invention is particularly applicable to lean burn engines that produce exhaust containing insufficient amounts of unburned hydrocarbons to satisfactorily reduce NOx emissions without undermining engine performance. In the exhaust purification system, ethanol or another suitable hydrocarbon is injected into the exhaust stream at an appropriate location between the engine and the catalytic converter. A deNOx catalytic converter is positioned within the exhaust downstream from the ethanol injection point. The combination engine application, ethanol injection and suitable deNOx catalyst combine to reduce NOx to satisfactory levels without producing significant amounts of undesirable secondary nitrogen containing compounds. An oxidation catalytic converter is positioned in the exhaust downstream from the deNOx catalytic converter. The oxidation catalyst serves to convert any remaining unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Lane, Daniel J. Learned, Randy N. Peterson, Aaron L. Smith, Scott T. White
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Patent number: 5827484Abstract: The apparatus for separating toxic organic substances from a dust-containing exhaust gas of a sintering plant, includes a clay adsorption agent, advantageously consisting of kaolinite, bentonite, illite and/or mixtures thereof, having a mean particle diameter of from 5 to 100 micrometers; a solids-entraining reactor (4) connected to the sintering plant (1) to receive the exhaust gas containing dust from it and a supply device (5) with feed line (6) for supplying the clay adsorption agent to the solids-entraining reactor (4) to bring the entire exhaust gas containing dust into contact with the clay adsorption agent for a reaction time of from 0.5 to 10 seconds above a dew point of the exhaust gas at a temperature from 90.degree. to 180.degree. C. and at a velocity from 6 to 20 meters per second to thus form a gas-solids suspension having a mean suspension density of from 5 to 500 g solids per sm.sup.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Metallgesellschaft AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hansjoerg Herden, Stefan Federhen, Gernot Mayer-Schwinning, Hubert Roth
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Patent number: 5822981Abstract: In a pollutant destruction apparatus employing one or more corona discharge reactors, an automatic control system controls power generation characteristics for corona discharge reactions according to factors such as the types and the amounts of pollutants in an exhaust gas, maximum allowable emissions, engine operating characteristics, drive control characteristics and intelligent vehicle highway system inputs, to achieve improved treatment of the pollutants.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Weldon S. Williamson, Franklin A. Dolezal, Nelson W. Sorbo, John H. S. Wang
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Patent number: 5824273Abstract: A gas refining system for adsorbing a reducing gas includes a reduced gas stream, a section for adsorbing and removing sulfur-containing compounds in the reducing gas, an adsorbent which contacts the reduced gas stream, an oxygen-gas containing stream which enters the adsorbing and removing section, a calcium-compound containing stream, and a reactor which receives the above streams and allows for the adsorption of sulfur dioxide and precipitation of a gypsum compound.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tatani, Makoto Susaki, Kazuaki Kimura, Taku Shimizu, Toshikuni Sera, Kenji Inoue
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Patent number: 5820831Abstract: Limestone is dried for grinding to very fine particles e.g., about 8.mu. or less with more than 99% of the particle by weight less than 44.mu., by utilizing waste heat from the flue gas from a large combustor. The finely-divided calcium carbonate is then introduced dry into a scrubbing tower where it mixes with and renews the slurry employed therein for scrubbing SO.sub.x -laden effluent.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: ABB Environmental Systems, Div. of ABB Flakt, Inc.Inventor: Gerald E. Bresowar
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Patent number: 5804147Abstract: An exhaust gas management apparatus including: a first substrate coated with an oxidizing catalyst, wherein the first substrate includes an axial opening and a body portion radially exterior of the axial opening, wherein the axial opening comprises at least part of a bypass passage; an air source located downstream in an exhaust flow path of the axial opening; an air pump unit responsive to a control signal forcing air through the air source wherein, during an activation of the pump unit, the bypass passage is valved shut; and a second substrate coated with an oxidizing catalyst located in the path of exhaust downstream of the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Scott Christopher Blanchet, Wayne Richard Moore, Russell Paul Richmond, Michael Ralph Foster
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Patent number: RE36171Abstract: A catalytic converter for accelerating at least one reaction between at least two reactants of a gas mixture includes a catalyst carrier, and a catalytically active substance. The catalytically active substance has a varable chemical composition which is varied along a flow direction of a gas mixture, for suppressing undesired side reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Lothar Balling, Klaus Huettenhofer