Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for removing metal compounds from ultra-high purity gases using a purifier material comprising a high surface area inorganic oxide, so that the metals do not deposit on a sensitive device and cause device failure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an exhaust system and an injection system. The injection system is configured to vaporize a first liquid portion of an agent into at least one bubble so as to inject a second liquid portion of the agent into the exhaust system by use of the at least one bubble for delivery of the agent to an emission abatement device of the exhaust system. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a flue gas stream (10) in a flue gas cleaning system (2) to remove contaminants such as particulates and acidic components therefrom. The process includes admitting the flue gas stream to a particle collection device (18) to deposit the contaminants onto collector surfaces (19) therein, contacting the collector surfaces (19) with a wash water (20) to remove the contaminants therefrom, and discharging the wash water from the particle collection device (18) to a position downstream of the particle collection device (18). The discharged wash water is neutralized and circulated within the flue gas cleaning system (2).

Abstract: In a method of removing metals such as mercury from flue gas produced by combustion devices, water or water including a calcium-containing component or water including Cl? anion formers or water including both a calcium-containing component and Cl? anion formers is injected into the flue gas in a manner so that there are sufficient amounts of these materials in the flue gas when the flue gas is at a temperature from about 250° F. to about 350° F. to retain the mercury within the aqueous phase. After the water evaporates, the oxidized mercury is retained on the dry flyash particles present in the flue gas. These flyash particles bound with the oxidized mercury are removed from the flue gas by a particulate removal device, such as an electrostatic precipitator, baghouse filter or cyclone.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: The use of the cementitious ash in building products as total or partial replacement for Portland cement results in reduced carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise result form the manufacture of Portland cement. In addition to avoided carbon dioxide emissions from calcining of limestone to make Portland cement and the burning of fossil fuels to provide the energy needed to make Portland cement, use of the sorbent components tends to increase the efficiency of energy production from burning of coal, further reducing greenhouse emissions from the burning of fossil fuel to produce energy.

Abstract: The direct contact liquid air contaminant control system and method to revitalize air by removal of carbon dioxide and other trace gas contaminants use a direct contact air, liquid scrubber element and stripper element. The scrubber element has two rotor elements rotatably mounted in a housing first for centrifugal separation of an air flow and liquid absorbent mixture which liquid absorbent has absorbed carbon dioxide and trace gas contaminants. Then second for centrifugal separation of an air flow and acid water wash mixture which acid water wash has liquid absorbent and other contaminants. The processed air is then passed through a charcoal bed filter for further removal of contaminants. A rotary contact processor may also be used to reprocess contaminated liquid absorbent for reuse.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling one or more emissions includes introducing ammonia to react with at least a portion of sulfur trioxides in an exhaust emission and result in at least one or more ammoniated compounds. At least a portion of fly ash particles and the ammoniated compounds in the exhaust emission are precipitated. At least a portion of the ammonia from the precipitated ammoniated compounds is recovered with heat from the exhaust emission and the recovered ammonia is reused.

Abstract: A method for catalytically cleaning an exhaust gas, including receiving the exhaust gas in an inlet channel, blocking the exhaust gas in the inlet channel, diffusing the exhaust gas through a porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall of the inlet channel, reacting the exhaust gas with at least one catalyst material to at least partially remove nitrous oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide therefrom, the at least one catalyst material being disposed on the porous wall, trapping particulate matter in the porous substantially fibrous nonwoven wall, receiving the diffused exhaust gas into an outlet channel, and transitioning the exhaust gas from the outlet channel to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the suppression of the formation noxious compounds such as furans. According to the present invention, a venturi device is used to rapidly quench a chlorinator reaction gas. The rapid quench minimizes the resonance time that furan precursors are at conditions conducive to furan formation.

Abstract: An integrated multi-functional catalyst system includes a diesel particulate filter having an inlet side for receiving flow and an opposite outlet side, a substrate in the diesel particulate filter having an interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface, a first washcoat layer applied to the interior wall surface and adjacent the inlet side, and a second washcoat layer applied to the exterior wall surface and adjacent the outlet side, wherein flow distribution through the substrate is dispersed for minimizing back pressure. The diesel particulate filter may be one of a plurality of honeycomb cells.

Abstract: To provide an exhaust gas purifying method for purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine (1) by an exhaust gas purifying system (10) having an oxidation catalyst (3a), which comprises the steps of estimating the quantity of unburnt hydrocarbon accumulated in a support of the oxidation catalyst (3a), performing a hydrocarbon removal control when an estimated accumulation quantity (Vhc) of the unburnt hydrocarbon exceeds a predetermined judgment value (Vhc0) and raising an exhaust gas temperature (T) to activate the oxidation catalyst (3a) and oxidizing and removing the accumulated unburnt hydrocarbon. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a white fume from being produced after a low exhaust temperature state of an idling operation or the like continues for a long time.

Abstract: Particles may be used to filter harmful biological material from an fluid stream such as air. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter the harmful biological material from the fluid. The particles include a biocidal agent which is used to destroy the harmful biological material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a three-stage process for recovering and purifying a helium gas, and a system for using the three-stage process. The steps comprise a) introducing a gas from a cold spray forming chamber to a particulate removing apparatus to form a particulate-free helium gas, and recycling a first portion of the particulate-free helium gas back to the chamber; b) passing a second portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a first compressor prior to passing a helium gas purification membrane to form a purified helium gas and an exhaust gas, and passing the purified helium gas to mix with the first portion of particulate-free helium gas to the chamber; and c) passing a third portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a liquid separator apparatus to remove water and a receiver to dampen any pulsations to form a liquid-free helium gas, and recycling the liquid-free helium gas to said cold spray forming chamber.

Abstract: A gas cleaning system for removing at least a portion of contaminants, such as halides, sulfur, particulates, mercury, and others, from a synthesis gas (syngas). The gas cleaning system may include one or more filter vessels coupled in series for removing halides, particulates, and sulfur from the syngas. The gas cleaning system may be operated by receiving gas at a first temperature and pressure and dropping the temperature of the syngas as the gas flows through the system. The gas cleaning system may be used for an application requiring clean syngas, such as, but not limited to, fuel cell power generation, IGCC power generation, and chemical synthesis.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: There is provided a granular-bed filter for cleaning a gas containing fine particulate matter (“dust”). A multiplicity of vertically disposed filter trays are assembled to form a “panel.” In each filter tray, an inclined porous plate supports a bed of granular material. Each bed presents an inclined gas-entry face that receives gas from a vertically-disposed dusty-gas-distribution compartment nearby the face's lower edge. A filter cake forms upon the gas-entry face. Preferably, the bed's depth is substantially the same at its upper and lower edges. Cleaned gas leaves a tray across the porous plate and flows into a vertically-disposed cleaned-gas-collection compartment. After an interval of filtration, gas-entry faces are renewed by producing en masse displacement of the material respecting the supporting plates, the displacement producing a spill of a surface layer from each gas-entry face. The displacement is preferably accomplished by causing the support plates to move sharply upward (e.g.

Abstract: A multiple-field precipitator, flue-gas treating device, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a first section having a dual-function, sensible-cooling heat exchanger/electrostatic precipitator, a second section having a wet electrostatic precipitator, and a middle section fluidly connecting the first and second sections. In the first section, the exchanger/precipitator sensibly cools the flue gas and collects most of the dust from the flue gas. In the middle section, the dust-reduced flue gas is combined with an alkaline material, thereby forming reaction products. These reaction products and several other pollutants are captured by the wet electrostatic precipitator, in the form of a pollutant-laden liquid. The pollutant-laden liquid is directed to a series of heat exchangers and settling tanks, where various pollutants such as SOx, metals, NOx, and chlorides are removed in different stages.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for removing and stabilizing mercury from mercury-containing gas streams. A gas stream containing vapor phase elemental and/or speciated mercury is contacted with reagent, such as an oxygen-containing oxidant, in a liquid environment to form a mercury-containing precipitate. The mercury-containing precipitate is kept or placed in solution and reacts with one or more additional reagents to form a solid, stable mercury-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of mercury present in exhaust gas wherein, after a chlorinating agent is added to exhaust gas containing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and mercury, the exhaust gas is subjected to a reductive denitration treatment in the presence of a solid catalyst and then to wet desulfurization using an alkaline absorbing fluid, the method being characterized by measuring the mercury concentration in the exhaust gas after the wet desulfurization; calculating a predicted value of the inlet mercury concentration before the reductive denitration treatment on the basis of the measured mercury concentration; and controlling the feed rate of the chlorinating agent added prior to the reductive denitration treatment, according to the deviation of the predicted value from a reference inlet mercury concentration, as well as a system for the treatment of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A granular composite material for recovering platinum particles from reaction gas flow in nitric acid production, comprising 50-75% calcium oxide by weight; 20-35% of magnesium oxide by weight; and 5-15% by weight of at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride; and a method of recovering platinum particles from reaction gas flow in nitric acid production comprising passing the reaction gas through a layer of a sorbent to absorb platinum particles, the sorbent being formed by the granular composite material described above, and extracting the absorbed platinum particles from the sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic filter to be used at a high temperature, and it contains a substance having preferential reactivity with an ash component contained in materials captured by the ceramic filter and not removed by a high temperature treatment such as combustion over the principal component of the ceramic filter; the reaction between the ash component being not removed by a high temperature treatment such as combustion of the filter and remaining accumulated and the filter component to cause melting of the filter being suppressed to attain a long period of service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of electricity in a fuel cell from hydrocarbons that includes passing a cooled effluent in a first circuit having at least one filter for depositing soot in the filter. The filter is regenerated when concurrently passing the cooled effluent in a second circuit. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the process.

Abstract: A method of recovering platinum particles from the flow of the reaction gas in the process of nitric acid production comprising passing the reaction gas through a layer of sorbent formed by a granular composite material, containing calcium oxide and binding agent, which includes magnesium oxide and calcium chloride or/and magnesium chloride with the following components ratio, in weight %: calcium oxide 50-75 magnesium oxide 20-35 calcium chloride or/and magnesium chloride, converting to Cl− 5-15. A granular composite material for recovering platinum particles form the flow of the reaction gas in the process of nitric acid production contains calcium oxide and binding agent that includes magnesium oxide and calcium chloride or/and magnesium chloride with the following components ratio in the final product, in weight %: calcium oxide 50-75 magnesium oxide 20-35 calcium chloride or/and magnesium chloride, converting to Cl− 5-15.

Abstract: Exhaust air containing particulate and gas contaminants is withdrawn from a confined environment, such as a food cooking area, by a circulation system which liquid scrubs some of the contaminants from the exhaust flow, removes mist of the scrubbing liquid from the flow, and then catalyzes or neutralizes gas contaminants into benign gases before discharging the flow back into the confined environment. Removing contaminants in this manner allows a substantial amount of the thermal energy content of the air to be saved for reuse within the confined environment, rather than discharging the thermal energy into the ambient environment.

Abstract: In a method of removing metals such as mercury from flue gas produced by combustion devices, ammonia and optionally carbon monoxide are injected into the flue gas in a manner so that there are sufficient amounts of these materials in the flue gas when the flue gas is at a temperature of from 900° F. to 1350° F. to oxidize the metals within the flue gas. The oxidized metals are then attracted to particulates present in the flue gas. These particulates bound with oxidized metals are removed from the flue gas by a particulate removal device such as an electrostatic precipitator or baghouse.

Abstract: A particulate filter (22) is arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine. When an amount of discharged particulate discharged from a combustion chamber (5) per unit time exceeds an amount of particulate removable by oxidation which can be removed by oxidation on the particulate filter (22) per unit time without emitting a luminous flame, at least one of the amount of discharged particulate and the amount of particulate removable by oxidation is controlled so that the amount of discharged particulate becomes smaller than the amount of particulate removable by oxidation, whereby the particulate in the exhaust gas can be continuously removed by oxidation on the particulate filter (22) without emitting a luminous flame.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is disclosed for the reduction of soot and undesirable gaseous emissions from engine exhaust, particularly exhaust from diesel engines. The catalyst contains an alkali metal catalytic metal oxide, preferably lithium platinum oxide, in which the catalytic metal is atomically isolated. For improved performance in a diesel particulate filter, the alkali catalytic metal oxide is uniformly dispersed on an alkali metal aluminate such as lithium aluminate. Also disclosed is the catalytic device comprising this catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, mercury and mercuric oxide from gas streams such as furnace or utility boiler flue gas streams, particularly those derived from coal-fired utility boilers, or from a gas stream from another pollutant abatement process. Ozone will react with the impurities in the gas stream to form mercuric oxide and higher oxides of nitrogen which can be removed by scrubber means. Additionally, and alternatively, the present invention provides for the use of ozone and ultraviolet radiation to remove nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and mercury from gas streams.

Abstract: There is provided a process for trapping particulate matter in a gas stream exiting a combustion equipment comprising providing a combustion equipment with one or more exits for exhaust gases, each exit connected to one or more ducts, and placing at least one particulate trap in each duct, wherein the particulate trap is removable and/or replaceable while the combustion equipment is online.

Abstract: This catalyst system simultaneously removes ammonia and enhances net NOx conversion by placing an NH3—SCR catalyst formulation downstream of a lean NOx trap. By doing so, the NH3—SCR catalyst adsorbs the ammonia from the upstream lean NOx trap generated during the rich pulses. The stored ammonia then reacts with the NOx emitted from the upstream lean NOx trap—enhancing the net NOx conversion rate significantly, while depleting the stored ammonia. By combining the lean NOx trap with the NH3—SCR catalyst, the system allows for the reduction or elimination of NH3 and NOx slip, reduction in NOx spikes and thus an improved net NOx conversion during lean and rich operation.

Abstract: The liquid cooling spray in a gas conditioning chamber is modified by the addition of an alkali to scrub sulfur dioxide and other acid forming gases and a separation unit to remove particles that may contain either unreacted alkali or salts of the acid forming gases. A slurry of fine particles of hydrated lime is injected into the liquid coolant under conditions that result in kernels of controllable size that contain the alkali or salts from reactions with the acid forming gases. The modified cooling liquid provides for a high sulfur dioxide collection efficiency at a low molar ratio of alkali to sulfur, while the specified kernel size range allows for efficient removal of the kernels from the gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists: in extracting (through 18) fumes to be purified outside the furnace (2), at a temperature ranging between 250 and 400° C.; directing the extracted fumes towards a cyclone-type dust-suppressing unit (24); evacuating (through 26) through a first outlet of the dust-suppressing unit, the fumes cleaned of dust, which are denitrified (in 28); evacuating (through 30) through a second outlet of the dust-suppressing unit, a marginal fraction of fumes, ranging between 1 and 6% of the fumes input into the dust suppressing unit, said marginal fraction being collected simultaneously with the dust; and mixing (in 36) the denitrified fumes and said marginal fraction of fumes.

Abstract: A process for treating exhaust gas from internal combustion engines wherein the combustion exhaust gas contains HC, CO, O2, soot and possibly NOx. In treating the combustion exhaust gas, HC is oxidized to COx and H2O: NO, if present, is oxidized to NO2 and soot is oxidized by reaction with NOx. In addition, NOx is generated by oxidizing ammonia and NOx is introduced into the exhaust gas upstream of the oxidization of soot by reaction with NOx.

Abstract: A method of removing carbon from fly ash may include introducing the fly ash into one of a plurality of interconnected vertically stacked hearths of a multiple hearth furnace, heating the fly ash, exposing the fly ash to oxygen, allowing at least a portion of the carbon in the fly ash to undergo combustion, and conveying the fly ash to another of the plurality of interconnected vertically stacked hearths.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.

Abstract: A canister (1) contains a catalyst for generating NO2 and a filter (8) for trapping PM, e.g. from diesel engines. The filter is thermally isolated from the canister, and preferably is surrounded by an annular monolith comprising the NO oxidation catalyst or a SCR catalyst. The invention facilitates the combustion of PM even at low exhaust gas temperatures, in a compact device.

Abstract: A process for treating a dust containing, gaseous or liquid feed stream in a reactor containing a plurality of particle beds, which have the capability, once the pressure drop across a bed has reached a maximum allowable level, to distribute most of the feed stream to a point directly upstream of each of the subsequent beds in a series, stepwise manner. The beds contain particles in the form of pellets, cylinders, granules, rings, or mixtures thereof, and at the end of an operation period, the primary fraction of the feed flow is directed through the downstream-most bed in the reactor. By providing for removal of dust in each of the beds, the process enables the reactor to operate with a conventional pressure drop profile, but for an extended on-stream period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and mercury from gas streams such as furnace or utility boiler flue gas streams, particularly those derived from coal-fired utility boilers. A stream containing relatively low concentration of ozone from an ozone concentrator is feed to a barrier discharge reactor. Nitrogen oxides and mercury in the flue gas are oxidized by oxygen and hydroxyl radicals formed in the reactor. The flue gas is then directed to a reactor duct along with the ozone at a greater concentration wherein the remaining nitrogen oxides and mercury in the gas stream will react with the ozone to form nitric acid, nitric acid precursors, mixtures thereof and mercuric oxide. These impurities can then be removed from the gas stream by use of an aqueous scrubber, a wet electrostatic precipitator, a dry scrubber or a semi-dry scrubber.

Abstract: In the reduction of at least one of the quantity and size of particulates in the exhaust of a diesel engine, wherein said exhaust is contacted with a catalyst, the improvement wherein the catalyst comprises a combination of a zeolite having acidic properties and at least one oxide of a transition metal or rare earth. SO2 in the exhaust gas is not oxidized to sulfates.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is disclosed for the reduction of soot and undesirable gaseous emissions from engine exhaust, particularly exhaust from diesel engines. The catalyst contains an alkali metal catalytic metal oxide, preferably lithium platinum oxide, in which the catalytic metal is atomically isolated. For improved performance in a diesel particulate filter, the alkali catalytic metal oxide is uniformly dispersed on an alkali metal aluminate such as lithium aluminate. Also disclosed is the catalytic device comprising this catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for filtering gas comprising a microporous or microfibrous adsorbent filter (6) and means for forcing an air flow between an exhaust hood (2) and outlet duct (3) for the filtered air. The invention is characterized in that it comprises liquid spraying means (18) and centrifuging means arranged between the spray means and the filtered gas outlet. The particles wetted by the sprayer are blocked by the internal rotary filter and discharged with the carrier liquid towards an external container (10).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a three-stage process for recovering and purifying a gas, and a system for using the three-stage process. The steps comprises a) introducing a gas from a chamber to a particulate removing apparatus to form a particulate-free gas, and recycling a first portion of the particulate-free gas to the chamber; b) passing a second portion of the particulate-free gas to a first compressor prior to passing a selective gas purification membrane to form a purified gas and an exhaust gas, and passing the purified gas to mix with the first portion of particulate-free gas to the chamber; and c) passing a third portion of the particulate-free gas to a liquid separator apparatus and a receiver to form a liquid-free gas, and recycling the liquid-free gas to said chamber.

Abstract: System for removal of targeted pollutants, such as oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, mercury compounds and ash, from combustion and other industrial process gases and processes utilizing the system. Oxides of manganese are utilized as the primary sorbent in the system for removal or capture of pollutants. The oxides of manganese are introduced from feeders into reaction zones of the system where they are contacted with a gas from which pollutants are to be removed. With respect to pollutant removal, the sorbent may interact with a pollutant as a catalyst, reactant, adsorbent or absorbent. Removal may occur in single-stage, dual-stage, or multi-stage systems with a variety of different configurations and reaction zones, e.g., bag house, cyclones, fluidized beds, and the like. Process parameters, particularly system differential pressure, are controlled by electronic controls to maintain minimal system differential pressure, and to monitor and adjust pollutant removal efficiencies.

Abstract: Gas streams containing non-condensible gases (NCG's) including reduced sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide and mercaptans, are treated to remove the NCG's from the gas stream. Following an optional initial gas-liquid contact to cool the gas stream to its adiabatic dewpoint and to remove particulates, the gas stream is subjected to an intimate gas-liquid contact with aqueous chlorine dioxide, in one or more contact stages, to oxidize the reduced sulfur compounds and other oxidizable compounds present in the gas stream, and then the gas stream is passed through an entrainment separator to remove entrained liquid droplets.

Abstract: A rolling regeneration diesel particulate filter and filtering process that utilizes NO produced in the process to generate additional amounts of NO2 than the NO2 produced by the diesel engine. The process includes the step of flowing diesel engine combustion exhaust through a filter system including a first section and a second section. The first section is positioned upstream of the second section with respect to the direction of the flow of the diesel engine exhaust through the filter. The first section includes a foam constructed and arranged to trap carbon-based particulates in the exhaust. A first catalyst is carried by the foam to promote the conversion of NO in the exhaust from the diesel engine to NO2. The first catalyst also promotes the reaction of NO2 with at least a portion of the carbon-based particulates trapped by the foam to form CO and NO.

Abstract: A process for removing vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream includes the step of adding a raw carbonaceous starting material into a gas stream having an activation temperature sufficient to convert the raw carbonaceous starting material into an activated material in-situ. The raw carbonaceous starting material can be either a solid-phase, liquid phase or vapor-phase material. The activated material then adsorbs the vapor phase contaminants, and the activation material containing the vapor phase contaminants is removed from the gas stream using a particulate collection device. The process is particularly suited for the removal of vapor phase air toxics, such as mercury, from the flue gas of a combustion process. An apparatus for the removal of vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream is also described.

Abstract: A particulate filter (22) carrying an active oxygen release agent which takes in oxygen and holds oxygen when excess oxygen is present in the surroundings and releases the held oxygen in the form of active oxygen when the concentration of oxygen in the surroundings falls is arranged in an exhaust passage of an engine. The air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the particulate filter (22) is normally maintained lean and is occasionally switched to rich temporarily. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is switched to rich, an oxidation reaction of the particulate on the particulate filter is promoted by the active oxygen released from the active oxygen release agent. Due to this, the particulate in the exhaust gas is continuously removed by oxidation on the particulate filter (22) without emitting a luminous flame.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a three-stage process for recovering and purifying a helium gas, and a system for using the three-stage process. The steps comprises a) introducing a gas from a cold spray forming chamber to a particulate removing apparatus to form a particulate-free helium gas, and recycling a first portion of the particulate-free helium gas back to the chamber; b) passing a second portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a first compressor prior to passing a helium gas purification membrane to form a purified helium gas and an exhaust gas, and passing the purified helium gas to mix with the first portion of particulate-free helium gas to the chamber; and c) passing a third portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a liquid separator apparatus to remove water and a receiver to dampen any pulsation to form a liquid-free helium gas, and recycling the liquid-free helium gas to said cold spray forming chamber.