Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of a regenerative burner having a glow plug operable to ignite and burn a combustible mixture supplied into the burner to burn the exhaust particles collected in a trap located in the exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine when a trap regeneration requirement occurs. A control device is provided which detects a broken wire in the glow plug and stops the supply of combustible mixture to the burner in the presence of brokage of the glow plug wire.

Abstract: Filter apparatus having a honeycomb structure and a heater for purifying exhaust gases consists of cells or passages defined by porous partition walls. Alternate passages are provided respectively with upstream plugs and downstream plugs. Particulates in exhaust gases are trapped in the honeycomb structure and ignited by the heater. The upstream plugs define spaces upstream thereof in which particulates are trapped in addition to those trapped in the passages having downstream plugs. The heat of burning of the particulates trapped in the spaces facilitates the burning of the particulates trapped in the passages having downstream plugs. Therefore, the exhaust gas particulates trapped and collected in the downstream portion of the structure can also be easily burned to regenerate the structure over its entire length.

Abstract: A carbon particulates cleaning device for collecting carbon particulates in exhaust gases discharged from an internal combustion engine and burning off the collected carbon particulates, is disclosed. The carbon particulates cleaning device comprises a heat resistant filter member, an electric heater which is provided on the upstream end surface of the filter member for regenerating the filter member, and an electric power source for supplying electric current to the electric heater. The electric heater is composed of at least two kinds of heating resistors, each of which applies different electric power to a unit area of the upstream end surface of the filter member. At the filter member regenerating time, electric current is supplied to the heating resistors successively in the order of from one providing the maximum electric power density to one providing the minimum electric power density.

Abstract: A method of removing soot from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, especially of the diesel-type, using an exhaust filter which collects the soot and a dosing device which, when triggered by a pressure switch and a series-connected temperature switch, injects a dose of a combustion-inducing substance onto the soot layer with the aid of compressed air. The combustion-inducing substance consists of CuCl and NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3 which are stored as a mixture in a single container or as separate ingredients in two containers.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying device for use with a diesel engine comprising a filter block disposed in an engine exhaust passage for collecting exhaust gas particulates, and a heater for incinerating the collected exhaust gas particulates. The filter block has parallel channels defined therein and separated from one another by porous partition walls, some of the channels being closed at their inlet ends with blind plugs while the other channels are closed at their outlet ends with blind plugs. The heater is supported by the blind plugs.

Abstract: A method for removing particulates from internal combustion exhaust gases in a system which includes a first gas conduit which connects with an engine exhaust pipe and which communicates with a series of trap chambers containing means for filtering or trapping particulate matter present in the exhaust gas. Means for heating gas passing through said first gas conduit is provided upstream of the first trap chamber. A second gas conduit connects with said first gas conduit at a location upstream of the first trap chamber by virtue of which exhaust gas can be made to flow in a path which by-passes any number of trap chambers in the series but which flows through subsequent trap chambers. Valve means are associated with said second gas conduit to selectively by-pass or direct exhaust gas flow through desired trap chambers.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device for Diesel engines comprising a trap disposed in an exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust manifold and a trap-heating burner disposed outside the exhaust pipe, whereby a combustion gas from the burner is led to the outer peripheral portion of the trap to heat the same.According to the exhaust emission control device for Diesel engines of the present invention, the stable oxidation of particulates collected on the trap in the exhaust pipe is achieved independently of the flow rate of the exhaust gas, the exhaust pressure and the amount of O.sub.2 in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device provided with a filter member for collecting carbon particulates in exhaust gases discharged from a diesel engine and an electric heater for burning off the particulates collected by the filter member, is disclosed. The filter member is composed of a large number of intersecting porous walls which define a large number of inlet gas passages and outlet gas passages which are adjacent to each other. The electric heater is composed of at least one film-shaped heating resistor which is directly formed on the upstream end surface of the filter member so as to be integral therewith. When the amount of carbon particulates collected by the filter member reaches a predetermined level, electric current is supplied to the electric heater. The carbon particulates adhered to the upstream end surface of the filter member are ignited and burnt off. Then, the combustion of carbon particulates spreads to the other carbon particulates collected in the other portion of the filter member.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus a ceramic heating resistor has a lattice-shaped exhaust gas passage and is formed by extrusion. The ceramic heating resistor is fixed closely to the upper stream side of a filter which catches particulates contained in exhaust gas. This heating resistor is divided into a plurality of sections so that heating current is successively supplied to the divided sections.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine which burns a hydrocarbon fuel mixture and which produces a carbonaceous particle carrying exhaust gas stream that passes through a filter of the system that retains at least part of the particles therein, the system having a burn-off unit for periodically burning the retained particles in the filter to tend to periodically clean the filter of the retained particles thereof. The burn-off unit is adapted to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter to raise the temperature of the filter to particle burning temperature thereof, the burn-off unit injecting and burning a certain amount of the hydrocarbon fuel mixture in the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter.

Abstract: An exhaust cleaner system for use in the exhaust system of a diesel engine is provided with a particulate filter positioned in a trap housing with an exhaust inlet thereto and an exhaust outlet therefrom. A pair of exhaust ducts are positioned in the inlet end of the exhaust outlet whereby to define, in effect, three separate exhaust flow zones through the filter and a flow limiter valve is operatively positioned to sequentially control flow through the exhaust ducts. Glow plugs are located so as to extend into the zones of the filter associated with the exhaust ducts to initiate incineration of particulates during reduced exhaust flow conditions as controlled by the flow limiter valve.

Abstract: An exhaust cleaner and multi-point burner system for a diesel engine has a burner device with concentric first and second sets of circumferentially spaced apart point igniters facing the inlet end face of a particulate filter to effect multiple points of ignition of the particulates collected thereon, and a central point igniter to serve as a pilot light, supplied with an air/fuel mixture by a first supply conduit and a solenoid valve controlled supply conduit, respectively. The arrangement is such that the air/fuel mixture to the sets of point igniters is ignited using a single central electric igniter, such as a spark plug to ignite the air/fuel mixture supplied to the central igniter. Once all points are ignited, the solenoid valve is closed, thus increasing the flow of the air/fuel mixture to the sets of point igniters. This change in flow reduces heat losses and minimizes air/fuel requirements to effect ignition of the particulates.

Abstract: A flow constriction device, typically for drainage of steam condensate, is provided with a tubular nozzle structure inserted within a bore formed in the body of the device. The insertable tubular nozzle structure provides convenient variation in flow constriction dimensions which can be employed with a generally standardized bore dimension.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device comprises at least one exhaust gas flowing passage, at least one particulates collecting member composed of two filter elements having different heat capacity, which is disposed within the exhaust gas flowing passage and heating means which is interposed between the filter elements so as to be closely contacted therewith. The filter element having smaller heat capacity is disposed on the upper stream side of the heating means and the filter element having larger heat capacity is disposed on the downstream side thereof. The filter element having smaller heat capacity is rapidly heated by the heating means and the heat of the filter element having smaller heat capacity is transmitted to the filter element having larger heat capacity. All of the particulates collected by the particulates collecting member can be burnt off with excellent heat efficiency.

Abstract: An exhaust cleaner and burner system for use with a diesel engine has a housing with an inlet at one end for receiving exhaust gas from an engine and an exhaust outlet at its opposite end with a particulate filter positioned therein intermediate the inlet and the exhaust outlet having an inlet face axially spaced from the inlet. A fuel burner device is operatively positioned in the housing in axial spaced apart relationship to the inlet face of the filter and is adapted to be connected to an air/fuel mixture source and has an igniter for the air/fuel mixture. A rotatable flame distributor is operatively associated with the fuel burner device whereby to direct a flame discharged from the fuel burner device incrementally across the inlet face of the filter so as to sequentially effect complete burning of collected particulates.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting condensed water vapor or moisture in a breathing circuit comprises a lid having an inlet and an outlet pipe connected to the breathing circuit, a jar removably secured to the lid, a drain funnel having a port at the bottom for directing water into the jar, and a movable seal in the funnel for being biased gravitationally to occlude the port and form a gas tight seal with the port when the jar is removed from the lid.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device for collecting carbon particulates in the exhaust gases, is disclosed. The device is provided with a filter member formed of a material having interconnected pores and an electric heater which is buried within the exhaust gas inlet end portion of the filter member. According to the exhaust gas cleaning device of the present invention, the carbon particulates collected in the inlet end portion of the filter member is directly heated by means of the electric heater which is provided in the inlet end portion of the filter member. Therefore, carbon particulates can be ignited by a small amount of electric power.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine which burns a hydrocarbon fuel mixture and which produces a carbonaceous particle carrying exhaust gas stream that passes through a filter of the system that retains at least part of the particles therein, the system having a burn-off unit for periodically burning the retained particles in the filter to tend to periodically clean the filter of the retained particles thereof. The burn-off unit is adapted to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter to raise the temperature of the filter to particle burning temperature thereof, the burn-off unit injecting and burning a certain amount of the hydrocarbon fuel mixture in the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas stream intermediate the engine and the filter.

Abstract: A self cleaning industrial dust filter includes a housing divided by a tube sheet into an upper clean air chamber and a lower dirty air chamber. Pleated fiber cartridge type filters are supported in the lower chamber from the tube sheet and the interior of the filters communicate with the clean air chamber through openings in the tube sheet, one for each filter. The lower chamber is formed as a plurality of panel venturis which converge downwardly from the lower end of the filters to a narrow throat. A clean air outlet connects with the upper chamber and a dirty air inlet with the lower. Downwardly directed jet nozzles are positioned in each venturi to induce reverse flow through the associated filters, remove accumulated particulates and conduct them to a take out at the base of the lower chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device at a dust filter for cleaning a gas flow from dust. The dust filter consists of an electrostatic precipitator or fabric filter (bag filter) and comprises a filter chamber (10) with gas inlet (12) and gas outlet (13). At the gas inlet a precollector (30) in the form of a louvre collector (31) is located for separating coarse dust, i.e. dust with a diameter exceeding 50-75 microns. In the order to obtain good collection at the louvre collector (31), the collected dust is evacuated by means of a partial gas flow, which is passed to a dust hopper (34) and a dust discharge unit (35). According to the invention, the dust discharge unit (35) comprises a cyclone collector (36), the inlet portion (37) of which is integrated with the dust hopper (34), and the outlet portion of which or central pipe (38) is formed with a passageway (39), the mouth (40) of which is located in the filter chamber downstream the louvre collector.

Abstract: A method and device for removing soot from the exhaust gases of a diesel-type internal combustion engine, using a soot filter in the exhaust line and a dosing device which injects a dose of a combustion-inducing substance, for example CuCl, into the soot filter by means of compressed air. The soot-combusting process is initiated automatically, in response to a critical exhaust pressure level and the simultaneous presence of a suitable temperature in the soot filter, using a pressure switch and a series-connected thermal switch. Compressed air, flowing through a bypass line, scavenges the supply line of the combustion-inducing substance, while supplying additional oxygen for the soot combustion process.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.

Abstract: A flow constriction device, typically for drainage of steam condensate, is provided with a tubular nozzle structure inserted within a bore formed in the body of the device. The insertable tubular nozzle structure provides convenient variation in flow constriction dimensions which can be employed with a generally standardized bore dimension.

Abstract: A continuously cleaned bag filter provides a second filter stage for removing dust from air discharged from a cyclone or other primary separator. The primary separator removes the majority of particulate matter from air delivered thereto. In the bag filter dust is filtered from the air, which is discharged through the filter walls. The filtered dust is conveyed along the bottom of the bag filter by an air conveyor and is recirculated back to the primary separator for removal thereat. The air conveyor and a recirculating air blower, the latter providing impetus to carry dust back to the primary separator, are balanced relative to the inflowing air to the bag filter from the primary separator; such balance prevents excessive back-pressure or negative pressure in the filter bags that would otherwise interfere with ordinary air discharge therefrom.

Abstract: A separator device, and a method, for removing water and foreign matter entrained in a compressed fluid is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an inlet port fluidly connected to the compressed fluid source, an outlet port and a chamber fluidly connected to the inlet and outlet ports. A mechanism is provided for separating water entrained in the compressed fluid and for collecting the separated water. Finally, a mechanism periodically purges the collected separated water from the device. The water is, preferably, atomized as it is released from the device.

Abstract: Particle-laden exhaust gases flow through a first stage consisting of a filter cake so the particles of sizes of the order of microns are trapped over the surface of the filter cake and agglomerated or granulated and the agglomerated or granulated particles are entrained by the flow of exhaust gases into an inertia type particle collector or separator in which they are separated from the exhaust gases and the collected particles are burned out by an electric heating element.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in method of and apparatus for reducing an emitted amount of particulates by collecting the particulates contained in the exhaust gas from a diesel engine by a trapper. According to the invention, firstly, an excess amount of the particulates which have adhered to the trapper is detected, and thereafter, temperature of the trapper being within a range of self-burning temperature of the particulates is detected. When necessity for regenerating the trapper is ascertained based on the both detections described above, the inlet side of the trapper is heated to a range of igniting temperature of the particulates, whereby a large igniting energy required for propagating combustion is accumulated. Thereafter, secondary air is supplied to the trapper to ignite the particulates, and combustion is propagated to the particulates being within the range of self-burning temperature thereof by the secondary air continuously supplied, to thereby regenerate the trapper.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning device for an internal combustion engine comprises a housing provided with an inlet port which is communicated with an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine and an outlet port, two particulates collecting members disposed in two independent exhaust gas flowing passages which are communicated with the inlet port through an inlet chamber and with the outlet port through an outlet chamber, a butterfly valve provided in the inlet chamber for alternately directing the exhaust gases into either one of the exhaust gas flowing passages and a heated air supplying means for burning off the particulates collected by the particulates collecting members, which is provided with a heated air outlet port opening into the inlet chamber so as to be opposed to the inlet port with the butterfly valve therebetween.

Abstract: An air cleaner for an internal combustion engine, having a dust dumping valve. The air cleaner includes an outer housing containing a filter element and air is introduced into the housing and swirled outwardly before passing through the filter element for discharge. The heavier dust particles in the air are moved under centrifugal force to the inner surface of the housing and are discharged through a conical outlet in the lower end of the housing to a dust trap. The lower end of the trap is provided with a plurality of openings which are enclosed by a flexible rubber-like disc. When the engine is operating, the engine vacuum will draw the disc tightly against the openings to prevent the entrance of air into the trap. The weight of the dust collected in the trap in combination with the engine vibration will intermittently cause the rubber disc to drop away from the openings to discharge a portion of the collected dust.

Abstract: A gas filtration apparatus and process is disclosed combining heating to maintain undesired material in the form of liquid droplets, sonic agglomeration and porous cross flow filtration. The apparatus and process are particularly suited to gas streams comprising particulates and/or liquid droplets of under 10 microns in diameter, such as the effluent gas stream of coal gasifiers, which are at a high temperature and high pressure. Liquid droplets in the gas stream are agglomerated by sonic agglomeration, and a portion of the gas stream is then passed through a porous cross flow filter element for separation of the agglomerates resulting in a clean gas stream by a continuous, low pressure drop and self-cleaning filtration process. The gas stream may be seeded to enhance agglomeration and/or to induce chemical reaction of undesired gaseous components for their removal as liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for destructively removing particles from a flowing gas containing the particles. In the specific embodiments disclosed the apparatus is adapted to remove carbon particles from diesel engine exhaust products. The exhaust products are directed to a predetermined location where they are rapidly vaporized and combine with oxygen in the exhaust products to form carbon dioxide. Vaporization in one embodiment is effected by a discharge grid 30 located within an exhaust conduit 22, the grid 30 being chosen so that alternate conductors 32 and 34 defining the grid 30 are spaced apart a distance approximately 125 times the mean diameter of the particles to be removed. A voltage differential of approximately 690 volts is applied across adjacent conductors 32 and 34. Presence of a diesel exhaust particle between these conductors 32 and 34 is sufficient to create an electric spark discharge enveloping the particle, thereby resulting in a rapid vaporization and oxidation of the particle.

Abstract: A dual filter element exhaust cleaner and burner system for diesel engines provides for the trapping of particulates in the engine exhaust gases by their passage through filter elements, as selectively controlled by means of a four-way valve. Collected particulates in a non-active particulate filter element are incinerated by means of a heater, with this filter element, during incineration, being supplied with exhaust gases through a constant flow exhaust gas regulator whereby incineration of the particulates will occur at a controlled rate independent of engine speed.

Abstract: A cooking unit having a hood equipped with air cleaning structures and blowers for moving air through the cleaning structures. The air cleaning structures include a pre-filter having spaced baffles for collecting air borne greases and particles. A primary fiber filter and secondary charcoal and oxidizer beds are located downstream of the pre-filter. A high efficiency filter is located downstream of the secondary cleaning beds. A damper behind the pre-filter closes in response to an increase in temperature of the air moving through the filters. A separate heating unit is used to reactivate the charcoal.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone particulate separation device having a particulate-laden gas structure and a clean gas structure mounted longitudinally within a main housing chamber. A particulate transfer means is mounted at the bottom of the particulate-laden gas structure to transfer particulate from the particulate-laden gas structure outwardly of the main vessel housing prior to separation by the cyclone separators. Mount means for the high-temperature, high-pressure environment are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method embodied in a TRC system for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting TRC systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.

Abstract: A device for removing fine carbon particles from exhaust gas emitted by automobile diesel engines or the like thereby to clean the exhaust gas. The device incorporates a filter for collecting fine carbon particles suspended by the exhaust gas. After a predetermined amount of fine carbon particles is accumulated on the filter, the carbon particles are burnt to regenerate the filter. The detection of amount of carbon particles accumulated on the filter is made through the detection of the fuel consumption of the engine or the differential pressure across the filter.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust particulate filter contains a high temperature depth type filter material arranged in a reflexive path throughout which diesel particulates are collected from engine exhaust gases passed therethrough. Upstream and downstream portions of the filter flow path are disposed in heat exchange relation. Upon heating of the incoming gases to the incineration temperature of collected particulates, the heat of combustion in the downstream portion will be partially transferred to the upstream portion, providing more even temperature levels and improving balance of the incineration process.

Abstract: A drain device for the continuous removal of condensate from an operational patient breathing circuit comprises a body having a first opening adapted for connection to a patient breathing apparatus. A second opening in the body is adapted for connection to a patient breathing device. There is a passageway in the body which provides fluid communication between these openings, with a third opening through the body communicating with the passageway. A liquid-pervious, gas-impervious material covers the third opening so that condensate can continuously drain through the third opening while the breathing circuit is in operation.

Abstract: A filter adapted to connect to an internal combustion engine in relatively close proximity to the engine. The filter will receive a stream of hot exhaust gas immediately as the latter passes from the engine's combustion chambers. The gas then passes through a filter bed disposed within a manifold system incorporated into the filter. The filter bed includes means for stabilizing the temperature thereof within a desired range, regardless of the operating condition of the engine, and the temperature of exhaust gas.

Abstract: An oil separator connected to a machine operating with pulsating compressed air for separating an oil mist which is otherwise expelled together with the air and is let out in the ambient atmosphere when the compressed air is drained from the machine, the oil separator consists essentially of a tube or hose open at each end and connected at one end to the air outlet of the machine operating with compressed air, a tubular scraper sleeve (3) coaxially mounted in said tube through the other end and spaced radially therefrom, said tubular scraper sleeve extending substantially inside said tube or hose and some distance outside said tube or hose thereby forming an annular space between the overlapping portions of said sleeve and said tube or hose thereby providing free flow areas in said tube or hose, said sleeve and the annular space between the tube or hose and the sleeve, said annular space being provided with a plurality of channels surrounding said scraper sleeve and opened at each end so as to permit free flo

Abstract: A smoke filter element adapted to remove solid particles from an internal combustion engine's exhaust gas stream includes a bed which forms a multi-passage path along which the carbon particles are retained. A heating system incorporated into the filter periodically heats the flowing exhaust stream, as well as the bed. Rejuvenation of the bed by burning off carbon is automatically prompted when filter pressure and temperature reach predetermined levels. Concurrently the engine throttle is adjusted to a preferred engine speed whereby ideal conditions for burning are established.

Abstract: A vortex fuel air mixer is positioned between the air throttle and the intake manifold of an engine. Part of the expansion flow velocity past the air throttle flows tangentially into the vortex chamber of the mixer, providing angular momentum which drives the flow into a vortical pattern. The flow streamlines within the vortical flow form into a generally irrotational flow pattern which swirls from the outside wall of the vortex chamber inwardly to a central vortex chamber outlet. This outlet feeds the engine intake manifold. Centrifugal forces in the swirling flow fling fuel droplets to the outside wall of the vortex chamber (in the manner of a cyclone scrubber). This liquid fuel must evaporate in order to leave the vortex chamber. The interaction of the evaporation, flow structure and turbulence relations inside the vortex chamber produces an essentially homogeneous mixture at the vortex chamber outlet.

Abstract: A method for binding dust generated when rock drilling, by mixing said dust with a liquid. The apparatus to perform the method includes a mixing chamber (6) connected to a dust-separating means (1, 3); means for passing gravitationally to the mixing chamber (6) batches of dust collected in the separating means; and means (12) for supplying a liquid binder to the mixing chamber in an amount corresponding to the size of the batch of dust in question. Arranged in the mixing chamber (6) are means (7, 8) for mixing the dust and liquid by agitation while the next batch of dust is being collected in the separating means (1). The resultant mixture is discharged prior to the next batch of dust being supplied to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A trapper apparatus arranged in the exhaust line of a diesel engine, provided with a pair of transversely separated trapper units and with a valve plate arranged before units for selectively introducing the exhaust gas from the engine into one of the units. The valve plate is further provided with a pair of fuel injection nozzles each of which is adapted for communicating a common fuel inlet with one of the trapper units which is closed by the valve plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-gaseous pollutants from exhaust and flue gases produced by the burning of a fuel in which the exhaust or flue gases are intervally passed through one of a first filter means and a second filter means, a combustion supporting gas is supplied to the other of the first filter means and the second filter means during at least a part of the interval during which the exhaust or flue gas is passing through the one of the first filter means and the second filter means and non-gaseous pollutants, which have collected on the other of the first filter means and the second filter means are burned from the other filter means in the presence of the combustion supporting gas during the at least part of the interval during which the exhaust or flue gas is passing through the one of the filter means.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extracting granular or finely divided or powdered solid materials from a gas under high pressure, particularly slag from synthesized gas generated in connection with the gasification of coal. The invention is carried out by using a U-shaped receptacle containing a molten medium which seals off the gas chamber from the atmosphere and has a higher specific gravity than said solid materials. The solid materials are pushed below the surface of the molten medium and, by means of lateral movement, are floated up to the atmosphere, where they are contained. The U-shaped receptacle has a first tank-like arm and a second tubular arm, with a connecting conduit joining the two. This connecting conduit is inclined upwardly towards the second arm. The first arm, which is acted upon by gas pressure, contains lowering means for lowering the solid materials to the level of the connecting conduit.

Abstract: A self-regenerating diesel engine exhaust particulate filter comprising, in a preferred embodiment, porous ceramic walls defining filter surfaces between adjacent inlet and outlet passages and having electric heating wires in the inlet passages to periodically initiate incineration of collected particulates therein. A movable shield is preferably provided to restrict gas flow through the various passages during their respective periods of incineration so as to provide periodic regeneration with a minimum expenditure of external energy.

Abstract: An evaporator which removes liquid from a pneumatic line filter and holds the liquid for evaporation. The evaporator includes a wick of absorbent, porous material, such as felt comprised of blended substantially equal portions of wool and rayon. The wick is connected to the housing of a pneumatic line filter which removes and accumulates liquid entrapped in the flow in the pneumatic line. The housing includes a passage for the accumulated liquid so that the liquid drains into the wick where it is absorbed and held for evaporation to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a tornado-flow vortex generator for separating particulates from gases, having a cylindrical vortex chamber, an inlet tube for raw gas coaxially disposed in the vortex chamber and terminating in a nozzle for providing an advance rotation in a flow of the raw gas therethrough, a hopper diaphragm surrounding the inlet tube and formed, in vicinity of the vortex-chamber casing, with an annular particulate-discharge slot communicating with a space within a hopper, a clean-gas outlet disposed in the vortex chamber spaced from and opposite the raw-gas inlet tube, an auxiliary-gas outlet surrounding the clean-gas outlet, and an auxiliary-gas inlet disposed at the vortex-chamber casing for blowing auxiliary gas into the vortex chamber at an inclination and tangentially to the casing thereof and connected by a blower to the auxiliary-gas outlet, the improvement includes a line having valve means and connecting the hopper space with a location of the vortex generator at which a pressure exists which is lower than the