Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to materials that can be used for gas (e.g., CO2) capture, methods of making materials, methods of capturing gas (e.g., CO2), and the like, and the like.

Abstract: Gas fired internal combustion engines which are run on contaminated fuel suffer from the buildup of internal deposits and corrosion. This is a particular problem with engines fuelled by biogas, e.g. from waste decomposition. By filtering the fuel via a filter containing an ion-exchange resin substantial improvements can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of chlorine dioxide comprising formation of chlorine dioxide in a reaction medium in at least one reaction vessel and withdrawing chlorine dioxide from said at least one reaction vessel, the process further comprising a step of treating reaction medium or at least one process stream originating directly or indirectly from said at least one reaction vessel with an adsorbent efficient for removing chlorinated organic compounds from said at least one process stream.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to metal organic frameworks or isoreticular metal organic frameworks, methods of production thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The system and method for recycling and using the heat from compressed gas produced by a biogas treatment plant. The system includes a biogas cleaning stage and a plurality of compression and heat exchanger stages that allows the heat generated by compressed gases to be harvested. After the heat is harvested, it is delivered to a jacketed vessel containing media used to remove contaminants from the biogas. The media inside the jacketed vessel requires regeneration or stripping of harmful VOCs and other contaminants picked up from the biogas. The system also includes an inert gas generator that creates hot inert gas that is delivered to the jacketed vessel that heats the media located therein to remove contaminants. Because the jacket vessel and the media are simultaneously heated, the system's heat-up time is reduced The system also includes a heat exchanger that partially recovers the heat from the inert gas.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to a process for producing high purity acetylene by withdrawing a crude acetylene stream from a storage source, and passing said stream through an adsorbent bed that contains layered adsorption media to selectively remove moisture, solvent and carbon dioxide from the stream, thereby producing the high purity acetylene. The adsorption media is regenerated in-situ. The high purity acetylene product is useful as a source material for depositing carbon and carbon-containing films in semiconductor applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device, which can suppress poisoning due to CO and efficiently remove a low concentration of amines contained in a gas discharged from a CO2 recovery device that uses various absorbing liquids of CO2 even at low temperature.

Abstract: Certain aspects and examples are directed to sorbent devices and methods of using them. In certain embodiments, a sorbent device comprising a body comprising a sampling inlet, a sampling outlet and a cavity between the inlet and the outlet, the cavity comprising a serial arrangement of at least four different sorbent materials is described. In some embodiments, the sorbent materials are arranged from a material with a weakest sorbent strength to a material with a strongest sorbent strength with the weakest sorbent strength material adjacent to the sampling inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a porous metal organic framework comprising at least a first organic compound and, if appropriate, a second organic compound, in which at least the first organic compound is at least partially coordinated in a bidentate fashion to at least one metal ion, where the at least one metal ion is Mg(II) and the first organic compound is derived from formic acid and the second organic compound is derived from acetic acid, for storing or isolating methane. Furthermore, the invention relates to a porous metal organic framework based on magnesium formate and acetate and also its preparation.

Abstract: This application discloses porous self-sealing media comprising a sintered mixture of an absorbent material and a thermoplastic. The self-sealing media block passage of organic solvents or organic solvents in aqueous mixtures, wherein the organic solvents are at concentrations greater than about 40%. The self-sealing media also block acidic solutions. The self-sealing media are useful in a variety of applications such as a pipette tip filter, in line filter, vent, non-mechanical check valve, safety valve, and suction canister.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal complex having a gas adsorption capability, a gas storing capability, and a gas separation capability. The present invention attained the above object by a metal complex comprising: a dicarboxylic acid compound (I) represented by the following General Formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification; at least one metal ion selected from ions of a metal belonging to Group 2 and Groups 7 to 12 of the periodic table; and an organic ligand capable of bidentate binding to the metal ion, the organic ligand belonging to the D?h point group, having a longitudinal length of not less than 8.0 ? and less than 16.0 ?, and having 2 to 7 heteroatoms.

Abstract: A method of remediating at least a portion of a building that contains defective drywall is presented. The method comprises removal of the defective drywall and cross-contaminated drywall, actively desorbing volatile compounds from the building materials exposed after removal of the drywall and passively desorbing remaining contaminants by depositing a film of an absorbent on the accessible surfaces of the exposed building materials. Active desorbing of volatiles can be carried out with forced thermal desorption, where the interior surfaces of the building are heated while the air is removed and replaced with air free of the volatile compounds. The absorbent for passive desorption can be a nanoparticulate metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.

Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to systems for removing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. The systems include adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for removing contaminants from a hydrocarbon stream, such as a stream of raw natural gas. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream is passed through a first adsorbent bed containing molecular sieves to adsorb contaminants on the molecular sieves, thereby removing at least some of the contaminants from the hydrocarbon stream. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream may optionally be passed through a second adsorbent bed containing a desiccant material other than molecular sieves. The molecular sieves are regenerated using a wet regeneration process in which both the water content and temperature of the regeneration fluid stream are staged.

Abstract: A grease containment apparatus to remove grease and other contaminants from hot air exiting a kitchen area through a vent system which includes a vertical separator.

Abstract: A method includes using an element which includes a monoblock concrete body with a volume greater than 1 L and a surface porosity greater than 8%, which body includes in the body and/or on a surface thereof a compound having a BET specific surface greater than 100 m2/g, and which element does not include a photocatalytic agent, to absorb from the atmosphere a gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, sulphur oxides, and ozone, or a volatile organic compound.

Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of palladium doped ZSM-5 to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter, wherein the Si:Al ratio of the ZSM-5 is less than 5 or equal to 100:1, and wherein the palladium doped ZSM-5 is used in an environment comprising less than 10 vol % of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selective separation of methane (“CH4”) from higher carbon number hydrocarbons (“HHC”s) in streams containing both methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”) material. Preferably, the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase. In preferred embodiments, the current invention is utilized in a process to separate methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons in natural gas streams.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a sampling device and a chromatograph and for pre-concentrating analytes in a sample prior to introducing the sample into the chromatographic column is generally disclosed comprising an interface housing with a first channel and an adsorbent housing with a second channel, which contains at least one adsorbent. Valveless conduits permit fluid to be communicated between the sampling device and the first channel, between the first channel and the second channel, and the first channel and the column. In some embodiments, fluid flows in one direction when the analytes are adsorbed and in the opposite direction when analytes are desorbed. In certain embodiments, two different adsorbents are disposed in the second channel to adsorb different types of analytes.

Abstract: A photocatalyst is provided that comprises activated carbon produced from date pits, impregnated with TiO2. The activated carbon can have a porous surface that can attract and trap pollutants flowing in air or water. The photocatalyst can be made by a method that includes preparing activated carbon by calcining date pits to form a precursor material, and then impregnating the precursor material with titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A multi-functional cabin air filter includes a dust collecting filter layer for collecting fine dust; an oxidation catalyst filter layer for oxidizing nitrogen monoxide into nitrogen dioxide; and an adsorption filter layer for adsorbing nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, wherein antimicrobial nanoparticles are applied to at least one of the dust collecting filter layer, the oxidation catalyst filter layer and the adsorption filter layer. This cabin air filter has dust collecting, denitrifying, deodorizing and antimicrobial functions, and it may be utilized in various ways for air purification in a limited space such as a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention aims at making a volatile organic compound harmless, and in addition comprehensively improving the energy efficiency within a facility where treatment of the volatile organic compound is necessary. In the invention, in order to achieve this aim, a solution means is adopted where, a discharge gas containing a volatile organic compound is supplied to an adsorption apparatus to adsorb the volatile organic compound in an adsorbent. The volatile organic compound is desorbed from the adsorbent with pressurized steam and mixed with the steam. The steam containing the volatile organic compound is supplied, in the pressurized state, to the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, and burned together with a fuel gas.

Abstract: Novel metal organic framework (MOF) molecules and methods of synthesizing them are described. MOFs are organometallic crystalline structures that have high sorption capacity due to high surface area, tailorable selectivity, an inert nature, and thermal stability at high temperatures. MOFs may be used as sorbents in preconcentrators for analytical devices to provide orders of magnitude of improved sensitivity in analyte detection. MOFs are also useful as sorbents in new compact and portable micropreconcentrator designs such as a modified purge and trap system and a multi-valve microelectromechanical system (MEMS) to achieve high gain in analyte detection. Further, MOFs may be used as coatings for novel microstructure arrays in micropreconcentrators where the microstructures are designed to increase the surface area to volume ratio inside the micropreconcentrator while minimizing the pressure drop across the micropreconcentrator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: A carbon canister with a valve activated by the weight of nearly saturated or saturated carbon communicates with piping from an underground tank. The invention includes carbon within a casing inside a canister, a weight actuated valve, and piping in communication with the atmosphere. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in the tank that draws air into the canister. After refueling, the tank remains subject to conditions that generate hydrocarbon vapors. Those vapors then return to the canister and adhere to the surface of the carbon. The carbon, heavier with hydrocarbons, lowers the canister and closes the weight actuated valve. Closing the valve returns pressure control to an external pressure vacuum relief valve. The next refueling draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons in the canister and thus lighten it. A secondary purge valve also removes hydrocarbons from the canister. Once the carbon lightens, the inlet valve opens and the vapors return to the canister for adsorption.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions of a volatile organic compound (“VOC”) from a source of the VOC. The method includes the steps of: (A) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material between the source of the VOC and the atmosphere, wherein the VOC from the source of the VOC must pass through the VOC-absorbing material before being vented to the atmosphere, and wherein the VOC-absorbing material comprises: (i) a permeable substrate; and (ii) a stripper for the VOC; and (B) exposing the stripper of the VOC-absorbing material to bacteria, wherein the bacteria is selected for being capable of converting the VOC to another compound. A method for pumping a fluid from a low-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid outlet and a method for storing or transporting a fluid are also provided, wherein the fluid comprises a VOC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selective separation of hydrogen (“H2”) hydrocarbons in streams containing both hydrogen and hydrocarbons (e.g. methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”) material. Preferably, the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase. In preferred embodiments, the current invention is utilized in either a pressure swing adsorption process, a temperature swing adsorption process, or a membrane separations process to separate hydrogen from hydrocarbons present in hydrogen production streams or petrochemical/petroleum refining product streams and intermediate streams.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for removing contaminants from a hydrocarbon stream, such as a stream of raw natural gas. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream is passed through a first adsorbent bed containing molecular sieves to adsorb contaminants on the molecular sieves, thereby removing at least some of the contaminants from the hydrocarbon stream. The contaminated hydrocarbon stream may optionally be passed through a second adsorbent bed containing a desiccant material other than molecular sieves. The molecular sieves are regenerated using a wet regeneration process in which both the water content and temperature of the regeneration fluid stream are staged.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)

Abstract: A large single crystal of a complex such as an organic carboxylic acid metal complex, which crystal is useful as an adsorbent of various gases and vapors of organic solvents and as a hydrogen-absorbing material, as well as a process for producing the crystal, is disclosed. Two layers wherein an upper layer thereof is constituted by a solution containing a metal salt and an organic carboxylic acid having a conjugated system, or a solution containing a metal salt of the organic carboxylic acid having a conjugated system, and wherein a lower layer of the two layers is constituted by a solvent which is not miscible with the solvent of the solution, is formed. Vapor of pyrazine or a substituted pyrazine from a solution of pyrazine or the substituted pyrazine is introduced into the upper layer to allow reaction, thereby forming a large single crystal(s) of the organic carboxylic acid metal complex at the interface between the two layers, which crystal(s) has(have) a longer side with a size of not less than 0.8 mm.

Abstract: A method of removing pollutants from building materials using an externally applied adsorbent. The adsorbent has a high affinity to common pollutant chemicals. The pollutants are transferred from the contaminated microporous building materials onto the adsorbent until sufficient amounts of pollutant chemicals are reduced to make the building materials acceptable and safe to use. The adsorbent may be regenerated and reused or treated as a waste.

Abstract: The inventive process involves the treatment of oil spills on a water or a solid surface. Once an oil spill has occurred, the oil spill is contained into a certain area. There after, the oil is sprinkled or spread upon with an adsorbent material which has a tendency to soak up the oil and maintain the same in its interstices created by a mass of particles. The particles do not allow the oil to integrate within its composition. Once the mass of oil and adsorbent material has been established, the mass may be recovered by removing the mass from the surface of the water or from a solid surface. Thereafter the mass is transported to a recovery system where the oil is removed or recovered from the mass by squeezing or pressing. The method also includes the step of collecting vapors that are generated by the spilled oil. There after, the adsorbent material may be used again in another oil spill after drying.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and/or carbon dioxide present in industrial effluent fluid streams. A solid particulate material comprising a slag component, a binder component (distinct from the slag component), and optionally water is formed and then contacted with the effluent fluid stream to reduce at least one of the sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and/or carbon dioxide. The contacting of the effluent stream may occur in a packed bed reactor with the solid dry particulate material. Methods of reducing pollutants from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a natural gas stream such as a biogas/landfill gas stream. The natural gas stream is fed to a first adsorption unit for removal of certain contaminants and then to a second adsorption unit for the removal of additional contaminants. Alternatively, a membrane stage may be employed between the adsorption units. The method utilizes the external purge to enhance pressure swing adsorption working capacity so that the vacuum level required for regeneration is not as high.

Abstract: A method of remediating at least a portion of a building that contains defective drywall is presented. The method comprises removal of the defective drywall and cross-contaminated drywall, actively desorbing volatile compounds from the building materials exposed after removal of the drywall and passively desorbing remaining contaminants by depositing a film of an absorbent on the accessible surfaces of the exposed building materials. Active desorbing of volatiles can be carried out with forced thermal desorption, where the interior surfaces of the building are heated while the air is removed and replaced with air free of the volatile compounds. The absorbent for passive desorption can be a nanoparticulate metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a multi-component system for adsorbing contaminants and/or pollutants from a contaminated hot fluid by using a turbulent air stream, to adiabatically cool the temperature of the fluid, in association with one or more adsorbents. The system of the present invention can also be coupled to a recovery and recycling unit to recover and recycle the contaminant and/or pollutant and the adsorbent material.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter comprises adsorbing the VOCs onto palladium doped ZSM-5, optionally at ambient temperature. The organic matter can be perishable organic goods such as food, including fruit and/or vegetables, horticultural produce, including plants and/or cut flowers, or refuse. The palladium doped ZSM-5 has a Si:Al ratio of less than or equal to 100:1 and preferably has a palladium content of from 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % based on the total weight of the doped ZSM-5.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to systems for removing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. The systems include adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for pumping a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises a volatile organic compound (“VOC”), the apparatus including: an enclosure for the exposed portion of the reciprocating piston or plunger; and a VOC-absorbing material operatively positioned to reduce VOC emissions from the enclosure to the atmosphere. According to another aspect, a method is provided for pumping a fluid comprising a VOC is provided. According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for reducing emissions of a VOC from a positive-displacement pump used for pumping a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises the VOC, and wherein the method includes the steps of: (i) enclosing at least the exposed portion of the reciprocating piston or plunger to form an enclosure; and (ii) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material to reduce VOC emissions from the enclosure to the atmosphere. Preferably, the VOC-absorbing material comprises peat moss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable material for controlling ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, odor, and/or volatile organic compounds emissions from organic wastes. The biodegradable material in accordance with the present invention may be used to control, reduce, or prevent noxious emissions from organic wastes from, for example, animals and animal production, food and food production, pets, composting, organic fertilizer, biosolids, and potting soil mixtures to name a few. The present invention also relates to sachets, bioscrubbers, biofilters, and biomass filters comprising a biodegradable material for controlling such emissions. The present invention further relates to processes for producing and processes for using a biodegradable material to control noxious emissions from organic waste. In particular, the present invention is useful with respect to managing animal wastes, including, for example, pet, poultry, swine, dairy, horse, other livestock, other animal, and human wastes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plaster-based material which includes an agent capable of trapping formaldehyde, in particular a plasterboard intended for the interior fittings of residential buildings. The agent capable of trapping formaldehyde is chosen from ethylene urea and its derivatives, compounds comprising active methylene(s), sulphites, tannins and their mixtures. Another subject-matter of the invention is the use of the said material for reducing the amount of formaldehyde present in the atmosphere inside residential buildings.

Abstract: A gas tank is hermetically filled with an insulating gas. A gas filling opening is provided on the gas tank, which includes a flange at its end. A gas filter device is fixed to the gas flange of the gas filling opening. The gas filter device includes a gas filter formed with a porous insulating material having pores with a diameter in a range from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers. The gas filter has stability against the insulating gas and a decomposition product of the insulating gas.

Abstract: A gas tank is hermetically filled with an insulating gas. A gas filling opening is provided on the gas tank, which includes a flange at its end. A gas filter device is fixed to the gas flange of the gas filling opening. The gas filter device includes a gas filter formed with a porous insulating material having pores with a diameter in a range from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers. The gas filter has stability against the insulating gas and a decomposition product of the insulating gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtering system for a semiconductor processing tool. In one embodiment, the filtering system is associated with the semiconductor processing tool. A system of the invention comprises a first and second filter layer in fluid communication with a gas flow path. The flow path is a gas stream comprising volatile silica containing compounds such as hexamethyldisiloxane and trimethylsilanol. The gas flow path passes through the first and second filter layer to fluidly communicate with the semiconductor processing tool. Preferably, the first filter layer of the filtering system is upstream along the gas flow path from the second filter layer. The medias of the first and second filter layers are selected and arranged based on given contaminant concentrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions that can be used to adsorb low concentration, preferably, for example less than 15 ppm, of unwanted or target substances. Typically the absorbance can be from an enclosed vapor phase. Such absorbency is accomplished in a contained substantially enclosed gaseous volume or atmosphere using a composition comprising a cyclodextrin compound and a polyethylenimine that can have an absorbency capability for low concentrations of unwanted or target substances. Such absorbency can be obtained with thermoplastic materials used in the form of bulk polymer or a film, fiber, web, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, sheet, packaging and other such structures including or surrounding the enclosed volume. The adsorbent of the invention is typically used in the context of an enclosed volume, also known as an enclosed ambient vapor phase that contains the adsorbent of the invention and the unwanted or target substances at a concentration that is not desirable.

Abstract: Discharge gas containing a volatile organic compound is supplied to an adsorption apparatus, and the volatile organic compound adsorbed in the adsorbent is then desorbed from the adsorbent by the use of steam and mixed it with the steam, and finally, the steam mixed with the volatile organic compound is supplied under a pressurized environment to a combustion apparatus to thereby combust it with fuel gas.