Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for removing vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream by placing a porous element having a sorbent material into ductwork through which the gas stream passes. In a first mode of operation, vapor phase contaminants are adsorbed by the sorbent. In a second mode of operation, the porous element is cleaned of any accumulated deposits, for example fly ash, while in place without having to stop the gas flow. In a third mode of operation, the sorbent can be regenerated in place and without having to stop the gas flow by heating and collecting the desorbed contaminants. This invention is particularly suited for the removal of vapor phase mercury from flue gas generated by a combustion process.

Abstract: An adsorption bed arrangement includes a plurality of adsorption elements, a housing, and a gasket member. Each of the adsorption elements has adsorption media contained within a respective element. Each of the adsorption elements are selectively openable to provide access to the adsorption media. The housing defines an interior, a plurality of inlet openings, and a plurality of outlet openings. The plurality of adsorption elements are positioned within the housing interior. The housing is selectively openable to provide access to the plurality of adsorption elements. The gasket member is between the housing and the adsorption elements. A method for changing filtering media in an adsorption apparatus includes steps of removing an access panel from an adsorption bed housing to expose a cover member covering an end of an adsorption element; removing the cover member from the end of the adsorption element to expose filtering media within the element; and pouring the filtering media from the element.

Abstract: A process for converting methane to ethane and ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane and carbon conservation has been developed. The process begins by contacting methane and an oxygen-containing stream with an oxidative coupling catalyst that is capable of reacting with carbon oxides to form a solid carbonate compound in an oxidative coupling reactor to produce an effluent containing methane, ethane, and ethylene. The solid carbonate compounds are thermally decomposed to the oxidative coupling catalyst by reaction with hot hydrogen. The oxidative coupling catalyst is then available for reuse and a stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxide by-products are produced. The stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxide by-products is contacted with a methanation catalyst in a methanation reactor to produce a stream containing methane and water. The methane is separated, dried, and recycled to the oxidative coupling reactor.

Abstract: Process for purifying an inert fluid, in particular argon or helium, with respect to at least one of its impurities nitrogen (N.sub.2), oxygen (O.sub.2), carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons, in which at least some of the impurities are removed using a first adsorbent of the X zeolite type having a silica to aluminum ratio less than or equal to 1.15, and a purified inert fluid containing at most 10 ppb, preferably at most 1 ppb of impurities is recovered.

Abstract: Device and method for the regeneration of a drying agent in compressed air system. The wetting degree of the drying agent is estimated and recorded by a control unit. The control unit ensures that the drying agent is dehumidified as soon as the wetting degree has reached a certain wetting degree. This certain wetting degree may be set to different levels for different operational condition.

Abstract: The purge and trap procedure commonly used for analysis of volatile organic compounds in water or air can be significantly improved using traps employing clays and modified clays as adsorbents. Examples of clays include attapulgite clay, attapulgite clay modified with tetrasodiumpyrophosphate, carboxymethylcellulose and the combination thereof, kaolin clay, kaolin clay modified with tetrasodiumpyrophosphate, carboxymethylcellulose or the combination thereof, and mixtures of the above clays.

Abstract: A process for regenerating an adsorber which adsorbs organic substances from the air in which the adsorber is heated by microwave energy to evaporate adsorbed organic substances on the adsorber. The adsorber is provided with enhanced microwave absorption capacity to enable the adsorber to evaporate the adsorbed organic substances. The adsorber can be produced to have itself high microwave energy absorbing capacity or a solid material can be combined with the adsorber to provide the high microwave absorbing capacity. The solid material can be combined with an adsorbing enhancing substance and can be a carrier therefor. In a particular embodiment, the adsorber can be a hydrophobic zeolite and the microwave absorbing material can be a hydrophilic zeolite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating one constituent, especially carbon dioxide, from a fluid mixture, such as natural gas. The fluid mixture flows through an adsorbent member having an affinity for molecules of the one constituent, the molecules being adsorbed on the adsorbent member. A voltage is applied to the adsorbent member, the voltage imparting a current flow which causes the molecules of the one constituent to be desorbed from the adsorbent member.

Abstract: A process for the separation of ammonia dissolved in a gaseous solvent is used to recover ammonia during the production of ammonia from a synthesis gas. The process may be used to extract and recover ammonia in either the supercritical region or the subcritical region. The process can be used to remove ammonia from synthesis gas, or other gaseous solvents, by removing ammonia whose chemical potential decreases as the density of the solvent increases. The process utilizes a sorbent to remove the ammonia followed by an in situ regeneration of the sorbent and recovery of the ammonia. Typically, a gaseous solvent containing the ammonia is passed through a bed of sorbent to sorb the ammonia onto the bed of sorbent, thereby producing a purified gaseous solvent. At least a portion of the gaseous solvent is then acted upon to increase its solvent capacity for the ammonia.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for removing vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream by placing a porous tube having a sorbent material into ductwork through which the gas stream passes. In a first mode of operation, vapor phase contaminants are adsorbed by the sorbent. In a second mode of operation, the porous tube is cleaned of any accumulated deposits, for example fly ash, while in place without having to stop the gas flow. In a third mode of operation, the sorbent can be regenerated in place and without having to stop the gas flow by heating and collecting the desorbed contaminants. This invention is particularly suited for the removal of vapor phase mercury from flue gas generated by a combustion process.

Abstract: A method of removing or recovering a volatile organopolysiloxane such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D.sub.4) from a fluid stream such as air, containing the volatile organopolysiloxane and a hydrocarbon, for example, by adsorbing the volatile organopolysiloxane on dry soil contained in a column, and allowing the remainder of the fluid stream including the hydrocarbon to pass through the column. The dry soil containing the adsorbed volatile organopolysiloxane and any degradation product(s) is then wetted by passing moist air, water, or steam, through the column to desorb, vaporize, and remove the volatile organopolysiloxane from the column. The column containing the wet soil can then be regenerated by air drying the wet soil, and the separating cycle is repeated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical swing natural gas adsorption are described. An apparatus includes a pressure vessel; an electrically conductive gas adsorptive material located within the pressure vessel; and an electric power supply electrically connected to said adsorptive material. The adsorptive material can be a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS). The systems and methods provide advantages in that both a high energy density and a high ratio of delivered to stored gas are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminates from an air stream in which an adsorbent activated carbon cloth is positioned in said air stream. The method and apparatus provide for impressing an electric current through the cloth adsorbent to desorb any contaminates adsorbed thereon.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating HF from organics by passing a mixture of HF and organics through a column or bed containing a polymer which sorbs the HF leaving an essentially pure organic stream. The HF may be recovered from the polymer, or the organics may be recovered with reduced HF concentration. The HF and organics may form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixture.

Abstract: Process for the purification of a chemically inert gas, containing at least one of the O.sub.2 and/or CO impurities, from at least one of the impurities, characterized in that:a) the gas to be purified is passed through an adsorbent comprising at least one porous metal oxide, the gas having a temperature greater than or equal to -40.degree. C.,b) a gas which is substantially purified from at least one of the O.sub.2 and CO impurities is recovered. Device for implementation of the process.

Abstract: A process and device for scrubbing flows of gaseous effluents loaded with polluting substances, wherein the effluents are caused to circulate through a device including an array of scrubber units (4a to 4n) juxtaposed in an enclosure (3), each containing materials adsorbing the substances. When the adsorbing load thereof is saturated and for the scrubber units (4) to regain the scrubbing capacity thereof, they are selectively and successively isolated by a mobile collector (8) during the time required for their desorption by heating and for the substances to be transferred by an auxiliary fluid (a fraction of the circulating effluents for example or a gas delivered selectively to the inlet of the scrubber unit to be desorbed by an auxiliary circuit), and the substances mixed with the auxiliary fluid are possibly transferred towards a reactor (10) suited for removing them. The process can be applied for concentrating and scrubbing of polluting substances such as VOCs or gas dehumidification.

Abstract: A method is provided for efficiently controlling the operation of a vapor recovery system including a first reaction vessel and first bed of adsorbent, a second reaction vessel and second bed of adsorbent and a vacuum pump for selectively regenerating those beds of adsorbent. The method includes the step of adsorbing vapor from an air-volatile liquid vapor mixture on the first bed of adsorbent in the first reaction vessel, measuring a total amount of the vapor adsorbed by the first bed of adsorbent, comparing the total amount of vapor adsorbed on the first bed of adsorbent to a first predetermined value which is a percentage of the first bed adsorbance capacity and regenerating the first bed of adsorbent and adsorbing the vapor from the air-volatile liquid vapor mixture on the second bed of adsorbent in the second reaction vessel upon reaching the first predetermined value.

Abstract: Conductive and/or chemically absorptive ceramic fibers are woven with optional non-conductive/non-absorptive ceramic fibers to create a fiber reinforcement which is impregnated with a ceramic-material-producing (pre-ceramic polymer) binder and heated to create the ceramic honeycomb with controlled ohmic loss and/or chemical absorption properties. The desired properties of the honeycomb material can be provided by the conductive and/absorptive ceramic fibers alone or in combination with non-fibrous or fibrous conductive and/or absorptive ceramic material provided by the binder, typically a preceramic polymer which may or may not contain dispersed ceramic materials; after the honeycomb is formed, the non-fibrous or fibrous conductive and/or absorptive ceramic material is interspersed throughout the honeycomb. By heating the impregnated fiber reinforcement in the absence of oxygen, carbon from any carbon-containing materials within the binder remain as a part of the honeycomb material.

Abstract: An electrically regenerable gas filter system includes a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS) filter medium. After a separate medium-efficiency pre-filter removes particulate from the supply airstream, the CFCMS filter sorbs gaseous air pollutants before the air is recirculated to the space. When saturated, the CFCMS media is regenerated utilizing a low-voltage current that is caused to pass through the filter medium.

Abstract: An odor filter for exhauster hoods, which filter includes an adsorption filter bed regenerable by washing. The filter bed is made of a highly air-permeable substrate material and an adsorbent affixed thereto in the amount of 50 to 400 g/l by an adhesive mass and has a mean particle diameter between 0.2 and 2 mm.

Abstract: A process is provided for selectively removing acid gases from a gas mixture by contacting said gas mixture with an anion exchange resin containing quaternary ammonium functionalities and moderately basic counteranions. The absorption process is reversible and the absorbent can be regenerated using an inert gas purge or by applying a vacuum.

Abstract: According to the invention, regeneration is performed by filtering and by regenerating simultaneously the used absorbent; two stages are carried out for the regeneration: one, which is a rough stage, is performed in the presence of a regeneration gas; the other, a free stage, is performed in the presence of a fresh regeneration gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method that makes sulfuric acid from a dry flue gas desulfurization process which utilizes a low temperature regeneration of the carbon adsorbent in the flue gas process. The sulfuric acid is generated in an electrolytic reactor. This invention is also directed towards a system that regenerates the carbon used in dry flue gas desulfurization at a temperature below 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the separation of solutes dissolved in a gaseous solvent. The process may be used to extract and recover solutes from solvents in either the supercritical or subcritical region. The process can be used to purify solvents containing solutes by removing solutes whose chemical potential decreases as the density of the solvent increases. The process utilizes a sorbent to remove the solute followed by an in situ regeneration of the sorbent and recovery of the solute. Typically, a gaseous solvent containing at least one solute is passed through a bed of sorbent to sorb at least one of the solutes to the bed of sorbent, producing a purified gaseous solvent. At least a portion of the gaseous solvent is then acted upon to increase its solvent capacity for the at least one sorbed solute.

Abstract: A system for adsorbing a plurality of contaminants from a workstream composed of a first stage open-ended activated carbon monolith adsorber, a second stage open ended activated carbon monolith adsorber downstream of the first stage. The first stage activated carbon has an average pore size that is larger than the average pore size of the second stage activated carbon.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing moisture from compressed air through a pre-compression adsorptive desiccant bed, heat reactivated and regenerative air drying and filtration system. This system consists of an air filter affixed to a blower and in communication with a heater connected and communicating with a conduit communicating with a first valve and a second valve. The first and second valve are each connected to another conduit which is connected to a desiccant bed adsorption unit and another valve and conduit which is in communication with an air compression machine. Each desiccant bed is preferably of tubular configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oxygen from a crude inert gas containing oxygen as a contaminant is disclosed. The inert gas is passed through a reactor containing an oxidizable material. The reactor is then regenerated via a gaseous reducing agent such as hydrogen. The hydrogen can be generated on site via water or steam hydrolysis.

Abstract: High purity argon is produced by subjecting a two-phase liquid-vapor mixture containing up to 3 volume % of nitrogen and/or up to 5 volume % oxygen to cryogenic temperature swing adsorption in an adsorption bed containing one or more adsorbents selective for nitrogen and/or oxygen at a temperature between the bubble point and the dew point of the two-phase mixture.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of solutes dissolved in a gaseous solvent. The process is useful in the extraction and recovery of solutes using supercritical fluid extraction, and in the purification of impure steam. The process utilizes a sorbent to remove solute followed by an in situ regeneration of the sorbent and the recovery of the solute.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the effective life and utilization of CO.sub.2 -absorbent material in a scrubber system for removing carbon dioxide from an air inflow to a metal-air battery or fuel cell comprises providing, in such a battery, a housing including a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and at least one removable, gas-permeable container containing a CO.sub.2 -absorbent material, the container being positioned across the flow path of gas entering said inlet and exiting said outlet. After a predetermined utilization of the system, the at least one removable, gas-permeable container is removed therefrom and spent CO.sub.2 -absorbent material from the container is regenerated for reuse in the scrubber system, the regeneration including at least periodically removing accumulated Group 1a metal carbonate deposits.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating a fluid comprising at least one chemical contaminant.

Abstract: A rotary adsorption unit is disclosed wherein the desorb air is supplied by a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The system utilizes a closed desorb loop, with the desorb air being continuously cleaned at the regenerative thermal oxidizer and returned to the rotary adsorption unit. Fresh air is added into the desorb gas on the way to the regenerative thermal oxidizer, and an equal amount of air is bled off to maintain a constant air flow. The added air replaces oxygen that may be lost during cleaning of the desorb air.

Abstract: In a process and installation for removing solvent vapor from exhaust air sucked from a working space, the air is fed to at least two parallel activated carbon adsorbers. Each adsorber can be switched to and fro between a charging mode in which it adsorbs solvent vapors from the exhaust air flowing through the adsorber, and a regeneration mode in which it is separated from the flow of exhaust air and flushed with water vapor and desorbed. To save energy and to reduce environmental pollution, at the end of the regeneration period each adsorber has a drying phase in which exhaust air from the working space flows through the adsorber, the air thereafter being fed to an adsorber which is operating in the charging mode.

Abstract: An adsorbent and a process for its use in removing trace oxygen from an inert gas. The adsorbent comprises a porous reducing support such as activated carbon, carbon black, coal, petroleum coke and titania which is impregnated with about 10% to about 90% by weight of an alkali metal oxide or an alkaline earth metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for decomposing volatile organic halogenated compounds in water containing such compounds and metal ions by removing the metal ions from the water and then contacting the deionized water with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The volatile organic halogenated compounds are efficiently decomposed with a small energy requirement and low cost to eliminate, thus, making the water safe.

Abstract: A method for removing pollutants from a combustor flue gas. The method includes the steps of supplying sorbent to a baghouse having a filter bag therein until the filter bag is coated with a predetermined amount of sorbent and introducing the flue gas into the baghouse. Pollutants in the flue gas are sorbed by the sorbent on the filter bag. A system is provided for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: An electrically conductive sorption and in situ regeneration system and method for separating species of different adsorption characteristics in a fluid includes flowing a contaminated fluid through an electrically conductive sorbent bed having a multiplicity of adsorption sites, and providing an electric current through the sorbent bed to heat the bed to increase the adsorption sites available for adsorption by the bed of the more strongly adsorbed specie by inhibiting adsorption by the bed of the less strongly adsorbed specie which might occupy adsorption sites in the bed.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a liquid or gaseous fluid to decompose volatile organic halogenated compounds therein comprises bringing the fluid containing volatile organic halogenated compounds in contact with a reducing agent in the presence of a metal catalyst and optionally thereafter treating the thus treated fluid with at least one of an adsorption treatment, a thermal decomposition and a biological decomposition treatment. The method efficiently decomposes the volatile organic halogenated compounds contained in a fluid, such as water or a gas, with a small expenditure of energy and at low cost and renders the fluid harmless to the environment.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes first and second support structures connected in series. The first support structure has a coating made of a material which absorbs organic contaminants from air passing through it. A combustion catalyst coats the second support structure. The air cleaner thus removes organic contaminants from the air at ambient temperature, when air passes through the first support structure. When the air cleaner has operated for an extended time, the absorbent coating becomes filled with contaminants. One then regenerates the air cleaner by applying heat to both support structures, to evolve the organic contaminants from the first support structure and to burn off these contaminants catalytically in the second support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure has the form of an electrically heated converter, in which one uses an electric current to provide the heat needed for regeneration. Only a relatively small volume of air becomes heated during regeneration.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of solutes dissolved in a gaseous solvent. The process is useful in the extraction and recovery of solutes using supercritical fluid extraction, and in the purification of impure steam. The process utilizes a sorbent to remove solute followed by an in situ regeneration of the sorbent and the recovery of the solute.

Abstract: Ceramic particles impregnated with silver nitrate for adsorbing mercury from waste gases can be regenerated and reused if the mercury is distilled off at 600.degree. to 900.degree. C. and the ceramic particles are subsequently impregnated with nitric acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the treatment of ventilation air containing malodorous gases, e.g., styrene, involving:1. An adsorption step onto a hydrophobic zeolite containing, for example, platinum and/or palladium,2. A combustion-desorption step wherein hot gases pass over the impregnated zeolite in order to desorb the gas, e.g., styrene and burn it on the zeolite,in which the zeolite is encased in small tetrahedral-shaped containers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating HF from organics by passing a mixture of HF and organics through a column or bed containing a polymer which sorbs the HF leaving an essentially pure organic stream. The HF may be recovered from the polymer, or the organics may be recovered with reduced HF concentration. The HF and organics may form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixture.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer system is useful for treating a waste gas stream that contains volatile organic compounds. Two regenerators each contain heat exchange material that is arranged within the regenerators to recover heat generated by the oxidation of the volatile organic compounds. A first regenerator is in heating service and is used to preheat the waste gas stream before it enters an oxidation chamber where the volatile organic compounds are oxidized. From the oxidation chamber, the waste gas stream enters a second regenerator in cooling service where a portion of the heat generated by the oxidation reactions is recovered. When it is necessary to reverse the flow of waste gas through the regenerative thermal oxidizer, a trap for adsorbing volatile organic compounds is engaged.

Abstract: The gas stream which emanates from landfills is treated to produce a purified gas which is essentially a hydrocarbon such as methane which can be used as the fuel source in a fuel cell power plant, or can be used in other power plants which use natural gas as a fuel. The landfill gas passes through a system which removes essentially all of the hydrogen sulfide; water; organic sulfur and halogen compounds; and solid contaminants from the gas stream. The resultant purified gas stream can be cleanly flared; used to power an energy plant; or put to other useful purposes.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an activated charcoal filter for a spray paint booth exhaust which includes the following steps:a passing a first gas flow of uncontaminated inlet air through the filter;preheating the first gas flow;combining the preheated first gas flow with additional uncontaminated air to form a preheated second gas flow at a predetermined temperature for achieving substantially complete desorption of the activated charcoal filter;recirculating the preheated second gas flow through the filter for desorbing filtered contaminants into the second gas flow;conveying the second gas flow to a heat contributing heat exchanging point for further preheating;pyrolytically oxidizing the further reheated gas flow, at a preselected elevated temperature, thereby oxidizing substantially all of the suspended particles therein;passing a resulting oxidized flow, at elevated temperature, to the heat exchanging point for cooling the oxidized gas flow and contributing exchanged heat to the second gas flow to achieve

Abstract: The disclosure describes a sorbing apparatus for removing one or more undesirable components from an influent gas. The sorbing apparatus comprises at least one chamber having first and second ports and defining a gas flow path between the first and second ports. A sorbent bed having a sorbing region and a guard region is disposed in the sorbing chamber in the gas flow path. The sorbing region includes a first sorbent material and the guard region includes a second sorbent material. A gas control arrangement is coupled to the sorbing chamber to cyclically (1) direct the influent gas through the first port, through the sorbing region and the guard region of the sorbent bed and out the second port wherein the undesirable components are sorbed from the influent gas and (2) direct a purge gas through the second port, through the guard region and the sorbing region of the sorbent bed and out the first port wherein the sorbing region is regenerated.

Abstract: The present invention is a nitrogen pressure swing adsorption process for separating gas mixtures containing nitrogen and oxygen, such as air, using a unique gas transfer process step, continuous feed gas introduction and an appropriate isolation step with continued product purge/repressurization to achieve high purity nitrogen product of 99.9% or greater by volume nitrogen, preferably 99.99% or greater by volume of nitrogen.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is provided for the size-selective separation of a feedstream into an adsorbate fraction employing a rapid blowdown step to induce a state of disequilibrium within an adsorbent bed and thereby increase the weight hourly space velocity of the process. The selective separation mechanism explored in the PSA process may also include equilibrium separation. The benefits include a reduced adsorbent bed size for new installations or increased feed rates for existing facilities. In one aspect of the invention the feedstream to be separated comprises iso and normal pentane.

Abstract: A sulfur absorbent composition having desirable physical properties and comprising zinc oxide and alumina having been treated with a phosphating agent is disclosed. At least a portion of the alumina component of the absorbent composition undergoes a phosphating treatment. The resulting composition is suitable for use in an H.sub.2 S absorption process.