Liquid Contacting (e.g., Sorption, Scrubbing, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/149)
  • Publication number: 20080031794
    Abstract: A process and system for recovering waste heat from a kiln used for lime or cement production. The system unifies the kiln, a waste heat recovery and power generation circuit and a dry scrubber for scrubbing the pollutants from the kiln offgas. Essentially, the system employs the boiler component of the waste heat recovery and power generation circuit as a heat exchanger to recover the waste heat from the kiln, which is used to drive the steam turbines. The heat absorption from the latter stage lowers the temperature of the kiln offgas sufficiently for optimum performance from the scrubber. The presence of lime particles in the offgas effectively protects the boiler tube surfaces from corrosion which would occur at optimum scrubber temperatures, and subsequently provides the lime required as a scrubbing medium for the dry scrubber. Further, the efficient scrubbing allows for the use of any fuel for firing the kiln inclusive of high sulphur content compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Graymont (QC) Inc.
    Inventors: Merrill Squire, Alain Charette
  • Publication number: 20080006154
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution of a gas in a liquid in which the gas is soluble, the solution having a predetermined concentration up to saturation. The gas and the liquid are brought together under controlled supply in a proportion corresponding to the predetermined concentration of the solution, and the gas and the liquid are caused to form a stream passing through a common conduit. The gas and the liquid in the stream are caused to intermix under the action of gravity, and the intermixing is repeated before the gas and the liquid have separated, so that the gas is substantially absorbed in the liquid, forming a gas-liquid solution of the predetermined concentration. The stream may be brought into turbulence for intensifying the intermixing of the gas and the liquid. An apparatus for performing the process comprises a conduit including a continuous tubular coil formed with a plurality of upwardly and downwardly directed sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: OUTOKUMPU OYJ
    Inventors: Robert Johansson, Yngve Lundgren, Sam Marklund
  • Patent number: 7258725
    Abstract: Gas supplying method and system in which effective component gas in exhaust gas can be separated and purified efficiently to be resupplied regardless of variation in the flow rate or composition of the exhaust gas and consumed gas can be replenished efficiently. In a method for collecting exhaust gas discharged from a gas using facility, separating/purifying effective component gas contained in the exhaust gas and supplying the effective component gas thus obtained to the gas using facility, the exhaust gas discharged from the gas using facility is added with a replenishing gas of the same components as the effective component gas before the effective component gas is separated and purified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Yoshio Ishihara, Akihiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7220294
    Abstract: An organic compound capable of forming a hydrogen molecular compound such as a hydrogen clathrate is brought in contact with hydrogen gas in a pressurized state. It enables relatively light-weight and stable storage of hydrogen at or near the ordinary temperature and the ambient pressure and easy takeoff of the stored hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Yagi
  • Patent number: 7125437
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for particle collection (30) that is characterized by co-aerosolizing fluids (62) into an air stream (34) containing the particles to be analyzed to significantly enhance their collection and identification efficiency is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Wayne A. Bryden, Peter F. Scholl, Micah A. Carlson, Michael P. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 7029589
    Abstract: A method or process of treating a contaminated fluid (10) having at least one contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being volatile, hazardous, tacky and a combination thereof is provided. The method comprises contacting the contaminated fluid with an effective amount of an agent (12) selected from oxidizing agents, free radical producing agents and a combination thereof for an effective amount of time to convert a substantial amount of the at least one contaminant to at least one corresponding modified contaminant having a property selected from the group consisting of being non-volatile, less volatile than the converted contaminant non-hazardous, less hazardous than the converted contaminant, non-tacky and a combination thereof; and generating a treated fluid (14) having a level of the at least one contaminant and of the at least one corresponding modified contaminant to allow the treated fluid to at least meet requirements for release, reuse or further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Michael P. McGinness
  • Patent number: 7022295
    Abstract: A gas siphon type reactor (10) is used to carry out a three phase chemical reaction under pressure, such as the reduction of uranyl nitrate to uranous nitrate by hydrogen, in the presence of a catalyst made up of platinum on a silica carrier. The control of the pressure in the reactor (10) is provided by regulating the liquid and gas flow rates from separator (52), into which the liquid and the gas leaving the reactor (10) are routed. The liquid in the reactor (10) is tapped from a lateral branch pipe (32) fitted with a filter (36) and emerging in the upper area (30), behind a profiled wall (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Pietro Bilardello, Nicolas Durupt, Renaud Pontier
  • Patent number: 6969414
    Abstract: A waste stream separator separates liquid and solid waste from a conveying air stream. The liquid and solid waste are first separated from the air steam by gravity and filtration in a removable primary waste barrel. The air is then drawn through a secondary waste barrel and vacuum chamber with a moisture separator and water-resistant HEPA filter to produce dry, filtered air at the output port of the system. The liquid passing through the filter media in the primary waste barrel and the liquid collecting in the secondary waste barrel can be withdrawn for further treatment. When filled with waste, the primary waste barrel can be readily removed and sealed for disposal. If necessary, polyacrylate can be injected into the primary waste barrel to convert any remaining liquid to a solid gel prior to disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Technical Mechanical Resource Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6837918
    Abstract: A process and apparatus collects pigment nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a pigment that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the pigment being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the pigment is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and pigment material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the pigment material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Aveka, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Pozarnsky, William A. Hendrickson, Brian J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040216610
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas process system for treating a solids-containing and/or solids-forming gas stream, wherein said gas process system comprises a device for forming a liquid film between the gas stream to be treated and an interior wall of such gas processing system, and wherein such liquid film is spaced apart from the interior wall by a distance that is sufficient to prevent solids from passing through such liquid film to form deposition on the interior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn Tom, Shawn Ferron, Hugh Connell, Keith Kaarup, Len Todd
  • Patent number: 6767387
    Abstract: A gas treatment device comprises an oxygen-mixed unit, a treatment unit, a working fluid and a sprayer. The sprayer has an inner wall and a plurality of nozzles circumferentially arranged on the inner wall. The nozzles are used for outputting the working fluid to form a filtering region so that the particles can be easily and efficiently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chia Chi Yeh
  • Patent number: 6764755
    Abstract: A channelized sorbent material comprises porous sorbent particles characterized by an average pore diameter. Each sorbent particle has at least one interior channel of an average transverse dimension (i.e. transverse diameter) that is at least ten times larger than the average pore diameter of the porous sorbent particle. The interior channel may constitute a single cylindrical through-bore in the sorbent particle, or alternatively, an array of intersecting or non-intersecting channels. The porous sorbent particles preferably comprise bead activated carbon particles. Such channelized sorbent material is particular useful as sorbent media in an adsorption-desorption apparatus for storage and dispensing of a sorbable fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Tom, Steven J. Hultquist
  • Publication number: 20040073027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying the by-product gases that originate in a high-pressure melamine manufacturing installation in a urea wet scrubber. According to said method, CO2 is added to the by-product gases before or during their entry into said urea wet scrubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Coufal, Hans Christian Wagner, Wolfgang Ruech
  • Patent number: 6680030
    Abstract: A baffle-style stripping arrangement for an FCC process having substantially horizontal stripping baffles is disclosed. The stripping baffles comprise a perforated section and a downcomer section which generates transverse movement of catalyst across the baffle to ensure adequate vertical movement of stripping media. The perforated section is covered with stripping openings to provide improved stripping efficiency and catalyst flux through the stripping vessel. The perforated section may comprise a grate. Baffles may also include an imperforate section which is vertically aligned with a downcomer section of a superjacent baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Koebel, Brian W. Hedrick, Kalidas Puppala
  • Patent number: 6652624
    Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle that can be used for wet scrubbers comprises an electromagnetic coil that, when energized, causes an outlet orifice of the nozzle to enlarge so that pollutant particles clogging the nozzle fall down the orifice unclogging it. The coil is in turn controlled by a signal responsive to an increased pressure in the pipe supplying the nozzle with water, which increase is indicative of clogging the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Lang Ku, Chieh-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 6641635
    Abstract: An air filtration system uses a liquid to remove impurities from the air. A specialized chamber allows the air and liquid to contact each other in close proximity, so that the liquid can pick up not only particulate matter, but fumes and toxic gasses as well. The air can be bubbled through the liquid, or the liquid can be introduced into the chamber as a gentle rain, a spray, a vapor, a waterfall, or any other configuration that allows active contact between the two mediums. The liquid can then be cleaned of contaminants, e.g., by centrifugal force, while the liquid is then reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Newell E. Chiesl
  • Patent number: 6635094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the recovery of elemental carbon or soot produced during the partial oxidation reaction of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel and oxygen. An effluent stream of raw synthesis gas or syngas with entrained carbon soot is produced during the partial oxidation reaction. A filter cake (2) is fed to a receiving bin (10) and then to a lockhopper (14) where the wet filter cake is pressurized. Wet filter cake/oil feed mixture from lockhopper (14) is fed through line (38) to knockout vessel (44) wherein oil and water vapor exit (50) to a gasifier. An oil feed/particulate carbon mixture exits lockhopper (14) through lines (66) and (70) to oil feed storage drum (26), fed by oil feed (24), and exits water-free mixture of oil and solids (76) to a gasifier reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick C. Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6623537
    Abstract: The raw syngas generated in a partial oxidation gasifier also includes carbon soot which is removed and recovered from the syngas by scrubbing with water. The scrubbing water contains one or more high temperature surfactants which allow greater soot concentrations in the water-scrubbing quench zone of the gasifier. The carbon soot is separated from the scrubbing water with the aid of a scrubbing oil. The separation of the carbon soot from the scrubbing water is enhanced with the aid of one or more surfactants that render the soot particles hydrophobic and oleophilic. The recovered carbon soot is ultimately recycled to the gasifier to recover the energy value of the carbon during the partial oxidation reaction. The overall energy efficiency of the gasification process can be increased by removing all or a significant portion of the water from the soot mixture before recycling the soot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick C. Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6613127
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Connie M. Galloway, Kenneth W. Mall, Dennis W. Jewell, William M. Eckert, Leopoldo L. Salinas, III, Ed E. Timm
  • Publication number: 20030154859
    Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate extruder which is a twin screw extruder for kneading components into a molten aromatic polycarbonate, the extruder comprising at least one module consisting of a kneading unit, a material seal unit, a back kneading unit and a full-flight unit which are arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side and a method of kneading components into an aromatic polycarbonate by using the above extruder. The present invention can provide a kneading apparatus and method for producing an aromatic polycarbonate which has an extremely small content of foreign matter and is free from residence deterioration such as coloration, cross-linking or gelation when the aromatic polycarbonate is to be kneaded with various components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: MASASI SIMONARU, TORU SAWAKI, KATSUSHI SASAKI, KAZUKI HATONO, EIJI ITO
  • Patent number: 6602323
    Abstract: A method of reducing PFC emissions during a semiconductor manufacturing process that includes a set of sub-processes each of which produces at least one PFC includes the steps of exhausting PFC's produced by each sub-process to a common line to form a combined exhaust stream, treating the combined exhaust stream from each sub-process using a separate PFC abatement system, combining the treated exhaust streams to form a combined treated stream, and wet scrubbing the combined treated stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Ki Chae, Sang-Gon Lee, Sang-Hyuk Chung, Seong-Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 6596054
    Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process. The system includes a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device utilizes a ceramic, metallic, carbonaceous or polymeric material to separate from the supplied air an oxygen-enriched component for introduction into the integrated scrubber. The integrated scrubber is equipped with a mechanical scraping device for continuous or intermittent removal of combustion deposits formed during the controlled decomposition oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Belynda G. Flippo, Robbert Vermuellen, Daniel O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030116017
    Abstract: A process and apparatus collects pigment nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a pigment that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the pigment being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the pigment is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and pigment material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the pigment material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Aveka, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Pozarnsky, William A. Hendrickson, Brian J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20030094099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas containing volatile organic compounds. The method includes the steps of: introducing an exhaust gas into a wet scrubber, so that the organic pollutants in the exhaust gas are absorbed by a scrubbing water; pumping the scrubbing water containing the organic pollutants into at least one oxidation tank, thereby causing oxidation reaction between the organic pollutants and an oxidizing agents containing ozone; and introducing the scrubbing water after the oxidation reaction into the wet scrubber. The oxidizing agent further comprises hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Shu-Sung Lin, Hsin-Hsien Wu, Ching-Chih Lai
  • Patent number: 6551381
    Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process. The system includes a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device utilizes a ceramic oxide or polymeric material to separate from the supplied air an oxygen-enriched component for introduction into the integrated scrubber. The integrated scrubber is equipped with a mechanical scraping device for continuous or intermittent removal of combustion deposits formed during the controlled decomposition oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Belynda G. Flippo, Robbert Vermuellen, Daniel O. Clark
  • Patent number: 6547855
    Abstract: A mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Aeromix Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy D. Schmidtke
  • Publication number: 20030066421
    Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle that can be used for wet scrubbers comprises an electromagnetic coil that, when energized, causes an outlet orifice of the nozzle to enlarge so that pollutant particles clogging the nozzle fall down the orifice unclogging it. The coil is in turn controlled by a signal responsive to an increased pressure in the pipe supplying the nozzle with water, which increase is indicative of clogging the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Lang Ku, Chieh-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20030056648
    Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus is disclosed which, in one embodiment, has: an inlet for ambient air; an outlet for purified air; a mechanism for the uptake of a scrubbing liquor and for the removal of impurities dissolved or dispersed in the ambient air by contact with said scrubbing liquor; an inlet for feeding a scrubbing liquor from a scrubbing liquor feeding tank; an outlet for discharging used scrubbing liquor; and a blower for drawing ambient air into the apparatus, flowing the air through the apparatus and discharging the purified air from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Daniele Fornai, Stylianos Kouvroukoglou, Patrizio Ricci, Renzo Rizzo, Sergio Rossi, Andrea Filippo Argentieri, Stefano Scialla
  • Patent number: 6530977
    Abstract: A method for the abatement of one or more pyrophoric gases in a gas stream, which includes introducing water in to the gas stream and/or mixing the gas stream with preheated air and introducing the gas stream in to a container in which the pyrophoric gases are abated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Andrew James Seeley, James Robert Smith
  • Publication number: 20030024389
    Abstract: A method and system for retrofitting an integrated scrubber to provide maximum oxygen content in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) abatement process. The system includes a thermal/wet integrated scrubber, and a compressed air supply for supplying air to an oxygen separation device that separates the air into a nitrogen-enriched component and an oxygen-enriched component. The oxygen separation device utilizes a ceramic oxide or polymeric material to separate from the supplied air an oxygen-enriched component for introduction into the integrated scrubber. The integrated scrubber is equipped with a mechanical scraping device for continuous or intermittent removal of combustion deposits formed during the controlled decomposition oxidation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Belynda G. Flippo, Robbert Vermuellen, Daniel O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030005823
    Abstract: A modular mass transfer and phase separation system for a fluid comprising a mass transfer component and a second component from which the mass transfer component is separable by mass transfer. The system has a first stage and at least one later stage each stage comprising: co-current contacting means for co-currently contacting at least two fluid streams to effect mass transfer of the mass transfer component and phase separation means for separating phases from the co-currently contacted fluid streams. The stages are in fluid communication so that at least two fluid stream which has been separated by phase separation in the early stage is communicable for co-current contacting and for phase separation in a later stage. At least one fluid stream which has been separated by phase separation in a later stage is communicatable in a counter-current direction for co-current contacting and for phase separation in the early stage. The system may be modular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ron Le Blanc, Steve Licht
  • Patent number: 6491828
    Abstract: A contaminated aqueous composition is withdrawn from a groundwater extraction well and the groundwater is treated in a pump and treat system to remove a contaminant. The treating of the aqueous composition is monitored from a location remote from the groundwater extraction well and the treating is adjusted to remove a contaminant in accordance with the monitoring. A system to treat a contaminated aqueous composition comprises a capture zone to intercept a contaminated aqueous composition and a surface pump and treat system to receive and treat the contaminated aqueous composition from the capture zone. The system also includes a sensor that senses a contaminant in the contaminated aqueous composition and a monitor to receive information concerning the contaminant from the sensor and to consequently control the pump and treat system to treat the contaminated aqueous composition. The monitor is situated at a location remote from the pump and treat system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Sunita Singh Baghel, Joseph James Salvo
  • Publication number: 20020134233
    Abstract: A method of reducing PFC emissions during a semiconductor manufacturing process that includes a set of sub-processes each of which produces at least one PFC includes the steps of exhausting PFC's produced by each sub-process to a common line to form a combined exhaust stream, treating the combined exhaust stream from each sub-process using a separate PFC abatement system, combining the treated exhaust streams to form a combined treated stream, and wet scrubbing the combined treated stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Seung-Ki Chae, Sang-Gon Lee, Sang-Hyuk Chung, Seong-Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 6444011
    Abstract: Processes and systems to recover at least one perfluorocompound gas from a gas mixture are provided. In one embodiment the inventive process comprises the steps of a) providing a gas mixture comprising at least one perfluorocompound gas and at least one carrier gas, the gas mixture being at a predetermined pressure; b) providing at least once glassy polymer membrane having a feed side and a permeate side; c) contacting the feed side of the at least one membrane with the gas mixture; d) withdrawing from the feed side of the membrane as a non-permeate stream at a pressure which is substantially equal to the predetermined pressure a concentrated gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one perfluorocompound gas; and e) withdrawing from the permeate side of the membrane as a permeate stream a depleted gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: American Air Liqide, Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-En Li, Jospeh E. Paganessi, David Vassallo, Gregory K. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6386521
    Abstract: A system and method for recycling basement water to cool hot gases released from an exhaust stack is disclosed having a storage tank for collecting and storing basement water, one or more spray nozzles attached to the interior of the exhaust stack, and one or more pumps and pipe lines for transporting the basement water from the storage tank to the spray nozzles attached to the interior of the exhaust stack, wherein upon injecting the basement water into the exhaust stack, the basement water is immediately evaporated by hot gases released from the exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Columbia Energy Group
    Inventor: Charles Ochello
  • Publication number: 20020053285
    Abstract: Potassium or other alkali metal formate solution is used to absorb moisture from gas through a membrane. The membrane may be supported on permeable tubes, and the potassium or other alkali metal formate may be regenerated for reuse, preferably by a cavitation regenerator. The potassium or other alkali metal formate should be present as a 40-80% solution, most preferably 70-76%. The process is especially useful for the dehydration of natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 6350371
    Abstract: An improved process and process train for catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons. In its most simple form, the invention includes four unit operations or steps: the reforming itself usually carried out in a series of reactors; one or more steps to separate the reformate liquid product from overhead gases, predominantly C1-C6 hydrocarbons and hydrogen; one or more treatment steps to recover hydrogen from the overhead gases, and one or more treatment steps, including a membrane gas separation step, for the waste gas from the hydrogen recovery step. The process provides improved recovery of hydrogen and LPG, and reduces the amount of gas sent to the fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
  • Publication number: 20020020293
    Abstract: A process for removing at least one compound selected from acetic acid, acetate esters and aldehydes from a gaseous fraction comprising carbon dioxide and such compounds. The process comprises the steps of (a) scrubbing in a scrubber at least part of the gaseous fraction to remove the acetic acid, acetate esters and/or aldehydes and (b) removing carbon dioxide from the scrubbed product of step (a) by absorption in aqueous potassium carbonate and wherein in step (a) the gaseous fraction is scrubbed with water and acetic acid. The process may be used to remove acetate esters such as vinyl acetate and ethyl acetate and aldehydes such as acetaldehyde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Keith de Poitiers, Sean Anthony Hennigan
  • Publication number: 20010032543
    Abstract: A method for the abatement of one or more pyrophoric gases in a gas stream, which comprises introducing water in to the gas stream and/or mixing the gas stream with preheated air and introducing the gas stream in to a container in which the pyrophoric gases are abated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew James Seeley, James Robert Smith
  • Publication number: 20010029841
    Abstract: Processes and systems to recover at least one perfluorocompound gas from a gas mixture are provided. In one embodiment the inventive process comprises the steps of a) providing a gas mixture comprising at least one perfluorocompound gas and at least one carrier gas, the gas mixture being at a predetermined pressure; b) providing at least once glassy polymer membrane having a feed side and a permeate side; c) contacting the feed side of the at least one membrane with the gas mixture; d) withdrawing from the feed side of the membrane as a non-permeate stream at a pressure which is substantially equal to the predetermined pressure a concentrated gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one perfluorocompound gas; and e) withdrawing from the permeate side of the membrane as a permeate stream a depleted gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one carrier gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Yao-En Li, Joseph E. Paganessi, David Vassallo, Gregory K. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6284022
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for removing gaseous contaminants and aerosols from a vapor-saturated gas stream, in which method a gas stream containing a) at least one gaseous contaminant which is soluble in a scrubbing liquid, with or without salt formation, and b) at least one aerosol with a particle size from 0.01 to 10 &mgr;m, is brought into contact, in a scrubber column, with a scrubbing liquid, the temperature of which is lower by at least 2° C. than the temperature of the gas stream, resulting in the formation of a vapor phase, the degree of saturation S of which is greater than 1, and in the removal of the gaseous and particulate contaminants from the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Sachweh, Michael-Dieter Ulbrich, Wolf-Steffen Weissker
  • Patent number: 6284019
    Abstract: A scrubber for removing pollutants from a gas comprising a housing for conducting the gas therethrough, a mechanism for introducing pollutant-reactive filtering agent into the housing, a sump for collecting the filtering agent and having a first volume, and an intermediate sump for collecting the filtering agent and channeling the filtering agent into the sump, the intermediate sump having a second volume that is less than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Ian W. Sorensen, Edward A. Lamb
  • Patent number: 6224677
    Abstract: A CVD device A is provided which is equipped with a gas introduction part A3 having an inert gas supply part G1 for supplying a diluting inert gas and a cleaning gas supply path G2 for supplying a cleaning gas, each connected therewith, and equipped with an exhaust gas discharge part A4 for releasing an exhaust gas; an exhaust gas circulation part D1 for circulating an exhaust gas from the CVD device, a cooling part D4 for cooling down and liquefying the cleaning gas in the exhaust gas, and a recovery part 4 for recovering the cleaning gas liquefied in said cooling part D4; the diluting inert gas is composed of a gas having a boiling point lower than that of the cleaning gas; a supply part 6 for supplying a cooling inert gas having the same composition as the diluting inert gas in a liquid state, an inert gas circulation part D3 which is cooled down by heat of evaporation of the cooling inert gas, and an inert gas discharge part 7 for discharging the cooling inert gas evaporated in the inert gas circulation p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Teisan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Nozawa, Shinji Tomita
  • Patent number: 6214089
    Abstract: Processes and systems to recover at least one perfluorocompound gas from a gas mixture are provided. In one embodiment the inventive process comprises the steps of a) providing a gas mixture comprising at least one perfluorocompound gas and at least one carrier gas, the gas mixture being at a predetermined pressure; b) providing at least one glassy polymer membrane having a feed side and a permeate side; c) contacting the feed side of the at least one membrane with the gas mixture; d) withdrawing from the feed side of the membrane as a non-permeate stream at a pressure which is substantially equal to the predetermined pressure a concentrated gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one perfluorocompound gas; and e) withdrawing from the permeate side of the membrane as a permeate stream a depleted gas mixture comprising essentially the at least one carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, Inc., L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Yao-En Li, Jospeh E. Paganessi, David Vassallo, Gregory K. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6139806
    Abstract: A venturi eduction and scrubbing system comprising a first container and a second container in fluid communication, each having a liquid treatment reagent therein. The liquid treatment reagent establishes liquid levels in the first and second containers. A waste inlet which contains waste gas or liquid to be processed is connected to at least one venturi eductor. The venturi eductors are also connected to the first container and are disposed above the liquid level of the first and second container. A pump is connected to the second container and each venturi eductor. The pump enables liquid treatment reagent to be pumped from the second container into the venturi eductors such that the waste gas or liquid is drawn from the waste inlet into the venturi eductors where it combines with the liquid treatment reagent and is thereby neutralized. The arrangement of [contains] containers and venturies provides a failsafe mechanism for preventing suckback into the waste container (which is usually the first container).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Earth Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern
  • Patent number: 6060031
    Abstract: The device and method of the invention provide a neutralizing compound that reacts with acid gases generated in laser exhaust to yield an insoluble non-toxic powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Livingston
  • Patent number: 6042090
    Abstract: The distributor device for a column includes a system of distributor tubes and nozzles for a fluid. The outlet apertures of the nozzles are preferably all arranged at the same height. At least a portion of the nozzles are manufactured of similar glass tube pieces. Each outlet aperture has a border which is formed by an edge produced by a milling cut and is otherwise untreated or by an untreated, broken glass edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Zablonier, Felix Moser
  • Patent number: 6017383
    Abstract: A system and method for removing a contaminant from a carrier gas is provided including the steps of: introducing a liquid into a fluid conduit, wherein the liquid is characterized by a first fluid flow rate and wherein the conduit is arranged to define a conduit periphery that completely encloses fluids within the conduit; introducing a carrier gas and a contaminant into the fluid conduit, wherein the carrier gas is characterized by a second fluid flow rate; arranging the fluid conduit to define an inclined conduit section and establishing the first fluid flow rate and the second fluid flow rate such that a succession of moving slugs are created in the inclined conduit section of the fluid conduit; providing an outlet flow of a third fluid downstream of the succession of moving slugs, wherein the third fluid includes the carrier gas; providing an outlet flow of a fourth fluid downstream of the succession of moving slugs, wherein the fourth fluid includes a combination of the liquid and at least a portion of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: William P. Jepson
  • Patent number: 5990330
    Abstract: Highly fluorinated carboxylic acids can be removed from exhaust gas streams by scrubbing with concentrated alkali solutions if these alkali solutions have a density high enough for the salt of the highly fluorinated carboxylic acid to separate out as an independent phase. An apparatus suitable therefor contains a scrubber and a separation vessel which is advantageously equipped with a conveying element, a collection vessel connected via an overflow and a circulation line for the scrubbing liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Dyneon GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Albert Sulzbach, Wilhelm Kowatsch, Dieter Steidl
  • Patent number: 5980609
    Abstract: A treatment process for a hydrogen-containing off-gas stream from a refinery, petrochemical plant or the like. The process includes three separation steps: condensation, membrane separation and hydrocarbon fraction separation. The membrane separation step is characterized in that it is carried out using a polymeric separation membrane that is selective in favor of hydrocarbons, including methane, over hydrogen, so that the hydrogen-enriched stream is delivered at high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala