Sulfur Or Sulfur Containing Compound Sorbed Patents (Class 95/235)
  • Patent number: 7097762
    Abstract: The modular waste water treatment system receives waste water from a waste water source containing organic waste and produces a treated water effluent. The modular system includes bioreactors and a bioreactor support module. The bioreactors receive a waste water mixture from the bioreactor support module and produce treated water substantially free of organic waste. The bioreactor support module is a transportable unit fabricated upon a frame adapted for transport by a truck upon a public roadway. The bioreactor support module includes items of equipment needed for conditioning waste water for intake by the bioreactors, items of equipment for receiving, processing and discharging treated water from the bioreactors and may include other items of equipment for receiving and processing other byproducts from the bioreactors. The transportable bioreactor support module is sized to support the operation of between one and preferably as many as six bioractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: ICM, Inc., Phoenix Bio-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Ruocco, Paul John Russell
  • Patent number: 7077884
    Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes first and second scrubber tanks with scrubber media contained therein. Scrubbing solution circulators each include a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A polymeric amine supply is provided for supplying a polymeric amine to the scrubbing solution in the second tank. The scrubbing solution in the first tank may be charged with the polymeric amine by a charging line extending from the second tank to the first tank. In other embodiments, a regenerative blower and associated nozzle may be used to generate a scrubbing solution mist in the space beneath the scrubber media and above the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Davis, James E. Cheshire
  • Patent number: 7037434
    Abstract: A water stream containing hardness minerals is subjected to a water treatment process using an alkali agent to precipitate the hardness minerals and to produce a softened water stream is used to create an integrated water treatment and flue gas desulfurization process. Thereafter, the softened, alkaline water stream is utilized in a scrubber to scrub a flue gas containing sulfur dioxide to produce a sulfur-lean flue gas. The invention may be applied to a steam-based bitumen recovery operation where bitumen, sour produced gas or other sulfur containing fuels are burned for producing steam for bitumen recovery. More specifically, the associated produced water from the bitumen recovery process may be softened for re-use and for utilization as a scrubbing agent for high-sulfur containing flue gas arising from the steam generators. The process provides an economically favorable process while minimizing waste disposal requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Myers, Mainak Ghosh, John B. MacLeod, Michael K. Bridle
  • Patent number: 7018451
    Abstract: A method of removing acid gas components from a gas mixture. Certain embodiments of the method involve bringing the gas mixture into contact with a liquid solvent or reagent for the acid gases in a first turbulent contactor and subjecting the gas mixture and liquid to turbulent mixing conditions. This causes the acid gas to be absorbed by the solvent or reagent. The fluid mixture is passed into a second turbulent contactor and subjected to further turbulent mixing conditions causing further acid gas to be absorbed by the solvent or reagent. Optionally the fluid mixture is separated into a gas phase and liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Bernt H. Torkildsen, Martin Sigmundstad, Harald Linga, Finn P. Nilsen
  • Patent number: 7018450
    Abstract: The natural gas is successively contacted in column CA with a relatively methanol-rich solvent flowing in through line 4, then with a relatively poor solvent flowing in through line 9. The acid gas-containing solvent recovered through line 3 at the bottom of column CA is expanded through valves V1 and V2 to release acid gases through line 6. A fraction of the expanded solvent is distilled in column CR. The regenerated solvent obtained at the bottom of column CR is sent to the top of column CA through line 9. A second fraction of the expanded solvent is mixed with a solvent drawn off from column CR at an intermediate point between the bottom and the top of this column. This mixture of solvents is sent through line 4 into column CA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Alexandre Rojey, Fabrice Lecomte, Eric Lemaire
  • Patent number: 7004997
    Abstract: A process is described for removing acid gases from a gas stream in which an acid-gas-containing gas stream in which the sum of the partial pressures of the acid gases does not exceed 1,500 mbar is brought into contact with an aqueous absorbent in an absorption step and an absorbent is used which contains methyldiethanolamine and piperazine at a concentration of at least 8% by weight of the absorbent, an acid-gas-depleted gas stream and an acid-gas-loaded absorbent being obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Asprion, Christoph Grossmann
  • Patent number: 7004996
    Abstract: Process for the removal of the hydrogen sulfide contained in natural gas, which comprises: a. absorbing the hydrogen sulfide present in natural gas by means of a virgin naphtha, in an adsorbing device and with a molar ratio virgin naphtha/H2S ranging from 0.85 to 1.5; b. recovering the hydrogen sulfide absorbed by the virgin naphtha as head product of a distillation column operating with a reflux having a temperature of between ?5 and ?20° C.; c. recycling the virgin naphtha discharged as bottom product of the distillation column, to the absorption step (a); d. introducing the hydrogen sulfide back to the production field of natural gas, at the temperature and pressure conditions present at the head of the distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Liberato Giampaolo Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 6969418
    Abstract: A phase enhanced gas-liquid absorption method is disclosed. By adding an organic mixture or compound into a conventional gas-liquid system, the organic mixture forms a layer between the gas mixture and the liquid carrier. In this modified system, the absorption rate of the gas is significantly increased by the organic mixture, which plays a role of transporting the gas from the gas mixture to the liquid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Liang Hu
  • Patent number: 6926757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the concentration of the spent acid produced in connection with the scrubbing smelter or roaster gas. The hot gas produced is scrubbed first by dry and then by wet separation, and the scrubbed gas is conducted to the manufacture of a sulfurous end product. The spent acid formed is dilute, and its sulfuric acid content is increased by making use of the thermal capacity of the actual hot gas, which comes from dry separation. Thus, by making use of the thermal capacity of the gas created in the process, it is possible to replace, at least partly, the use of evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Outokumpu OYJ
    Inventors: Aarno Kalliokoski, Pauli Kuisma
  • Patent number: 6923852
    Abstract: A stepped, perforated tray is provided for increasing the available gas-slurry contact area in a flue gas desulfurization chamber. The tray redirects the horizontal flow upwardly through the tray for increased surface area and contact time with slurry for removing SOx or other contaminants from a fossil fuel combustion flue gas before releasing the flue gas to the atmosphere. The tray is adaptable for use in vertical tower systems as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Jeffery J. Vrotsos
  • Patent number: 6893484
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for scrubbing either acidic or alkaline impurities from gas streams, wherein the gas streams to be scrubbed exist at a pressure which is only slightly higher than ambient pressure. An apparatus according to a preferred form of the invention exists substantially in the shape of a rectangular or cubic solid, having an inlet pipe which is directed to an inner chamber having a wall portion which functions as a manifold, including a plurality of gas conduction tubes in fluid contact with the inner chamber, and into which tubes the gas to be scrubbed enters. The gas to be scrubbed passes through holes in the walls of the gas conduction tubes and contacts a liquid absorbent substance present in the interior confines of the apparatus, which liquid is capable of reacting with one or more impurities in the gas stream, thus eliminating the impurities from the gas stream. The gas stream so treated emerges from the apparatus through a gas outlet provision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Desert Energy LTD
    Inventor: Paul E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6884282
    Abstract: A system and a method for increasing the selectivity of H2S absorption in an aqueous amine treating processes for streams containing high CO2:H2S ratio mixtures in an absorption column by maintaining the temperature in the absorption column by withdrawing, cooling and returning cooled aqueous amine to the column at at least one location intermediate the sour gas inlet to the column and the lean gas outlet from the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: David K. Stevens, Kevin M. Robertson, Mark R. Tonjes, Lindsay Wedel Dreitzler
  • Patent number: 6881243
    Abstract: A method for removing acidic gases from waste gases is disclosed. The invention relates to a method for removing acid gases, in particular from SO2 and NOx, by contacting the waste gas with an emulsion of water in organic sulfoxides, in particular of water in oil-derived-sulfoxides. The organic sulfoxide phase can be regenerated after the emulsion is loaded with polluants, by letting the emulsion to settle down and separate into two phases. The aqueous phase obtained after the separation contains sulfate and nitrate ions which can be collected and used as valuable chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Lextran Ltd.
    Inventors: Adolf Khitrik, Gregori Pipko, Benjamin Doron
  • Patent number: 6881244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing the deposition of contaminants in steam systems. In a method of this type, deposits are prevented in a simple and economic manner by metering an additive into the steam, which additive adheres to the steam-side surface of the steam system and has the effect of repelling moisture and contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alstom Technology LTD
    Inventors: Erhard Liebig, Robert Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6852144
    Abstract: COS is selectively removed with respect to CO2 from a hydrocarbonaceous fluid stream which contains CO2 and COS. Examples of the fluid stream include a gas stream, for example natural gas, synthesis gas from heavy oil or heavy residues or refinery gas, or from liquid or liquefied hydrocarbons, for example LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or NGL (Natural Gas Liquids). The process is carried out by (1) intimately contacting the fluid stream in an absorption or extraction zone with a scrubbing liquor consisting of an aqueous amine solution containing from 1.5 to 5 mol/l of an aliphatic alkanolamine having of from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and from 0.8 to 1.7 mol/l of at least one activator selected from the group consisting of piperazine, methyl piperazine and morpholine, (2) removing the COS essentially completely from the fluid stream, and (3) separating the substantially COS-decontaminated fluid stream and the COS-loaded scrubbing liquor and discharging them from the absorption or extraction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rupert Wagner, Randolf Hugo, Thomas S. Holst
  • Publication number: 20040226441
    Abstract: The arrangements described herein are based upon a theory of selective absorption of hydrogen sulphide over carbon dioxide from gas based on countercurrent contact between gas and tertiary or other amines which exhibit preferential affinity for H2S over CO2 primarily because of differential rates of absorption of the two gases. The process of enhanced selective absorption is accomplished by performing the absorption in two steps. The first operation is to contact lean amine with sour gas which contains both H2S and CO2. The object of the first operation is to produce an overhead gas that meets an arbitrary standard for content of H2S and CO2. The second operation is to enhance the selectivity for H2S by contacting the rich amine leaving the first operation with a second gas which is a highly concentrated acid gas having a higher H2S/CO2 ratio than the first acid gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Palmer
  • Publication number: 20040163537
    Abstract: Process for the removal of the hydrogen sulfide contained in natural gas, which comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Liberato Giampaolo Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 6773582
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20040134356
    Abstract: A scrubber for removing particles from waste gas. The scrubber comprises a chamber and a water-injecting device. The chamber has an outlet, an inlet connected to a gas inlet pipe, and a plurality of sprayers connected to a water source to spray water into the chamber. The water-injecting device is disposed at the outlet and connected to the water inlet pipe. The water-injecting device has an annular gap to inject water and provide a water film over the outlet of the chamber, filtering out particles and corrosive gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Guo-Bang Zeng
  • Patent number: 6735979
    Abstract: A process for pretreating a very acid natural gas containing a substantial amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), possibly combined with carbon dioxide (CO2), includes at least a stage wherein the initial natural gas is contacted in a distillation column with a liquid condensate itself resulting from cooling of the gaseous fraction obtained during the contacting stage. This solution allows to eventually recover at a lower cost a gas enriched in methane, depleted in hydrogen sulfide and freed from substantially all of the water it contains, and a liquid phase containing most of the hydrogen sulfide, substantially all of the water and depleted in hydrocarbon. Control of the thermodynamic conditions during the stages that characterize the process, according to the water content of the gas during treatment, allows progressive exhaustion of the water contained in the gas while preventing hydrates formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Fabrice Lecomte, Eric Lemaire, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 6726748
    Abstract: A method of reducing the pressure drop in a downflow/upflow wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system and of improving overall sulfur dioxide collection efficiency by converting the downflow/upflow WFGD system to an upflow single-loop WFGD system. The method includes the replacing of the downflow quencher and related duct work with a bypass for connecting the incoming flue gas duct with the upflow absorber, and the adding of a quenching zone in the absorber comprised of spray headers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Goode, Dennis W. Johnson, David W. Murphy, Robert B. Myers, John F. Sulek, David R. Burley, Paul J. Lieb
  • Publication number: 20040074389
    Abstract: A method for the separation of non-hydrocarbon gases from hydrocarbon gases, the method comprising the steps of: adding water and an agent adapted to reduce the interfacial tension between water and hydrocarbons to a first stream of desired hydrocarbon and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases to form a gas-agent-water mixture; pressurising the gas-agent-water mixture; and cooling the gas-water-agent mixture to initiate the formation of a hydrate richer in desired hydrocarbons and leaner in undesired non-hydrocarbons relative to the first stream of desired hydrocarbon and undesired non-hydrocarbon gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Alan Jackson, Robert Amin
  • Publication number: 20040065199
    Abstract: The natural gas is successively contacted in column CA with a relatively methanol-rich solvent flowing in through line 4, then with a relatively poor solvent flowing in through line 9. The acid gas-containing solvent recovered through line 3 at the bottom of column CA is expanded through valves V1 and V2 to release acid gases through line 6. A fraction of the expanded solvent is distilled in column CR. The regenerated solvent obtained at the bottom of column CR is sent to the top of column CA through line 9. A second fraction of the expanded solvent is mixed with a solvent drawn off from column CR at an intermediate point between the bottom and the top of this column. This mixture of solvents is sent through line 4 into column CA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Alexandre Rojey, Fabrice Lecomte, Eric Lemaire
  • Publication number: 20040055463
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6709592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removal of sulfur compounds from wastewater, which process provides recovery of elemental sulfur. The process is carried out in two separate anaerobic reactors. In the first reactor organic compounds are converted to acid compounds and sulfur compounds are converted to sulfide compounds. The sulfide compounds are stripped from said first reactor with a stripping gas. Subsequently, the effluent of the first reactor is fed to a second anaerobic reactor, in which organic compounds, such as the acid compounds, are converted to produce biogas, while any unconverted sulfur compounds from the previous step are converted to sulfide compounds as well. Finally, the sulfide compounds are removed from the second reactor in a stripping system, and converted to elemental sulfur in an adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast - Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno
    Inventors: Johannes Wouterus van Groenestijn, Josephus Sychbertus Adrianus Langerwerf
  • Publication number: 20040011200
    Abstract: A method of reducing the pressure drop in a downflow/upflow wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system and of improving overall sulfur dioxide collection efficiency by converting the downflow/upflow WFGD system to an upflow single-loop WFGD system. The method includes the replacing of the downflow quencher and related duct work with a bypass for connecting the incoming flue gas duct with the upflow absorber, and the adding of a quenching zone in the absorber comprised of spray headers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald L. Goode, Dennis W. Johnson, David W. Murphy, Robert B. Myers, John F. Sulek, David R. Burley, Paul J. Lieb
  • Patent number: 6666908
    Abstract: Within the scope of a process using two absorption sections for treating a natural gas containing CO2 and/or H2S, as well as mercaptans, COS and/or CS2, the present invention aims to wash the gaseous hydrocarbons desorbed upon expansion of the solvent from the first absorption section with the solvent from the second absorption section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Renaud Cadours, Fabrice Lecomte, Pascal Mougin
  • Patent number: 6656249
    Abstract: A method of removing hydrogen sulphide from a gas stream wherein the hydrogen sulphide is scrubbed from the gas phase by an aqueous solution, the hydrogen sulphide in the aqueous solution is biologically oxidized in a bioreactor to produce elemental sulphur, and the elemental sulphur is separated from the aqueous solution, characterized in that the gas stream to be treated is cooled to such a degree that at least sufficient water vapour condenses from the gas stream to compensate for the discharge stream for the purpose of removing salts. This means that no water need be supplied to the bioreactor. This method is suitable, in particular, for gas streams which contain hydrogen sulphide, the hydrogen sulphide having been obtained by catalytic conversion of sulphur compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Paques Bio Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Cees Jan Nico Buisman, Albert Joseph Hendrik Janssen, Robert Jan Van Bodegraven
  • Publication number: 20030213363
    Abstract: A system and a method for increasing the selectivity of H2S absorption in an aqueous amine treating processes for streams containing high CO2:H2S ratio mixtures in an absorption column by maintaining the temperature in the absorption column by withdrawing, cooling and returning cooled aqueous amine to the column at at least one location intermediate the sour gas inlet to the column and the lean gas outlet from the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: David K. Stevens, Kevin M. Robertson, Mark R. Tonjes, Lindsay Wedel Dreitzler
  • Patent number: 6645272
    Abstract: In a process for treating a gas containing acid gases, the gas is contacted with a methanol-containing aqueous phase and is then contacted in an absorption column with a mixture of solvents including mehtanol, water and a solvent heavier than methanol. Then, the mixture of solvents is at least partly regenerated through pressure reduction and/or heating. The treated gas is cooled by producing at least a methanol-containing aqueous phase that is at least partly recycled. The mixture of solvents flowing out at the bottom of the absorption column is cooled, then re-introduced at a higher level of the absorption column so as to control the temperature in the absorption column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Lemaire, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 6638342
    Abstract: A process and system for producing fertilizers with reduced levels of contaminants, and particularly a flue gas scrubbing process and facility that produce a fertilizer byproduct which is treated to remove heavy metals originally present in the scrubbed flue gas. The process entails contacting a flue gas with a scrubbing solution to remove acidic gases and produce a byproduct containing a fertilizer compound precipitate and dissolved metals and/or metal compounds. A fertilizer solution containing dissolved fertilizer and dissolved metals and/or metal compounds is then produced by adding water to the byproduct, after which the pH of the fertilizer solution is adjusted one or more times with a gaseous and/or liquid alkali to form precipitates of one or more metal species. The precipitates are then removed from the fertilizer solution and the solution dewatered to yield a fertilizer product with lower contaminant levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Marsulex Environmental Technologies
    Inventors: Raymond R. Gansley, Michael T. Hammer, Michael L. Mengel
  • Patent number: 6623547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing sulfuric acid mist wherein a gas containing sulfuric acid mist is bubbled into an absorbing solution through a gas diffuser having pores with an average pore diameter of about 1,000 &mgr;m or less. This method allows simple and highly effective removal of sulfuric acid mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chmical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Mori, Tetsuya Suzuta
  • Patent number: 6613133
    Abstract: A spray level arrangement for spraying a liquid absorbent into flue gas flowing through a flue gas desulfurization absorber tower having a shell, includes a pair of elongated headers each having an inlet end for receiving liquid absorbent outside the shell, and an opposite end supported by a shell support at the inner surface of the shell. Each header extends through a penetration port of the shell and into the interior of the shell for supplying the liquid absorbent to the tower. A plurality of elongated branch lines are secured to each header and extend within the tower, each branch line having a supply end connected to the header and an opposite end supported on their own shell supports at the inner surface of the shell. A plurality of nozzles are secured to each branch. The nozzles are configured to spray the liquid absorbent into the flue gas within the tower. A beam in the shell has straps for further supporting the headers in the shell, if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Piaskowski, Norman D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6607585
    Abstract: An improved method and structure for purification of an acid gas stream by using raw fuel gas as a stripper to remove the BTEX and VOCs from the liquid amine stream. The improved method is particularly useful for purification of acid gas streams with BTEX contaminant levels in excess of environmentally acceptable levels for standard processing. Raw fuel gas is utilized at moderate temperatures and pressures, the uptake of BTEX and VOCs reduces the level of these compounds in the waste amine stream to environmentally acceptable levels, and the remaining contaminants may then be dealt with by ordinary means. Levels of H2S and CO2. in the liquid amine stream are also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: David Morrow
  • Patent number: 6602423
    Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is educted into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. The gas is educted into the column independently of the input flow of solvent into the solvent using a pumparound arrangement with the solvent. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The foam passes through concentrators which increase the residency time of the foam in the column to further dry the foam and to create larger bubbles. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is recirculated for injection into the column even after foaming has stopped. The foaming contaminants are concentrated at the surface level of the solvent in the column. These contaminants are removed from the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen A. von Phul
  • Patent number: 6602324
    Abstract: A method for controlling the sulfur dioxide partial pressure in a pressurized, heated, oxygen-containing gas mixture which is contacted with an ion-conducting metallic oxide membrane which permeates oxygen ions. The sulfur dioxide partial pressure in the oxygen-depleted non-permeate gas from the membrane module is maintained below a critical sulfur dioxide partial pressure, pSO2*, to protect the membrane material from reacting with sulfur dioxide and reducing the oxygen flux of the membrane. Each ion-conducting metallic oxide material has a characteristic critical sulfur dioxide partial pressure which is useful in determining the required level of sulfur removal from the feed gas and/or from the fuel gas used in a direct-fired feed gas heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: VanEric Edward Stein, Robin Edward Richards, David Douglas Brengel, Michael Francis Carolan
  • Publication number: 20030136263
    Abstract: A method for removing organic sulfur compounds from a vent gas is described. Also described is an apparatus for absorbing organic sulfur compounds from vent gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Henry Beuke, Richard Sadok, Alfred Keller
  • Publication number: 20030082085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mercury removal method which can effectively remove very small amounts of mercury components present in a gas during wet gas purification such as coal or heavy oil gasification gas purification and petroleum refining. A mercury removal method for the removal of mercury present in a gas, the method comprising the steps of bringing a gas containing at least mercury and not less than 10 ppm of hydrogen sulfide into gas-liquid contact with an absorbing fluid under pressurized conditions so as to cause mercury to pass into the absorbing fluid; flashing the mercury-containing absorbing fluid under lower-pressure conditions to separate it into gaseous components and liquid components; and removing the mercury contained in the separated gaseous components by adsorption to an adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Harada, Shintaro Honjo, Makoto Suzaki, Kazuo Ishida, Hajime Nagano, Susumu Okino
  • Patent number: 6521020
    Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrocarbons from an acid gas stream includes passing the acid gas stream through an adsorbent which selectively removes hydrocarbons, desorbing the hydrocarbons from the adsorbent and contacting the desorbed hydrocarbons with an acid gas removal solution to remove acid gases which have been coadsorbed with the hydrocarbons. The process is particularly useful in removing hydrocarbons from a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream which is being directed to Claus processing for conversion into elemental sulfur. Useful adsorbents include crystalline titanium silicate molecular sieves containing titania octahedral sites such as ETS-10 and similar materials, as well as high silica aluminosilicate zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Butwell, William B. Dolan, Steven M. Kuznicki
  • Patent number: 6508863
    Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrocarbons from an acid gas stream includes passing the acid gas stream through an adsorbent that selectively removes hydrocarbons, desorbing the hydrocarbons from the adsorbent and contacting the desorbed hydrocarbons with an acid gas removal solution to remove acid gases which have been coadsorbed with the hydrocarbons. The process is particularly useful in removing hydrocarbons from a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream that is being directed to Claus processing for conversion into elemental sulfur. Useful adsorbents include Y-type zeolites having a silica to alumina mole ratio of less than 15 and a reduced sodium content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Byrne, William B. Dolan, Kenneth F. Butwell
  • Publication number: 20020178917
    Abstract: The loaded wash liquid contains H 2 S, CO, H 2 , CO 2 , nickel carbonyl and/or iron carbonyl. Carbon monoxide is initially and partially removed from the loaded wash liquid and the wash liquid which is low in CO is conducted through a reaction and settling zone. Sludge containing nickel and/or iron sulfide is extracted from the reaction and settling zone and the wash liquid is conducted to a heat regeneration device The regenerated wash liquid can be re-utilized for desulfurization purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: GERHARD GRUNEWALD, UWE ZWIEFELHOFER
  • Patent number: 6488742
    Abstract: Process for the removal of metal cabonyls before regeneration of a desulfurization wash liquid, which includes removing a part of the carbon monoxide from the wash liquid, conversion of the metal carbonyls to metal sulfides, passing the wash liquid through a reaction and settling zone, removing metal sulfide-containing sludge from the reaction and settling zone, and regenerating the wash liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Grünewald, Uwe Zwiefelhofer
  • Publication number: 20020139717
    Abstract: A method and composition for reducing the levels of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans in hydrocarbon streams. The method comprises contacting the gas stream with a composition comprising the reaction product of mixing monoethanolamine, diglycolamine and formaldehyde. The use of the method and composition alleviates problems associated with crystalline dithiazine depost build-up associated with the use of triazine based scavengers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Clive Willaim Titley, Peter Hans Wieninger
  • Patent number: 6436174
    Abstract: A process for removing acidic gas constituents, of the group consisting of CO2, H2S, COS, CS2 and mercaptans, from gases, in which, in an absorption step, a dirty gas rich in acidic gas constituents is brought into contact with an absorption medium, as a result of which a clean gas low in acidic gas constituents and an absorption medium laden with acidic gas constituents are obtained, the absorption medium used being a mixture comprising a) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of one or more mono-cyclic or bicyclic nitrogen heterocycles which are unsubstituted and/or monosubstituted or poly-substituted on the carbon by OH, C1-C3 alkyl and/or C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl and which have from 5 to 14 ring atoms and 1 or 2 heterocyclically bound nitrogen atoms per ring as component A, b) from 1 to 60% by weight of a monohydric and/or polyhydric alcohol as component B, c) from 0 to 60% by weight of an aliphatic aminoalcohol as component C, d) from 0 to 98.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Grossmann, Karl-Heinz Hänzel, Dieter Kolassa, Norbert Asprion
  • Publication number: 20020110511
    Abstract: A scrubber system is provided which enables a substantially horizontal flow path for the gas which is being subjected to scrubbing. Among other advantages, this permits operation of the absorber with a differential pressure of zero or less. Scrubber composition spray means are positioned in the horizontal gas flow path for spraying an aqueous scrubber composition in a direction which is generally cocurrent with said gas flow. The system is free of means which spray the scrubber composition in directions countercurrent to said gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Jonas Klingspor, David Colley, Sterling Gray, Greg Brown, Phil Lowell
  • Publication number: 20020104438
    Abstract: Within the scope of a process using two absorption sections for treating a natural gas containing CO2 and/or H2S, as well as mercaptans, COS and/or CS2, the present invention aims to wash the gaseous hydrocarbons desorbed upon expansion of the solvent from the first absorption section with the solvent from the second absorption section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Renaud Cadours, Fabrice Lecomte, Pascal Mougin
  • Publication number: 20020062735
    Abstract: Process for pretreating a very acid natural gas containing a substantial amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), possibly combined with carbon dioxide (CO2), comprising at least a stage wherein the initial natural gas is contacted in a distillation column with a liquid condensate itself resulting from cooling of the gaseous fraction obtained during said contacting stage. This solution allows to eventually recover at a lower cost a gas enriched in methane, depleted in hydrogen sulfide and freed from substantially all of the water it contains, and a liquid phase containing most of the hydrogen sulfide, substantially all of the water and depleted in hydrocarbon. Control of the thermodynamic conditions during the stages that characterize the process, according to the water content of the gas during treatment, allows progressive exhaustion of the water contained in said gas while preventing hydrates formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Fabrice Lecomte, Eric Lemaire, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Publication number: 20020059865
    Abstract: Process for treating a gas containing acid gases, wherein:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Lemaire, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 6387159
    Abstract: A process for adsorbing hydrocarbons from an acid gas stream includes passing the acid gas stream through an adsorbent which selectively removes hydrocarbons, desorbing the hydrocarbons from the adsorbent and contacting the desorbed hydrocarbons with an acid gas removal solution to remove acid gases which have been coadsorbed with the hydrocarbons. The process is particularly useful in removing hydrocarbons from a hydrogen sulfide-containing stream which is being directed to Claus processing for conversion into elemental sulfur. Useful adsorbents include crystalline titanium silicate molecular sieves containing titania octahedral sites such as ETS-10 and similar materials, as well as high silica aluminosilicate zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Butwell, William B. Dolan, Steven M. Kuznicki
  • Patent number: 6383261
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the management of H2S containing gas streams and high alkalinity water streams in which process the H2S is selectively removed from the gas stream and combusted to form an SO2 rich waste gas stream. The SO2 gas stream is then scrubbed with the water stream to substantially remove the SO2 from the gas while subsequent treatment of the water such as softening or settling is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ronald Damian Myers, John Brenton MacLeod, Norman A Chambers, Mainak Ghosh