Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining carbon dioxide from a CO2-containing gas mixture. The methods combine the benefits of gas membrane separation with cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: Acid mist may be removed efficiently from a gas stream using at least one fiber bed mist eliminator operating at elevated pressure of typically at least 2 bar (0.2 MPa), e.g. at about 4 bar (0.4 MPa) to about 50 bar (5 MPa). The invention has particular application in methods for processing carbon dioxide flue gas in which SO2 and/or NOx contaminants are converted at elevated pressure to sulfuric acid condensate and/or nitric acid condensate respectively.

Abstract: A gas separation process for treating exhaust gases from the combustion of gaseous fuels, and gaseous fuel combustion processes including such gas separation. The invention involves routing a first portion of the exhaust stream to a carbon dioxide capture step, while simultaneously flowing a second portion of the exhaust gas stream across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas back to the combustor.

Abstract: A method and device for the reduction of particulate forming vapors in gases, the method comprising passing the gas stream through at least one channel (12) that has a wall temperature that is lower than the condensation temperature of the vapor, the at least one channel having a hydraulic diameter (Dh) satisfying the condition that Dh<[24/(N?do)]1/2, where N is the number of nuclei present in the gas stream and do is the initial diameter of the nuclei.

Abstract: An apparatus for the degassing of a dust from a synthesis gas produced by a gasification process, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main dust separator, a multi-purpose vessel, fluid for degassing and cooling and a storage facility for dust. The synthesis gas produced is conducted via a connecting pipe to a main dust separator, from which a de-dusted raw synthesis gas stream and a dust-like solid which also contains raw synthesis gas in the voids between the dust particles can be removed. The dust-like solid is directed into a multi-purpose vessel equipped with devices for reducing the pressure level so that a tail gas is obtained and a solid containing lower gas quantities in the void fraction remains. There is a device for transporting a solid into a gas exchange apparatus, the latter comprising a gas exchange tank, a dust separator and a feed device for exchange gas. It is possible to reduce the gas exchange tank to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating CO2 from an exhaust gas flow of a combustion process. The method includes: compressing the gas flow and cooling the compressed gas flow. The method also includes feeding the cooled gas flow to a swirl nozzle and separating the CO2 from the gas flow in the swirl nozzle. The method also includes discharging the CO2 which is separated in the swirl nozzle from the swirl nozzle for separate further treatment. A CO2 separating device is also provided that separates CO2 from an exhaust gas flow of a combustion process that operates with fossil fuels. The device includes a swirl nozzle which is exposed to through-flow of the gas flow, a compressor located upstream or downstream of the swirl nozzle, and a plurality of cooling devices which are provided upstream of the swirl nozzle for cooling of the gas flow which comes from the compressor.

Abstract: A method of removing siloxanes from a gas that contains siloxanes and water, the method comprising: (a) expanding the gas to cool the gas and freeze at least some of the water in the gas; and (b) removing the siloxanes and frozen water from the expanded and cooled gas. The method may also include compressing the gas prior to expanding it. The step of expanding the gas may include expanding it through a turbine. The method may also include using an energy input mechanism to drive one or both of the compressor or turbine. The ice and siloxanes may be removed from the gas with a cyclonic separator.

Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, comprising mixing a substantially non-aqueous solvent and an alkali such that the solvent and alkali form a solvent suspension, mixing water and a flue gas containing carbon dioxide with the solvent suspension such that a reaction occurs, the reaction resulting in the formation of a carbonate, water and heat.

Abstract: A method for separation of CO2 from the combustion gas of a gas turbine comprising the steps of: withdrawing the combustion gas at an intermediate stage of the turbine, introducing the withdrawn combustion gas into a burner together with compressed air and additional carbonaceous fuel to cause a secondary combustion therein, cooling the combustion gas from the burner, introducing the cooled combustion gas into a CO2 capturing unit, to separate the combustion gas into a CO2 rich gas, that is withdrawn for deposition, and a CO2 lean gas, and reheating and reintroducing the CO2 lean gas into the turbine at an intermediate level and further expand the gas before it is released into the atmosphere, is described. A power generation plant utilizing the method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxycombustion method with capture of the CO2 produced. Mixer M supplies chamber CC with a mixture of oxygen from unit O and of recycled fumes from storage drum SG. Chamber CC is supplied with oxidizer from mixer M and with fuel flowing in through line 8. All of the combustion fumes are sent to water condensation unit CT, then fed into storage drum SG. Part of the fumes containing all the CO2 produced by combustion is compressed to about 60 bars, then cooled and partly liquefied to about 15° C. in liquefaction unit L1, and stored in drum SM. According to the invention, the partly liquefied CO2 is compressed by means of a multiphase pump in order to be discharged through line 16 and stored in an underground reservoir.

Abstract: A method is provided where carbon dioxide is compressed in a multi-stage geared compressor using a substantially isothermic process to a pressure which lies above the pressure of the critical point of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is subsequently cooled to ambient temperature in a cooling device and then compressed to a predefined final pressure in a pump device.

Abstract: A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing aqueous stream purification services. The system includes at least one separation unit. Each separation unit may include a mechanical vapor recompression separator, a steam stripper, and a secondary recovery heat exchanger. The system for wastewater purification may receive water from a waste water storage, purify the water, and return the purified water to a purified water storage. The system may include a controller. The controller may include an operating conditions module configured to interpret at least one operating condition.

Abstract: A method for the purification of a feed gas stream containing at least CO2 and at least one impurity with by the incorporation of a purification step, enabling water to be at least partially removed is provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A process for separating O2 from air, that includes the steps effecting an increase in pressure of an air stream, magnetically concentrating O2 in one portion of the pressurized air stream, the one portion then being an oxygen rich stream, and there being another portion of the air stream being an oxygen lean stream, compressing the oxygen rich stream and removing water and carbon dioxide therefrom, to provide a resultant stream, and cryogenically separating said resultant stream into a concentrated oxygen stream and a waste stream.

Abstract: A process for separating a gas mixture in a separation unit of the type in which the gas mixture comes from a reaction unit and comprises, as main constituents, hydrogen (H2) and/or carbon monoxide (CO).

Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, land fills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge causes a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions, the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium-heavy components. The noncombustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible, pollutants (high purity Methane) effected in the first separation are piped to the Installation's engine air intake for re-combustion, thereby reducing the Installation's Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy. The non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from the second separation stage are piped to air filter assemblies.

Abstract: A method of removing siloxanes from a gas that contains siloxanes and water, the method comprising: (a) expanding the gas to cool the gas and freeze at least some of the water in the gas; and (b) removing the siloxanes and frozen water from the expanded and cooled gas. The method may also include compressing the gas prior to expanding it. The step of expanding the gas may include expanding it through a turbine. The method may also include using an energy input mechanism to drive one or both of the compressor or turbine. The ice and siloxanes may be removed from the gas with a cyclonic separator.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: In a conventional reflow furnace equipped with a fume removal device, fume solids adhere to the inside of piping connecting it to the removal device, and a great amount of trouble was required for removal of the fume solids. The present invention maintains a fumes-containing gas discharged from a furnace at a temperature of at least the liquefication temperature of the fumes until the gas reaches a removal device so that fume solids do not adhere to the inside of piping. A removal device installed on a reflow furnace according to the present invention comprises an elongated-hole filter and a labyrinth filter, and fumes are completely removed by both filters.

Abstract: An air-separation system, useful in high-temperature environments, produces a superheated compressed air stream which is sufficiently cool to be applied to an air-separation membrane. Ambient air is compressed, and then cooled by a fan. The cooled compressed air, after being filtered, is passed through a heat exchanger where it is heated by thermal contact with incoming compressed air. The cooled compressed air thus becomes superheated, and can then be conveyed into a polymeric membrane module without damaging the polymer. A valve enables some of the compressed air to bypass the heat exchanger, thus controlling the degree to which the cooled compressed air stream is heated.

Abstract: Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) exhaust gases from coal pre-mine gob wells, landfills and oil refinery (Installations) vent stacks are used, after adequate compression, for energizing a high-speed gas turbine. The convoluting gas discharge cause a first separation stage by stratifying of heavier non-combustible and lighter combustible gas components that exit from the turbine in opposite directions; the heavier components having a second stratifying separation in a vortex tube to separate non-combustible, heaviest pollutants from non-combustible medium heavy components. The non-combustible, medium components exit a vortex tube open end to atmosphere. The lighter combustible Methane gas effected in the first separation is piped to the Installation's engine for combustion, thereby reducing its Methane pollution and improving its fuel economy.

Abstract: A method and device for separation of chalcogens from waste gases in process installations are provided so that complete and reliable removal of chalcogens occurs continuously during nonstop operation of the process installation in the most effective manner possible. The process installation is connected via a pipeline to an input connector of the device for separation of chalcogens arranged outside of the process installation. The pipeline and the input connector have a heat connection to the process chamber. The device for separation of chalcogens is provided with an outlet connector as well as a gas outlet is equipped with a cooling device so that the input connector is excluded from cooling.

Abstract: A method for increasing ozone concentration in a liquid can include: providing a gas having ozone; introducing the ozone-containing gas into a liquid, wherein the liquid and ozone combination has a temperature between about 0.8 and about 1.5 times the critical temperature of ozone; and increasing isothermally, the pressure of the ozone-containing gas above the liquid to about 0.3 to about 5 times the critical pressure of ozone so as to increase the ozone concentration in the liquid. The temperature is expressed in absolute units (Kelvin or Rankin). The method can be used for removing ozone from a gas or for purifying ozone. The liquid having a high ozone concentration can be used for ozonolysis of a substrate.

Abstract: A method of providing gas to a system which separates from a pressurized supply gas, product gas, includes conditioning the supply gas by both cooling and drying the supply gas.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: A reflow apparatus for solder joining electronic components to a substrate includes a reflow chamber, a conveyor to convey a substrate within the chamber, at least one heating element to provide heat to reflow solder on the substrate, and at least one system to remove contaminants generated from the reflow solder. The system is coupled with the chamber for passage of a vapor stream from the chamber through the system. The system comprises a contaminant collection unit in fluid communication with the vapor stream. The contaminant collection unit includes a coil and a collection container. The coil is configured to receive cooled gas therein. The arrangement is such that when introducing cooled gas in the coil, contaminants in the vapor stream condense on the coil, and when ceasing the introduction of cooled gas in the coil, contaminants in the vapor stream are released from the coil and collected in the collection container. Other embodiments and methods for removing contaminants are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method to condense and recover CO2 from CO2 containing streams. A first step involve providing at more than one heat exchanger, with each heat exchanger having a first flow path for passage of a first fluid and a second flow path for passage of a second fluid. A second step involves passing a stream of very cold natural gas sequentially along the second flow path of each heat exchanger until it is heated for distribution and concurrently passing a CO2 containing stream sequentially along the first flow path of each heat exchanger, allowing the water vapor portion of the CO2 containing stream to condense and precipitate on the condensing heat exchangers. A third step involves passing a water vapor free CO2 containing stream to a cryogenic heat exchanger to condense, precipitate and recover CO2.

Abstract: The fumes from gas turbine TG are cooled by heat exchangers E1, E2, E01, E02 and E03 and compressed by compressors C1 and C2. The cold and high-pressure fumes are depleted in carbon dioxide in treating plant 10. The carbon dioxide can be injected into an underground reservoir. The fumes depleted in carbon dioxide are heated by heat exchangers E1 and E2, and expanded by turbines T2, then T1. In particular, after expansion in turbine T2 and before expansion in turbine T1, the fumes are heated using the heat of the fumes from compressor C2.

Abstract: An inert gas generating system for generating inert gas on a vehicle having a fuel tank and a fuel tank vent. The system includes an inlet for receiving a flow of gas having a nitrogen component and an oxygen component from a gas source, a heat exchanger downstream from the inlet and in fluid communication with the inlet for cooling gas received from the inlet, and a gas separation module downstream from the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for separating gas received from the heat exchanger into a nitrogen-enriched gas flow and an oxygen-enriched gas flow. The gas separation module is adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank without delivering the nitrogen-enriched gas through the fuel tank vent. The gas separation module is also adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank vent.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for capturing CO2 from flue gas emanating from a carbonaceous fuel combusting power plant, which includes a source of oxygen and a combustion chamber for combusting the fuel with oxygen and thereby producing flue gas that includes CO2, water and excess oxygen as its main components. At least a portion of the flue gas is compressed to a pressure higher than about sixty bar, the compressed flue gas is cooled in a primary CO2 separating unit for capturing a first portion of the CO2 by condensing it to produce a liquid CO2 stream and a high pressure vent gas stream that includes oxygen and excess CO2, the liquid CO2 stream is discharged from the power plant, and the high pressure vent gas stream is conducted to a secondary CO2 separating unit for capturing a second portion of the CO2 by adsorbing it to an adsorbing material.

Abstract: A gas condensate production plant comprises a plurality of separation units in which C2 and/or C3 lighter components are stripped from the separator feeds using compressed heated stripping vapor produced from the feed in respective downstream separation units. Contemplated plants substantially reduce heating and cooling duties by using the waste heat from the compressor discharges in the separation process. Furthermore, the multi-stage fractionation according to the inventive subject matter provides improved gas condensate recovery at reduced energy costs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing a thin ceramic and/or metallic solid-state composition consisting of three phases: a material (A), a material (B) and pores. The concentration of each phase varies continuously from one face of the article to the other in a continuous and controlled gradient. The porous matrix of material (A) has a porosity gradient of 0% to about 80%, the pores being completely or partly filled with material (B). The concentration of material (B) in the article therefore varies from 80% to 0% of small thicknesses.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the separation of residual gases and working fluid in a combined cycle water/steam process, which provides for the multi-stage compression and multi-stage expansion of the mixture of working fluid and reaction products from the additional liquid and/or gaseous fuels, by the use of steam. The aim of the invention is the minimisation of the working fluid losses and minimisation of the additional necessary energy use. Said aim is achieved, whereby the expanded exhaust gas from the high pressure turbine stage (19) is subjected to a cooling process which cools the same to the condensation temperature of the steam contained in the exhaust gas (6). The non-condensed parts of the exhaust gas (6) are bled off, whereby the condensation of the working fluid, the bleeding off of non-condensed residual gases (25), the depressurisation of the working fluid condensate and the evaporation of the condensed working fluid are carried out in a residual gas separator (10).

Abstract: The fumes from gas turbine TG are cooled by heat exchangers E1, E2, E01, E02 and E03 and compressed by compressors C1 and C2. The cold and high-pressure fumes are depleted in carbon dioxide in treating plant 10. The fumes depleted in carbon dioxide are heated by heat exchangers E1 and E2, and expanded by turbines T2, then T1. The energy recovered in form of heat in exchangers E01, E02 and E03 is converted into mechanical energy by the engine cycle used by turbine T, condenser E and pump P. The mechanical energy is available at the shaft of turbine T.

Abstract: A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing stream in which compressed and heated oxygen is introduced into cathode side of an oxygen transport membrane reactor. Oxygen is permeated from the cathode side to the anode side. Motive fluid that is introduced into an ejector draws an oxygen permeate containing stream from the anode side at a subatmospheric pressure to form an oxygen containing product stream. The motive fluid, which can be steam raised by combustion used in heating the reactor, can be separated from the oxygen containing product stream to form an oxygen product stream. The use of an ejector lowers the partial pressure of the oxygen at the anode side of the membrane reactor and therefore the degree to which the oxygen containing stream need be compressed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. In this process the exhaust gases are cooled causing water to condense out, and the water formed is passed through particulate filters, activated carbon filters and ion exchange resin filters. In this process, the water is treated to reduce the levels of nitrates, sulfates, acidic and other organic components therein (for example, by passing it through a flow through capacitor) before the water is passed through the ion exchange resins. The apparatus for practicing this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inerting system provides air with reduced oxygen content by flowing and directing air through an air separation module. Optimal working pressure for the air separation module is obtained with two compressors. A first compressor elevates air from the aircraft cabin to a second pressure. The second pressure is at an intermediate level below the working pressure of the air separation module. A second compressor elevates air from the second pressure to the working pressure. The second compressor is driven by air that is exhausted through a turbine. The pressure difference between air at the working pressure and air required by the fuel distribution system is used to power the turbine and drive the second compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing contamination of a substrate or a substrate surface, and particularly relates to prevention of contamination of raw materials, semi-finished products, base materials of products and substrate surface in a high-tech industry such as an in the production of semiconductors and liquid crystals. A gas coming into contact with a base material or substrate is purified by dust removing apparatus and adsorption and/or absorption apparatus so that the concentration of fine particles in the gas is below class 1,000 and a non-methane hydrocarbon concentration is below 0.2 ppm. Thereafter, the base material or the substrate surface is exposed to this gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously removing siloxanes and H2O from a waste gas stream containing H2O and siloxanes includes cooling the waste gas stream in a primary heat exchanger to a temperature of greater than 2° F. to condense a portion of the H2O from the waste gas stream, chilling the waste gas stream in a first gas-refrigerant heat exchanger to a temperature of about −20° F. to condense the siloxanes and freeze the H2O and then directing the cooled waste gas stream from the primary heat exchanger to a second gas-refrigerant heat exchanger while the first gas-refrigerant heat exchanger is defrosted to remove frozen H2O and siloxanes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide from gas, especially natural gas, that also contains C3+ hydrocarbons. The invention uses two or three membrane separation steps, optionally in conjunction with cooling/condensation under pressure, to yield a lighter, sweeter product natural gas stream, and/or a carbon dioxide stream of reinjection quality and/or a natural gas liquids (NGL) stream.

Abstract: A process for separating nitrogen from a multicomponent gas mixture containing nitrogen and a hydrocarbon, such as natural gas or associated gas, using gas-separation membranes selective for nitrogen over the hydrocarbon. The membranes use a selective layer made from a polymer having repeating units of a fluorinated polymer, and demonstrate good resistance to plasticization by the organic components in the gas mixture under treatment, and good recovery after exposure to liquid aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A combined method of separating oxygen and for generating power. Oxygen containing stream is compressed and oxygen is separated from the stream into permeate oxygen and an oxygen depleted retentate in an oxygen transport membrane unit. An anode side of the oxygen transport membrane unit is purged with a pressurized purge stream made up of pressurized, superheated steam. A pressurized oxygen product stream is discharged from the anode side of the oxygen transport membrane, the product comprising permeated oxygen and steam. The pressurized oxygen product stream is cooled against itself or the oxygen containing stream. The pressurized oxygen product stream is condensed by indirect heat transfer with a process fluid that boils to allow power to be extracted from the process fluid. Condensed water is separated from the oxygen product stream and separated oxygen is extracted as a product at pressure.

Abstract: In an arrangement for removing water vapor from pressurized gases or gas mixtures, particularly from air, a membrane separating apparatus is provided wherein the gas-vapor stream is separated into a vapor-enriched permeate stream and a vapor-depleted retentate stream and the vapor enriched permeate stream is conducted to a vacuum pumping device for generating at the permeate side of the membrane separating apparatus a vacuum providing for a predetermined trans-membrane pressure ratio.

Abstract: A process for treating a gas stream containing an organic component and a second gas. The process uses at least two compression stages, followed by membrane separation, with recirculation of the membrane permeate streams to different points in the compression train. The process provides particular benefits for separations characterized by modest membrane selectivity and a high concentration of the organic component in the remaining gas the compression steps.