Abstract: The separation process and apparatus is based on conducting the explosive gas or vapour through a mass transfer column which is charged with an absorbent and filled with an electrically conductive packing. The packing (2) of the mass transfer column (1) must be earthed and have such a dense lattice spacing that no electric charge sufficient for ignition can accumulate at any point in the packing. Under these conditions, a non-conductive electrostatically chargeable liquid may be used as absorption liquid.

Abstract: In the purification of gases generated in metallurgical and similar furnace operations, the impurities include solid particles and compounds or elements which are gaseous at the furnace temperatures and only form solid or liquid at temperatures approaching ambient conditions. Proper cleaning therefore requires cooling of the gases to at least the water dew point to cause these impurities to form as particles or droplets. This invention describes a process and apparatus for collecting such particles or droplets in which a charging device and condensation equipment are combined to provide a simple, yet effective apparatus at a fraction of the cost of conventional apparatus.