Abstract: A desorbable sorption filter, in particular for a heating or air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, has a metallic support (12) which can be heated by flow of current and an adsorber (14) mounted at or on the support (12). To provide an improved, directly heatable sorption filter which particularly enables inexpensive production and good electrical and thermal conductive contact without the use of adhesives, it is proposed for the adsorber (14) to be of planar design and to be mechanically connected to the support (12, 112) by means of holding elements (26) formed integrally on the support (12, 112).

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for recovering ammonia which comprises installing a shell and multi-tube adsorber which is equipped with plural adsorption tubes each packed inside with an ammonia adsorbent (e.g. synthetic zeolite) and equipped with a flow mechanism for a heat transfer medium for performing heat exchange through the adsorption tubes, passing an ammonia-containing gas through the adsorption tubes, while cooling the adsorbent with a heat transfer medium (e.g. water) to adsorb the ammonia, and thereafter collecting the adsorbed ammonia through desorption, while heating the adsorbent with a heat transfer medium (e.g. hot water) under reduced pressure; and an apparatus for the above process.

Abstract: A sorber heat exchanger is provided with a substrate material incorporating a sorbent for reacting with a polar gas refrigerant or hydrogen. A preferred sorbent is a metal salt capable of reacting with the polar gas refrigerant to form a complex compound. The sorbent incorporating substrate is loaded into the reactor space between the heat transfer surfaces. Incorporating the sorbent into the substrate reduces sorbent migration thereby improving performance and life expectancy of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An assembly, a method and a motor vehicle for cleaning ambient air in the vicinity of an internal combustion engine (102) having combustion air inlet means (103) and energy emitting means (104)are disclosed. The assembly (101) further includes adsorbent means (105) for adsorbing at least one pollutant when in a first mode of operation and for desorbing the pollutant when in a second mode of operation. The adsorbent means have an inlet (106) for polluted ambient air (107, 107′) and an outlet (108) for cleaned ambient air (109, 109′). Furthermore, the assembly (101) includes a pollutant conduit (110) through which the desorbed pollutant is transferred from the adsorbent means (105) to the combustion air inlet means (103) when in the second mode of operation, and the adsorbent means (105) are arranged for being brought into the second mode of operation by means of energy supplied from the energy emitting means (104).

Abstract: A filter for cleaning air by removing noxious and/or odorous matter from the air flow by desorption is constructed so that filter sections (12) can be sequentially heated for a desorption of the noxious and odorous matter. An air discharge (13) for desorption air is provided on the air exit side (11) of the filter (2) for the discharge of the desorbed noxious and odorous matter, preferably into the combustion air of an engine. The air discharge (13, 22) for the desorption air covers at least one filter section 12 at a time when that section is being heated. A relative motion between the filter sections (12) and the air discharge (13) assures that other filter sections keep filtering while at least one filter section at a time is regenerated.

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

Abstract: Water containing contaminants is removed from a gas or liquid stream and then treated to separate the water from the contaminants. The water is separated using a condenser and a semi-permeable membrane so that it is pure enough to be disposed-of in the local environment by evaporation. The accumulated contaminants may be removed separately for controlled disposal, or reintroduced into the original stream as an alternate method of disposal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the synthesis of high bulk density high gas absorption capacity adsorbents for gas storage applications. Specifically, this invention is concerned with novel gas absorbents with high gravimetric and volumetric gas adsorption capacities which are made from fullerene-based materials. By pressing fullerene powder into pellet form using a conventional press, then polymerizing it by subjecting the fullerene to high temperature and high inert gas pressure, the resulting fullerene-based materials have high bulk densities and high gas adsorption capacities. By pre-chemical modification or post-polymerization activation processes, the gas adsorption capacities of the fullerene-based adsorbents can be further enhanced. These materials are suitable for low pressure gas storage applications, such as oxygen storage for home oxygen therapy uses or on-board vehicle natural gas storage.

Abstract: A method is described for providing clean air at desired temperature to an environment. Incoming air possibly contaminated with nuclear biological and chemical contaminants is compressed. The compressed air is cooled in a first heat exchanger. The cooled air from the first heat exchanger is compressed in a secondary compressor. Compressed air from the secondary compressor is cooled in a second heat exchanger. Cooled air from the secondary heat exchanger is directed through a regenerative pressure swing absorption system to provide clean output air with the contaminants removed therefrom. This cleaned air is expanded in a turbine coupled to the secondary compressor, whereby to recover energy from the cleaned air to drive the secondary compressor. The expanded cleaned air from the turbine is utilized to condition air in the environment. The regenerative pressure swing absorption system is purged with air derived from the expanded clean air.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system, comprising: a fluid storage and dispensing vessel constructed and arranged for selective dispensing of fluid therefrom; a solid-phase support in the vessel; and an affinity medium on the solid-phase support, wherein the affinity medium reversibly takes up the fluid when contacted therewith, and from which the fluid is disengagable under dispensing conditions. The affinity medium may be a liquid, oil, gel, or solid (porous solid, thin film solid, or bulk solid). The system of the invention may be employed for the storage and dispensing of fluids such as hydride, halide and dopant gases for manufacturing of semiconductor products.

Abstract: A compact desiccant-operated air dryer includes air directing housings, each housing including a separate desiccant bed. Each housing includes an associated desiccant bed to provide dehumidification to process air flow during a dehumidification phase of the housing; during operation, at least one desiccant housing will be in the dehumidification phase so as to provide continuous dehumidification. The associated desiccant bed for a desiccant housing is reactivated during the reactivation phase of the desiccant housing. Each desiccant housing extends between two external chambers at each end; a process inlet chamber and reactivation outlet chamber at one end, and a process outlet chamber and a reactivation inlet chamber at the other end. Each housing is connected to the two chambers at each end by a distinct associated inlet or outlet.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an adsorbent filter having a continuous activated carbon fiber sheet is disclosed. The filter providing a frame, at least one continuous sheet of adsorbent fabric, and a plurality of supports for supporting the sheet within the frame such that contaminated fluid flows over one or more surfaces of the sheet. The contaminants being adsorbed by contact with the surface of the sheet.

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

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system includes a storage and dispensing vessel containing a solid-phase physical sorbent material for holding a sorbable fluid, and a motive transport assembly associated with the storage and dispensing vessel. The storage and dispensing vessel is arranged for selectively flowing fluid into the vessel for storage, and out of the vessel for dispensing. The sorbable fluid physically adsorbed on the solid-phase physical sorbent medium may be selectively desorbed by pressure differential desorption and/or thermal desorption, to dispense gas when the vessel is in motive transport and/or when the vessel is at rest.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined cycle system of enhanced efficiency. The system comprises a top stage, such as a fuel cell, a partial oxidation reactor or a heat engine, and an oxygen-enriching device, such as a temperature swing adsorption device or a chemical reactor bed device, as its bottom stage. The bottom stage uses waste heat produced by the top stage to enrich the oxygen content of air that is inputted to the bottom stage, thereby producing an oxygen-enriched gas mixture as the bottom stage output. This output mixture constitutes a superior oxidant which is fed back as an input for the top stage, thus enhancing the energy conversion efficiency, cheapness, and compactness of the combined cycle system as compared to that of ordinary fuel cells, partial oxidation reactors and heat engines that use unenriched air as their oxidant input.

Abstract: An apparatus, for storage and dispensing of a sorbable fluid, including a storage and dispensing vessel containing a solid-phase physical sorbent medium for holding a sorbable fluid, with heat transfer means being associated with the vessel for thermally managing heat effects due to adsorption and desorption of the sorbable fluid.

Abstract: A maintenance free dehydrating breather apparatus for equipment such as oil cooled transformers and the like includes a cap and vessel enclosing a container for desiccant. A heater is mounted within the container in contact with the desiccant. The apparatus is connected through the cap to the equipment being supplied with dehydrated air. When the equipment requires dehydrated air, it draws air in through a vent valve in the vessel and thence through walls of the container and the desiccant. When the equipment expels air, the air is passed out through the vent valve, which otherwise normally seals off the interior of the vessel from the moisture in outside air. At selected intervals, for a selected period of time, a heater within the container is supplied with electrical power to heat the desiccant to drive off the moisture therefrom, which condenses on the walls of the vessel and flows to the bottom of the vessel where it is discharged through the vent valve.

Abstract: Described are preferred vapor recovery canisters which are useful in on-board vehicle fuel vapor recovery systems. The preferred canisters incorporate thermal management of solid adsorbent with phase change materials to improve both adsorptive and desorptive capacity of the canisters. Also described are preferred encapsulation members for use in the vapor recovery canisters.

Abstract: A moisture control unit is made up of a housing and a moisture absorption rotor is rotatably supported in the housing. A fan is provided in an exterior wall of the housing and it feeds air into the housing. A heater is contained within the housing adjacent the rotor to evaporate moisture therefrom and a heat exchanger is also provided in the housing. The heat exchanger has a first passageway through which a portion of the air from the fan flows to absorb moisture from the rotor and a second passageway through which moisture-laden air flows from the rotor, the first and second passageways being in heat exchange relationship with each other.

Abstract: A desiccant dehumidifier is provided in which a desiccant material is applied to a first end of a heat pipe heat exchanger. During the sorption phase, a supply air stream is exposed to the desiccant material on the first end of the heat pipe heat exchanger and a second air stream, which could be ambient atmosphere, is exposed to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. The moisture from the supply air stream is transferred to the desiccant material. However, the heat pipe heat exchanger acts as a heat sink and adsorbs the heat generated by the moisture transfer and transfers it to the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger. At the second end of the heat pipe heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to the second air stream. As a result, both the supply air stream and the desiccant material remain at a substantially constant temperature during the sorption phase.

Abstract: A pre-compression dehydration system optimizes the gas flow parameters which are essential to the performance of a radial or spherical desiccant dryer. When used in conjunction with a low pressure dryer, the system protects the desiccant bed from channeling, which can cause the gas to flow unevenly through the desiccant bed and fail to make effective contact with the desiccant. The system provides a multiple zone, or divided, desiccant bed adsorption unit to maintain a proper flow distribution as required by the demand of the air compressor and to eliminate the potential for channeling. The system may also include a controller for automatically opening and closing the port access doors of the adsorption unit to control the amount of desiccant utilized to dry the air. A thermostatically controlled precooler may be provided for cooling the ambient air prior to adsorption to insure that the temperature of the effluent air will not exceed 100.degree. F. (37.8.degree. C.

Abstract: A microtrap sample concentrator useful for concentrating a sample of purged gas containing analytes for delivery to an analytical instrument, including: a tube containing at least one sorbent material which retains or traps analytes; where greater than 30% of all trapped analytes are directly delivered to an analytical instrument at a desorption flow rate of one to three cc/min, without splitting or cryogenic focusing the trapped analytes; where delivery of the trapped analytes to the analytical instrument is achieved by passing the trapped analytes through a passage being selectively connectable between the microtrap and the analytical instrument, the passage connected to a vent; where the temperature of the passage is not lower than ambient room temperature; and where the passage is heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize water in the passage and to expel the vaporized water out of the vent.

Abstract: A process for separating organic compounds, such as solvents, from gases, e.g. waste gases of paint shops. The gases to be treated are conducted in an adsorber over a sorbent which is composed of particulate activated carbon in an oxidic carrier. The charged sorbent is regenerated by passing therethrough, preferably according to the countercurrent principle, a heated regeneration gas, the regeneration gas charged with desorbate is cooled so that organic compounds condense and can then be separated, whereupon the regeneration gas is reheated and reused for the desorption of the charged sorbent. Heating of the regeneration gas as well as cooling of the regeneration gas charged with desorbate are, at least partially, effected by a heat pump. It will be expedient to provide at least two adsorbers which are charged and regenerated alternately. An apparatus for carrying out the process is additionally described.

Abstract: A device for purifying a workstream of contaminants and method of making. One device is made of an inorganic monolithic porous particulate filter and a continuous uninterrupted coating of activated carbon impregnated into the pores of the filter. Preferably the filter has inlet and outlet faces, and a multiplicity of cells separated by porous walls and extending longitudinally and mutually parallel therethrough from inlet to outlet end, a portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the inlet end face, and the remaining portion of the total number of cells being plugged at the outlet end face of the device. Another device can be made entirely of activated carbon having the multicellular structure. A workstream containing contaminants is passed through the device to cause retention of the contaminants. The device can have electrically conducting mechanism for conducting electric current therethrough for removal of the contaminants and regeneration of the device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger bed including a plurality of elastomeric sheets. The sheets have a peripheral edge and a center. The sheets also have an opening therethrough proximate the center. The sheets are stacked one next to another in a stack. At least one sheet spacer is disposed between adjacent sheets of the stack. The center openings of adjacent sheets are aligned to define a passage through the stack.

Abstract: An air dehumidifier or drier, particularly for a motor vehicle, has an air guiding housing defining three parallel air flow paths, which are defined by a common main air chamber separating two laterally spaced apart secondary air chambers. A reactor containing an adsorbent is positioned between the secondary air chambers, the common main air chamber being defined between the reactors. Air-flow control elements are positioned in each of the main and secondary air chambers. The control elements are pivotal between two operating positions. In each position, one of the reactors is in adsorption operation (dehumidify air) while the other reactor is in desorption operation (reactor being dried or recharged). The desorption air directed to the reactor being dried is heated by a heat exchanger, which has an air passageway for exhausting the air used for drying the reactor. Thus, the desorption air directed to the reactor being dried is preheated using the energy from the exhausting air.

Abstract: A moisture control unit is made up of a body which is partitioned by a partition wall into a plurality of chambers. A dehumidifying opening is provided in a chamber and a humidifying opening is provided in a chamber. A moisture absorption rotor is rotatably provided in the chambers and a heater provided in one of the chambers adjacent to the moisture absorption rotor for evaporating water which is absorbed by the moisture absorption rotor. A part of the moisture absorption rotor which absorbs moisture from air is made heavy to thereby rotate downward from the weight of water while a part of the moisture absorption rotor which is heated by a heater and from which water is evaporated is made light to thereby rotate upward. As a result, the moisture control rotor can rotate by itself without needing a rotary driving source. The moisture control unit has a simplified structure, can be easily miniaturized and installed at a low cost without needing piping.

Abstract: An adsorption-desorption apparatus, for storage and dispensing of a sorbable gas, wherein a physical sorbent medium bearing the adsorbed gas to be selectively dispensed is delivered by pressure differential desorption and/or thermal desorption of the sorbate gas from the sorbent material. The sorbent material preferably comprises a material which is characterized by a Sorbent Working Capacity, measured for arsine at 40 Torr and at 650 Torr, of at least 50 grams arsine per liter of bed of the sorbent material.

Abstract: A moisture removing device comprising a ceramic shell. The ceramic shell has a plurality of parallel openings. The openings extend along the length of the shell. The openings form elongated surfaces adapted to be contacted by moisture ladened air moving through the openings along a path of travel. Such surfaces have desiccant capabilities for the extraction of moisture from air passed therethrough.

Abstract: A rotary concentrator is provided with homogeneous extruded adsorption blocks. In this way, greater air flow volumes can be processed since the flow passages can be made smaller as can the wall thicknesses. The present invention moves a slurry of adsorbent material, a solvent, and a binder into an extrusion die. The adsorption blocks are then extruded in the die. The blocks are then allowed to dry, and are placed in a rotary adsorption unit. In one embodiment, electrically conducted materials may be included in this slurry. An electric current may be placed on the blocks in the desorb portion of the cycle of the rotary adsorption unit. This heats the blocks, reducing the required volume of desorb gas.

Abstract: A regenerative desiccant air dryer system. Dry air is alternately drawn from approximately the center of two desiccant housings which are open at the top and bottom. A reclamation assembly directs dry air into the housing being purged to assist in the purging of moisture from the desiccant, and subsequently cooling the desiccant. The system is portable and operated by a programmable controller.

Abstract: A system for recovery of adsorbed gas remaining in a used storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material having residual sorbate gas thereon, when the vessel is taken out of service, in which the used storage and dispensing vessel is coupled in flow communication with at least one fresh storage and dispensing vessel containing sorbent material therein having sorptive capacity for the residual sorbate gas. The fresh vessel is maintained in a first zone and the used vessel is maintained in a second zone, at temperature and/or pressure conditions relative to one another that cause the residual sorbate gas to desorb from the sorbent material in the used storage and dispensing vessel and flow into the fresh storage and dispensing vessel for sorption of the residual sorbate gas on the sorbent material in the fresh storage and dispensing vessel.

Abstract: A cyclic process is provided for drying a compressed gas using at least two shell and tube adsorber heat exchangers each having a shell-side passage and a tube-side passage wherein the tubes have an interior surface which is uniformly coated with a solid adsorbent. In the operation of the process, a feed gas at ambient conditions is passed to the shell-side passage of the first adsorber to cool the adsorber and heat the feed gas stream to provide a first exchanged stream. The first exchanged stream is compressed and passed to the shell-side passage of another adsorber heat exchanger to provide a second exchanged stream. The second exchanged stream is returned to the tube-side passage of the first adsorber heat exchanger wherein the second exchanged stream is contacted with the adsorbent to adsorb moisture and thereby produce a dry compressed gas stream. A portion of the dry compressed gas stream is employed to purge the tube-side passage of other adsorber heat exchangers.

Abstract: An improved three-bed nonimmobilized rapid pressure-swing adsorber for use in a gas separation system. The three beds are connected in parallel and actuated so that at any one time, at least one of the beds is on-line, purifying the gas stream. The sequence of operation is such that during a full cycle of operation, two of the beds will be purging for at least some of the cycle to reduce the purge gas volume flow requirements, and thus increase the efficiency of the system. When a primary adsorber bed is on-line, another bed may be depressurizing from an on-line condition to a purge condition while the third bed is being purged. At a certain time, both the off-line beds are being purged until the third bed is repressurized in preparation for going on-line. Prior to the first bed going off-line and being depressurized, the third bed is placed on-line to ensure an uninterrupted supply of process gas to the system.

Abstract: 16-membered macrolide derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a COR.sup.6 group, wherein R.sup.6 represents a straight-chain alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a COR.sup.6 group, wherein R.sup.6 is as defined above; R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a COR.sup.6 group, wherein R.sup.6 is as defined above; R.sup.4 represents a straight-chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted allyl group; and R.sup.5 represents a substituted or unsubstituted, straight-chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms;and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are disclosed. These compounds show excellent and long-acting antimicrobial activities. A novel process for producing these 16-membered macrolide derivatives is further disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein an adsorption media, containing contaminants adsorbed from a contaminated gas stream, are contained in a media chamber. This chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical vessel, and the adsorption media comprises a polymeric material in particulate or bead form. The media chamber is defined in surrounding relationship to an elongate hollow guide tube which extends longitudinally along the central axis of the chamber. A microwave generator supplies microwave energy into the guide tube which functions as a waveguide. This waveguide has a plurality of slots formed therein which functions as radiators for the microwave energy. The microwave energy passes radially outwardly from the waveguide into the surrounding media throughout the length thereof to effect uniform heating of the media both longitudinally and radially. This heating effects release of the contaminants from the adsorbent media, which volatiles are then sucked out of the media.

Abstract: An organic solvent recovery system comprises a vacuum suction device for sucking a gas containing organic solvent from a soil contaminated by the organic solvent and a gas treating apparatus connected to a discharge side of the vacuum device through a connection line for adsorbing and recovering the organic solvent in the gas by activated carbon. The gas treating apparatus comprises an adsorption unit connected to the vacuum device provided with a multistage fluidized bed of the activated carbon for adsorbing the organic solvent in the gas, and a desorption unit arranged side by side with the adsorption unit and provided with a moving bed of the activated carbon for desorbing the organic solvent from the activated carbon, the desorption unit being further provided with a heating device for heating the activated carbon and a gas supply device for supplying a carrier gas for conveying a desorbed solvent gas.

Abstract: Adsorption agent cartridge includes a vacuum tight cover having an adsorption agent filler consisting of a substance which can adsorb operating medium steam. The adsorption agent cartridge further includes an inlet opening for the inflow of the operating medium steam and an exhaust opening, which preferably connects to an exhaust device, for expelling air and nonadsorbed gases from the adsorption agent filler. The adsorption agent filler is designed to adsorb the operating medium steam and not to adsorb air components. The exhaust opening and the inlet opening are so arranged with respect to the adsorption agent filler such that the non-adsorbed gases are expelled from the regions of the adsorption agent filler without the concurrent removal of the inflowing operating medium steam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the desorption of a sorbent by an air stream which is delivered by a blower and, prior to entering the sorbent, is heated. In order to reduce the desorption time, provision is made for adjusting the mass of the air stream as a function of the outlet temperature of the air stream exiting from the sorbent, in such a way that, when a preset temperature limit value is reached, the mass of the air stream is reduced, and the desorption is continued with an air stream heated to a higher temperature. The method is particularly suitable for the desorption of adsorbent in sorption reactors contained in refrigerant-free air conditioning plants.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous fluid permeable body which is heatable by the passage of electric current therethrough. The process involves coating silicon-containing particles with a cokable organic binder to produce coated particles with a particle size fraction of 0.2 to 10 mm, forming the particles into a molding, coking the binder and heating the molding at 1400.degree. to 2000.degree. C. in the presence of nitrogen to form a doped body containing 30% to 100% .beta.-silicon carbide.

Abstract: An electrically conducting ceramic composition is described which can be utilized in an exhaust gas filter. The ceramic composition is compacted into discs or ceramic plates, are subsequently fired or sintered and then equipped with electrodes. Electrode leads are attached to the sintered filter discs or plates bearing electrodes which are subsequently connected to a power source. The ceramic filter discs or plates are supported and enclosed in a metallic housing. In another embodiment an insulator ring is placed between the housing and the ceramic filter plate. The housing enclosing the ceramic filter or filters, and equipped with electrodes and appropriate leads, is incorporated in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The ceramic filter is used for trapping combustible carbon particles carried by the exhaust gas emanating from the engine.

Abstract: In a method for purifying a carbon-containing adsorption medium used for treating flue gases within a flue gas scrubbing process the adsorption medium is introduced into an adsorption medium reactor where the adsorption medium adsorbs pollutants from the flue gas. The adsorption medium laden with pollutants is then removed from the adsorption medium reactor and conveyed into a thermal regeneration apparatus. At temperatures of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. the pollutants are desorbed in the thermal regeneration apparatus, resulting in a desorption gas. In the desorbing step, pollutants in the form of heavy metals are vaporized and pollutants other than heavy metals are released from the adsorption medium and optionally decomposed. The desorption gas is then guided into an adsorption apparatus where the heavy metals are removed from the desorption gas by adsorption.

Abstract: The present invention is a regenerative vapor condenser for removing condensable vapors from a mixture of the vapors and another gas. The regenerative vapor condenser comprises two regenerator systems, a heat exchanger, and a valve mechanism. Each regenerator system comprises a regenerator for storing and releasing heat, and a phase separator for separating gas from solid and liquid phases. During operation one regenerator system operates in heating mode and one regenerator system operates in cooling mode. The vapor-gas mixture is directed by a valve system downward through the regenerator on cooling mode wherein the vapor-gas mixture is cooled by heat transfer to the cool regenerator media to below the dew point of the vapor causing the vapor to condense into a liquid or solid phase.

Abstract: A system and method for removing volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from a circulating airstream utilizes first and second adsorption beds and first and second adsorption paths alternately coupling the circulating airstream to the respective first and second adsorption beds for removing VOC's during adsorption cycles. First and second desorption loops alternately couple a desorption inert gas through the respective first and second adsorption beds for desorption and regeneration and for recovering VOC's in a VOC condenser. System parameter sensors are distributed in the first and second adsorption paths and first and second desorption loops for sensing system parameters. A programmable controller is coupled to the system parameter sensors, to flow control valves, and to the inert gas heater for controlling the system in response to sensed system parameters. The system parameter sensors include a variety of temperature, O.sub.2, VOC, pressure, and differential pressure sensors.

Abstract: Removal NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas utilizing a transport line adsorber through which sorbent is transported by pressurized flue gas to cause the sorbent to absorb NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x from the flue gas while the flue gas is transporting the sorbent particles through the transport line adsorber. A plurality of interconnected cyclones may be utilized to contact sorbent saturated with NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x removed from the flue gas with a heated gas to heat the sorbent and remove the NO.sub.x from the sorbent and separate the sorbent and the heated gas to produce an off stream of heated gas carrying the removed NO.sub.x away; the heated gas and gravity combine to pass the sorbent through the plurality of cyclones and which cyclones are positioned vertically and successively downwardly with respect to each other. A plurality of interconnected cyclones is also utilized to contact heated sorbent having the NO.sub.x and SO.sub.

Abstract: Thin-walled honeycomb structures of activated carbon, useful for the adsorption of hydrocarbon vapors are prepared without the need for firing or sintering at elevated temperatures. The structures are prepared by forming a substantially homogeneous batch from an admixture of thermally gellable cellulose ether and/or derivative thereof such as methylcellulose, an additional organic binder such as a polyvinyl alcohol resin, and particles of activated carbon; plasticizing the batch with liquid, extruding the batch into a honeycomb shape; and drying the extruded shape at a temperature up to about 225.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a specific component gas from a mixed gas, wherein granular adsorbent is held in a sealed space in a layered state, easily adsorptive gas is adsorbed to the granular adsorbent by blowing material mixed gas into the adsorbent layers and contacting the granular adsorbent with a counter-current of material gas, and the granular adsorbent is transferred gradually out of the sealed space, and reactivated by desorbing the easily adsorptive gas from the granular adsorbent, and the reactivated granular adsorbent is returned to the inside of the sealed space to be reused. Therefore, frequent actions of opening and closing valves are unnecessary, so that it is possible to separate and produce excellent product gas with high purity.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for being detachably connected to a chemical or refrigeration system for selectively receiving and dispensing a gaseous refrigerant or chemical from and to that system, respectively, including a vessel having a chamber capable of maintaining a pressurized gas therein, gas inlet means for directing the gas: to and from the chamber, and connection means for connecting the gas inlet to a refrigeration or chemical system; a plurality of heat exchange conduits exposed in the chamber for directing heat exchange fluid therethrough and fluid inlet and outlet means communicating exteriorly of the vessel for directing the fluid to and from the conduits, respectively; and a solid adsorbent capable of alternately adsorbing and desorbing the gaseous refrigerant or chemical and positioned in thermal communication with each of the heat exchange conduits.

Abstract: A carbonate spring bath system includes a supplying device of a CO.sub.2 gas, a dissolving device of the CO.sub.2 gas into a bath water, and a bathtub. The supplying device of the CO.sub.2 gas comprises a combustor for obtaining a combustion gas including the CO.sub.2 gas, a CO.sub.2 adsorption tower connected to the combustor through a gas feed line and connected to the dissolving device through a supply line, a cooler for cooling the combustion gas prior to being fed to the CO.sub.2 adsorption tower and a heater for heating an adsorbent filled in the CO.sub.2 adsorption tower for desorbing the CO.sub.2 gas therefrom. The adsorbent capable of adsorbing the CO.sub.2 gas from the combustion gas at a relatively low adsorption temperature and of desorbing the CO.sub.2 gas therefrom at a relatively high desorption temperature. As the CO.sub.2 gas in the combustion gas is adsorbed in the CO.sub.2 adsorption tower in accordance with a thermal swing adsorption method, the CO.sub.