Abstract: Methods and systems for the efficient collection and destruction of plastic waste and debris found in bodies of water, such as oceans. In particular, a plastic destruction system can include an insulated chamber having a base containing a heat source and an air source, a bed of a fluidizable media supported above the base, a support tray suspended in the insulated chamber above the fluidizable media, and a humidification compartment located outside of and connected to the insulated chamber to humidify the plastic waste before it enters the insulated chamber. Systems and methods can also utilize a salt wash station to apply a salt solution to the waste for enhanced reaction in the insulated chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a method to recycle valuable materials included in a photovoltaic module having a resin back sheet or the like, for efficiently and easily recovering the valuable materials by removing the resin components from the photovoltaic module. The method of recovering valuable materials from a photovoltaic module, includes: a loading step of loading a photovoltaic module (X) having a resin back sheet and a sealing resin layer on a heat-resistant porous molded body (A) with the back sheet surface facing down; and a heating step of heating a load including the photovoltaic module (X) and the porous molded body (A) in a heating furnace in an oxidizing atmosphere to melt and then combust the resin components.

Abstract: A device for destroying a chemical agent is described. The device includes a self-contained, portable pressure vessel which is dimensioned to accommodate an artillery shell, and a heat-generating component within the pressure vessel. The heat-generating component is capable of providing a pyrolytic, exothermic reaction capable of destroying the chemical agent and artillery shell. A process for destroying a chemical agent which includes placing a chemical artillery shell within the pressure vessel, securing the pressure vessel closed, and igniting the heat-generating component inside the pressure vessel to generate a pyrolytic, exothermic reaction capable of destroying the chemical agent and artillery shell is also described.

Abstract: A method for remote control of decontamination of medical waste in an apparatus includes receiving, by a server via a first network interface and from the apparatus via a second network interface, a plurality of signals, the plurality of signals comprising operation data of the apparatus generated while the apparatus performs medical waste decontamination cycles in a first configuration; analyzing, by the server, the plurality of signals according to an operation policy; selecting, by the server, a first signal based on the analyzing the plurality of signals; and adjusting, by the server, operation of the apparatus by transmitting, via the first network interface, instructions to the second network interface of the apparatus, the instructions comprising the first signal, wherein receipt of the instructions causes the apparatus to perform a medical waste decontamination cycle in a second configuration different from the first configuration.

Abstract: The method for detoxifying asbestos disclosed here includes: preparing an asbestos-containing substance that contains at least one type of asbestos; preparing an asbestos treatment agent that contains a mineral acid, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a fluoride; and bringing the asbestos-containing substance into contact with the asbestos treatment agent so as to detoxify asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance. Due to this configuration, asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance can be favorably detoxified.

Abstract: The method for detoxifying asbestos disclosed here includes: preparing an asbestos-containing substance that contains at least one type of asbestos; preparing an asbestos treatment agent that contains a mineral acid and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; and bringing the asbestos-containing substance into contact with the asbestos treatment agent so as to detoxify asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance. Due to this configuration, asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance can be favorably detoxified.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for the recycling of lithium ion batteries or the like. The system methods include comminution and destruction of used batteries, controlling the explosive reaction of the battery components during processing, and processing the materials into a suitable form for sampling and recycling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition comprising: (a) 10% to 99.9% by weight of resin based on the total weight of the coating composition; and (b) 0.1% to 20% by weight of a formaldehyde scavenger based on the total weight of the coating composition, wherein the formaldehyde scavenger has at least one active methylene hydrogen and is solid at room temperature. The invention relates to use of a coating composition for removing free formaldehyde from the environment, wherein the formaldehyde scavenger has at least one active methylene hydrogen and is solid at room temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include layered mesh containers and methods for using the containers to safely transport and dispose of airbag inflators having ammonium-nitrate-based propellant. For example, a container is provided that can hold multiple airbag inflators and withstand up to 4 moles of matter being deployed from an inflator having ammonium-nitrate-based propellant. The container can contain the inflator and any shrapnel associated with the explosion while also venting gases expelled as a result of the explosion. Various container designs are provided, along with methods for using these containers.

Abstract: A system (21) for the continuous treatment of products such as waste by thermal input, includes: —a product treatment chamber (210), —a device (211) for supplying heat by microwave generators (211a), arranged with respect to the chamber (210) such that the microwaves are contained in the chamber (210), —a moving floor transportation device (212) resting on the bottom of the chamber (210), capable of transporting a layer of products (D) from the entry thereof into the chamber until the exit thereof from the chamber, —a containment device (213) for the products and the vapors released by same, inside the chamber.

Abstract: A basket for incinerating waste inside an incinerator for a duration longer than fifteen minutes with no need for waste to be molten earlier, particularly when waste is introduced inside the incinerator. The basket includes mainly of a glass fiber envelope: it is preferably stiffened by a lightweight metal structure located inside or outside the envelope or built into it. A gripping handle is installed on top of the assembly that is stiffened at the top by a metal tube to which a lightweight metal structure is fixed and by a base formed from a drip pan fixed to the base of the lightweight metal structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporating waste water and reducing gas emissions includes an evaporator device (7, 31) configured to receiving a portion of flue gas emitted from a boiler unit (1) and waste water to directly contact the flue gas with the waste water to cool and humidify the flue gas and to dry solid particulates within the waste water. In some embodiments, the waste water may be a component of a mixture formed by a mixer device (25) prior to being contacted with the flue gas to humidify and cool the flue gas and dry solids within the waste water. An alkaline reagent as well as activated carbon can be mixed with the waste water prior to the waste water contacting the flue gas. Solid particulates that are dried within the cooled and humidified flue gas can be separated from the flue gas via a particulate collector (9).

Abstract: Method and system is described to enhance operations for managing the hydrocarbon release. The system utilizes remote controlled devices equipped with herder delivery components. The system may utilize herders to perform in-situ burning of the oil slick. This method may provide dedicated remote control device for each response vessel to further enhance the response to oil slicks.

Abstract: A method for treatment of ash from incineration plants includes: collecting ash from an incinerator; feeding the collected ash to a vitrification reactor; vitrifying the ash in the vitrification reactor, to form a slag of molten material; allowing the slag to flow from the vitrification reactor and solidify outside the vitrification reactor; gasifying volatile components in the ash and the additional feed material; and routing flue gas generated in the vitrification reactor to a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to a heat recovery steam generator that receives exhaust from the incinerator.

Abstract: A method for treatment of ash from incineration plants includes: collecting ash from an incinerator; feeding the collected ash and additional feed material to a gasification/vitrification reactor; vitrifying the ash and additional feed material in the gasification/vitrification reactor, to form a slag of molten material; allowing the slag to flow from the gasification/vitrification reactor and solidify outside the gasification/vitrification reactor; gasifying volatile components in the ash and the additional feed material; combusting syngas generated in the gasification/vitrification reactor in a secondary combustion zone in the gasification/vitrification reactor; and supplying products of the syngas combustion to the incinerator to augment the thermal environments of the incinerator. An apparatus used to practice the method is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for disposing of one or more toxic materials, such as coal waste (e.g., fly ash, sludge, etc.), include incorporating the toxic materials into artificial feldspar or forming artificial feldspar from the toxic material(s). The artificial feldspar may be used to form an artificial aggregate, which may be used in a construction material, as road base, as a fill material or for any other suitable purpose. Artificial aggregates that are formed from toxic materials are also disclosed, as are construction materials that include such artificial aggregates.

Abstract: Method of extracting syngas between the zone in a furnace where oxygen-starved combustion of biomass occurs and the zone in the furnace where secondary air is added to complete combustion, conditioning and cleaning the extracted syngas, and delivering it in a metered amount to the oxidizer or upstream of the oxidizer to reduce or eliminate the need for additional fossil fuels once the oxidizer has achieved its operating temperature. The gasifier or furnace burns solid waste and produces a syngas containing relatively high levels of CO, which is extracted from the furnace, conditioned, and introduced into an RTO as a fuel source. In certain embodiments, no extraction of syngas from the furnace takes place; the furnace conditions are manipulated so that normally undesirable levels of CO and other VOC's remain in the process stream. The heat from the furnace is used as intended (e.g., to heat a dryer), the stream is conditioned, and ultimately proceeds to a downstream RTO.

Abstract: Method and system is described to enhance operations for managing the hydrocarbon release. The system utilizes remote controlled devices equipped with herder delivery components. The system may utilize herders to perform in-situ burning of the oil slick. This method may provide dedicated remote control device for each response vessel to further enhance the response to oil slicks.

Abstract: A method for disposing of solid refinery waste is disclosed. The method includes removing solid waste constituents from inside a refinery tank using excavating machinery, delumping the solid waste constituents, and conveying the delumped solid waste constituents into a mobile tank. The method further includes transporting the delumped solid waste constituents in the mobile tank to a burning facility, adding at least one diluent, mixing, and pumping from the mobile tank a flowable mixture of refinery waste and the at least one diluent at the burning facility.

Abstract: A method for disposing electrical and electronic equipment comprising plastic and metal components, the method comprising: melt processing the equipment and/or comminuted parts thereof to form a melt processed product; transferring the melt processed product into a vessel and heating the product using far infrared radiation such that it liberates volatile hydrocarbons and leaves behind non-volatile residue comprising metal; and collecting one or both of the volatile hydrocarbons and the non-volatile residue for subsequent use.

Abstract: An asbestos detoxification method comprising a step B1 of impregnating an existing asbestos layer with an asbestos melting agent and detaching the existing asbestos layer; a step B2 of pulverizing the existing asbestos layer; a step B3 of loading the pulverized material obtained in step B2 into a melting furnace; a step B4 of heating a resin subsidiary material used in the disposal of the asbestos layer to vaporize the resin portion thereof and further converting the vaporized resin portion into plastic oil; a step B5 of combusting either or both of the plastic oil obtained in step B4 and a fuel; and a step B6 of heating and melting the pulverized material that is in the melting furnace with the use of the heat obtained in step B5.

Abstract: A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: Provided is a method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using titanium oxide granules which are easily separated from metals and inorganic substances, have a highly efficient decomposing capability, and have a characteristic of fine powder formation resistance during pyrolysis. More specifically, the method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using titanium oxide granules which are easily separated from metals and inorganic substances, have a highly efficient decomposing capability, and have a characteristic of fine powder formation resistance during pyrolysis has been established by optimizing the characteristics of titanium oxide granules.

Abstract: A method of evacuating a refinery tank containing waste with solid constituents is disclosed. The method includes inserting an agitator on a boom through a first opening on a side of the refinery tank and agitating waste in a first area of the refinery tank to cause the waste in the first area to have a first viscosity lower than a second viscosity of waste in a second area at a periphery of the first area. The method further includes removing agitated waste from the first area while maintaining the waste of the second viscosity in the second area, thereby forming a safe room in the refinery tank. The method also includes expanding the first opening toward the floor of the safe room to enable entry of a movable excavator into the safe room of the refinery tank and removing waste of the second viscosity from the second area of the refinery tank.

Abstract: A method of recycling captured agglomerated soot captured by and collected from a diesel emission control after-treatment (DECAT) system, the method comprising collecting captured agglomerated diesel soot (CADS) as a feedstock, loading the CADS into a controlled thermochemical conversion (TCC) process reactor, employing time-phased heat and pressure in the controlled TCC process reactor until the CADS sufficiently decompose to reclaim solids, liquid fuels and gases, piping pyrolysis oils (tars) and vapors produced in the controlled TCC process reactor to chambers, cooling and condensing the pyrolysis oils and vapors into a liquid form, and recirculating a pyrolysis gas produced in the controlled TCC process reactor for use as a source of heat and power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of waste combustion gases which includes flue-gases produced from incineration of industrial waste, medical waste, hazardous waste or municipal domestic waste utilizing a rotary incinerator and increase of cement production by combining a dual-purpose reactor with cement production line system, wherein said dual-purpose reactor comprises a connected combustion chamber and a gas-solid suspension chamber, wherein the method includes the following procedures: high temperature gases and alkaline materials or waste residues from cement production line are also fed into the combustion chamber, combustion gas is introduced into the combustion chamber and/or to the gas-solid suspension chamber, under high-temperature condition, mixture of gases and said alkaline materials or waste residues in the combustion chamber enters the gas-solid suspension chamber of dual-purpose reactor, in which said gases are completely mixed and reacted, so that acid gases, dioxins and precur

Abstract: Refinery sludge, including centrifuge filter cake and/or thermal desorption unit powder and glycerin byproduct, including glycerin byproduct from a biodiesel process are blended together. Moisture together with any methanol and any light hydrocarbons are removed and the resulting blend is burnt in a cement kiln.

Abstract: A method for treating a volume of porous contaminated material is described. A combustible mixture (24) comprising a porous matrix and a distributed combustible contaminant is conveyed to a reaction vessel (12) having an ignition system (16). The ignition system is activated to initiate a smoldering combustion process in the reaction vessel and an oxidizer is distributed into the reaction vessel to sustain the smoldering combustion process. The porous matrix may comprise drill cuttings (324) with residual drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: A process for exothermic treatment and recovery of masses including: urban solid waste (USW), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, the process envisages the use of an exothermic reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing a manufactured product, a method for making a liquid absorbent, and processes for disposal of flammable liquids with a flue gas desulfurization by-product. The compositions for the manufactured products combine a binder and the by-product. The composition contains a greater percentage by weight of the by-product than the binder. The methods for producing manufactured products include dewatering the gypsum-depleted waste stream to reduce a water content, and forming the manufactured product. The method for making a liquid absorbent includes dewatering, granulating, drying, heating, and packaging a granulated gypsum-depleted composition as the liquid absorbent. The processes for disposal of flammable liquids include distributing a by-product into contact with flammable liquid, absorbing the liquid, transporting, and igniting the flammable liquid. The artificial soils are a combination of by-product and animal waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste comprises a gravity drop steam heating tower for heating the waste to the biological kill temperature using pressurized steam, a first feed member for feeding the waste to be sterilized to the gravity drop steam heating tower, and a vaporization system. The vaporization system includes a heating chamber for facilitating vaporization of liquids in the waste, a conveying member for conveying the waste from the lower end portion of the gravity drop steam heating tower into and through the heating chamber, and a vaporization chamber for receiving the waste from the heating chamber and for releasing vapor entrained in the waste into the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A disposal device for collecting bags for bodily fluids has a receptacle for receiving at least one collecting bag containing bodily fluid, a comminution unit (2) for comminuting the collecting bag, a fluid collecting basin (5) for receiving the bodily fluid, a particle collecting container (8) for receiving the comminuted collecting bag, and at least one decontamination unit (7) for the decontamination of the collecting bag and the bodily fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the destruction of chemical weapons. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for treating hydrolysates of chemical agents. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for heating solids resulting from precipitation of organophosphorus compounds to make them un-recombinable. In another embodiment, the invention relates to solidification of hydrolysate into a solid with or without the presence of an oxidizer.

Abstract: A method for treatment of ash from incineration plants includes: collecting ash from an incinerator; feeding the collected ash and additional feed material to a gasification/vitrification reactor; vitrifying the ash and additional feed material in the gasification/vitrification reactor, to form a slag of molten material; allowing the slag to flow from the gasification/vitrification reactor and solidify outside the gasification/vitrification reactor; gasifying volatile components in the ash and the additional feed material; and using syngas generated in the gasification/vitrification reactor to augment the thermal environments of the incinerator.

Abstract: A method of demilitarizing an energetic is disclosed. The method comprises indirectly heating the energetic in a chamber to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the energetic to at least partially decompose the energetic and substantially preclude combustion of the energetic such that the indirect heating produces a decomposition gas, and separating at least a portion of the decomposition gas from the chamber. The method may further comprise monitoring the decomposition gas and/or passing the separated decomposition gas through an air abatement system. The method may further comprise adjusting at least one of the following: the indirect heating of the energetic, the separating of the decomposition gas, the air abatement system, and a residence time of the energetic in the chamber. The energetic may be a bulk energetic.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for producing products results in solid waste and organic waste disposed in an air stream. The organic waste is subject to oxidation by a thermal oxidizer receiving the air stream from the manufacturing apparatus for oxidizing the organic waste. The thermal oxidizer includes a clean air outlet for venting the oxidized air stream to the atmosphere. A gasifier receives solid waste from the manufacturing apparatus for gasifying the solid waste and producing synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is introduced to the thermal oxidizer for providing additional thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer reducing the amount of fossil fuel required to provide thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer that is necessary for oxidizing the organic waste disposed in said air stream.

Abstract: A recycling furnace and method are provided for processing potentially explosive precious metal-containing materials having organic fractions that combust with great energy, the furnace including a switching facility for alternating operation of a burning-off chamber of the furnace between: (A) pyrolysis or carbonization under protective furnace gas in an atmosphere comprising maximally 6 wt-% oxygen, and (B) oxidative combustion of the organic fractions including carbon. The furnace has indirect heating and a control that determines the end of the pyrolysis or carbonization by a sensor and controls the switching facility to supply air or oxygen to the interior of the furnace. Steps (A) and (B) are carried out sequentially in the furnace chamber, wherein neither the batch is changed, nor the furnace is opened. After the end of step (A) is determined, step (B) proceeds right after the pyrolysis or carbonization by supplying air or oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: A process and equipment that accelerates the rate at which asbestos is converted into non-asbestos minerals during the process of mineralogical conversion, the process consisting of new methods and equipment for handling the asbestos that promotes absorption of mineralizing agents, increases the heat transfer properties of the asbestos, increases the overall efficiency of the process, and shortens the period of time required for processing.

Abstract: A method for disposing of liquid aqueous laboratory waste is described, which involves solidifying the liquid waste with a suitable isovolumic, space-filling superabsorbent polymer within a disposable impermeable film-type container held in an open top, reusable rigid outer container such as a laboratory beaker, and closing and removing the disposable container containing the solidified waste from the rigid outer container. The waste held in the film-type container can be finally disposed of through incineration or deposit in a suitable landfill.

Abstract: To provide a good and simple method for decomposing and detoxifying a hardly decomposable fluorinated organic compound. Specifically, a fluorinated organic compound is decomposed by bringing an aqueous solution of the fluorinated organic compound into contact with a catalyst containing a metal oxide. The metal oxide may preferably be an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd, Cu, Mn, Fe and Co, and more preferably be nickel oxide. The contact temperature is preferably within the range of from 0 to 100° C. Preferably, the fluorinated organic compound to be decomposed is an organic fluorocarboxylic acid, an organic fluorosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, which is used as a surfactant or an surface treatment agent.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of fly ash obtained from an incineration process of a waste incineration plant, in particular for municipal solid waste, whereby fly ash is separated from the incineration process. Furthermore, a method for the operation of a waste incineration plant, in particular for municipal solid waste or the like. The process for the treatment of fly ash is further characterized in that metals and/or metal containing compounds, in particular heavy metals and/or heavy metal containing compounds, are separated from the fly ash, which is separated from the combustion process and preferably non-fractioned, in a separation step and subsequently the fly ash reduced by the metals and/or metal containing compounds is, preferably dosed, mixed with or added to the waste to be incinerated so that the mineral parts of the fly ash, reduced by its metals and/or metal containing compounds, are returned to the combustion process.

Abstract: High temperature reaction of halogen-containing carbon, boron, silicon and nitrogen compounds with other compounds generates energy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process enabling the complete combustion and oxidation of the mineral fraction of combustible waste contained in an apparatus intended to treat waste by direct incineration-vitrification, said process comprising the following steps: a step to add said waste to the apparatus for its depositing on the surface of a molten glass bath contained in the apparatus, an incineration and oxidation step of the waste on the surface of the glass bath, an incorporation step to incorporate combustion products in the glass during which the glass bath, the combustion products and any vitrification additives added to the glass bath are heated until a paste-like, liquid mass is obtained, a step during which said mass is removed from the apparatus and left to cool to obtain finally what is called a confinement matrix, said process being characterized in that the complete combustion and oxidation of the waste is achieved partly during the waste adding step and partly during the waste incineration and ox

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to apply a mineralizing agent to an asbestos containing material (ACM) after the ACM is reduced in size, particularly by spraying or injecting the mineralizing agent to a shredded ACM, is provided. The mineralizing agent may include a solution of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal silicate, alkali metal borate, alkaline earth borate, or mixtures thereof, which may be heated and mixed and is then delivered to the reduced size or shredded ACM using a piping system that injects the mineralizing agent downstream of an ACM shredding unit. The ACM treated with the mineralizing agent may be heated in a mineralizing furnace to convert the ACM to an essentially asbestos-free mineral. After removal from the mineralizing furnace, the mineralized material is moved to an atmosphere controlled environment where it is cooled gradually for further mineralization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reducing mercury, which comprises a reagent comprising any of the sulfites of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, or any of the phosphates thereof, or a combination of them, as a main reagent of a catalyst component. And the present invention relates to the catalyst for reducing mercury, wherein the catalyst component is mixed with a different salt as an agent for inhibiting crystallization of the catalyst component.

Abstract: A process for dewatering biomass material comprising polysaccharide and water. The process comprises wetting the biomass material with a wetting composition comprising an alcohol to form a biomass slurry comprising wetted biomass material and a liquid component, mechanically separating a portion of the liquid component from the biomass slurry, and mechanically separating at least a portion of the water from the wetted biomass material. A process for extracting polysaccharide from the biomass material and a dewatered biomass material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.