Patent ID: 6214097
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A gas-liquid contactor comprising:a passage having a lower end and an upper end;an inlet formed in the passage through which gases containing particulate matter and acidic gases are introduced into the passage, the inlet being located in the passage such that the gases flow from the inlet toward the upper end of the passage;means for introducing a fluid into the passage so as to produce liquid particles which are entrained in the gases, the introducing means operating to introduce the fluid to the gases as the gases flow upwardly toward the upper end of the passage such that the liquid particles absorb the particulate matter and the acidic gases;means connected to the upper end of the passage for separating the liquid particles from the gases;means located beneath the separating means and outside the passage for receiving the fluid from the separating means and returning the fluid to the introducing means under the force of gravity, the receiving and returning means accumulating the fluid at a level above the introducing means and being adapted to remove the particulate matter and the acidic gases from the fluid;means for maintaining the flow of the gases within the passage at a velocity sufficient to carry substantially all of the liquid particles from the introducing means through the separating means to the receiving and returning means, the maintaining means functioning to prevent the liquid particles from collecting at the lower end of the passage; andan outlet associated with the passage through which the gases escape the gas-liquid contactor.