Patent ID: 7393510
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: B01D,B01J

Abstract:
1. A method of substantially removing contaminants from a process stream comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of reticulated elements in a vessel, the vessel being located upstream of a process unit in which a substantially decontaminated process stream can be processed and the reticulated elements having a pore distribution range of about 4 to 800 pores per linear inch; randomly packing the plurality of reticulated elements within the vessel, whereby the plurality of reticulated elements provides enhanced filtration of contaminants within a process stream on a surface of at least a portion of the plurality of reticulated elements; and contacting the contaminated process stream with the plurality of reticulated elements to substantially remove contaminants from the contaminated process stream in a non-reactive manner while allowing the contaminated process stream to pass unimpeded through the plurality of reticulated elements, thereby producing a substantially decontaminated process stream; and sending the substantially decontaminated process stream to a downstream process unit for further processing.