APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION

Abstract: Noxious flue gases issuing from a combustion process are treated by a chemical - mechanical process wherein initial condensation of at least a portion of the water vapour present, and intimate mixing of this condensation with a high concentration of alkali and/or alkali salts and the residual gases, results in scrubbing of the flue gases. A major portion of the resulting product is removed from the residual flue gas. The loss in thermal energy of the flue gases in the initial stage of scrubbing may be subsequently compensated by supplementary heating. Additional treatment includes the spraying of a basic substance such as limewash in dispersed relation into the residual flue gases, to eliminate the acidic content of the gases, and to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Description: APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLU¬ TION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to the elimination of atmospheric pollution by combustion flue gases, and in particular to a process employing mechanical and chemical treatment of the gases, involving a process for restoring and regulating damaged global elemental cycles that have been affected by these gases; and the apparatus for carrying out these processes. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Atmospheric pollution is a world-wide problem which is assuming dramatic proportions on account of the health hazard created by gaseous pollutants, the adverse effect upon plant life from the acid rain that is created, and the much talked-of global greenhouse effect, due to an overall increase in the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere. In respect to acid rain and its adverse effect upon soil; Most soil contains many nutrients. Of these, calcium and magnesium are most important to the nourishment of plant life. The acid frαn the acid rain combines with these nutrients and leaches them from the soil. As the acidification of the soil continues, the pH level of the soil is decreased. Once it decreases to pH 4, metals such as aluminium (present in large quantities) and cadmium (present in lesser quantities) ' become toxic. These toxic metals invade the roots of plants, preventing them from extracting moisture from the soil and destroy their defenses against disease. Soil bacteria which recycle plant nutrients and decompose ve- SUBSTITUTE SHEET getation are also destroyed by these toxic metals. The millions of acres of vegetation that have already been affected will die from lack of nut¬ rition in the near future unless something drastic is done to restore the nutritional balance in damaged soil. In respect to acid rain and its adverse effect upon water; Toxic aluminium is washed from the soil by the acid rain into the waters, where it accumulates. This gradually poisons all life in the water as it does in soil, as well as all life that is dependent on the water for a water supply. In respect to the greenhouse effect and its adverse effect upon life; It is a cortmonly publicized threat that the ongoing global warming of the planet will cause the melting of the ice caps of our north and south poles resulting in an unreasonable increase in sea level. A less widely publi¬ cized but more concerning threat that we are facing is that the concentra¬ tion of carbon dioxide is dangerously increasing in our atmosphere. Expe¬ riments have shown that concentrations over 1% begin to be toxic for labo¬ ratory animals as well as human beings. The increase in carbon dioxide causes a relative decrease in oxygen (0„), which also results in a relativ decrease in atmospheric ozone. In respect to the destruction of our oxygen sources; Our two main sources of oxygen are plants and algae, which use photosyn¬ thesis to convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules, releasing oxygen. Plants are destroyed by acid rain and the killing of rain forests. Algae are destroyed through the continuous dumping of toxic waste into our waters as well as by acid rain. Great efforts have been expended, in order to solve the acid rain problem. There are approximately a dozen different types of scrubbers in use today in smelters and power stations. These scrubbers are only 90 - 98 % effec¬ tive in SO„ removal, merely slowing down the destructive processes that are destroying our environment, having no positive or mending effect upon the damage that has already been done. The industrialization of our society poisoned our environment by continuously releasing dangerous chemicals into the air. Through the air, these chemicals spread like a disease, slowly at first, affecting the environment (water, soil, air, etc.). With our global elemental cycle thus damaged, all organic life dependent on this cycle is being dangerously affected. The only way to cure this disease is through the air, because this is the way by which it was induced. We must adminis¬ ter the cure in this manner because it is the only method by which we can reach all the affected parts of the environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved fossil combustion gas contaminant extraction apparatus, that can be coupled to one another for optimal overall extraction efficiency. Each extraction apparatus can be readily installed and used in conjunction with the operation of existing smelters, power sta¬ tions, and incinerators of all conventional designs and configurations, to promote a process, wherein liquid scrubbing of flue gases utilizes added alkali and/or alkali salts, and water vapour already present in the flue SUBSTITUTE SHEET gases as two of the primary scrubbing agents. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is provided with a corrosion resis¬ tant inner wall, in view of the corrosive, generally acidic nature of the thus formed mixture product. The inner wall may form part of a water coole jacket bounding the flow path of the flue gases. The surface area of the inner wall may form a profiled section comprising a series of joined, curve surfaces, to provide an extended accessible mixture collection surface area thereto. Mixing of the condensation droplets, the alkali and/or alkali salts, and th flue gas may be promoted by a series of nozzles through which air, steam, o a mixture thereof may be discharged to promote an intimate mixing relation between condensation products and the flue gas, with absorption of contami¬ nant elements therein. The use of pressurized air or steam with injections of high concentrations of alkali and/or alkali salts can increase the total solubility of S0„, SO,, and N0 y gases to the condensate droplets to form a ' mixture product. Collection of this mixture product takes place within the concave, curved surfaces of the inner wall of the chamber, and draining, via pipes at the bottom of the above mentioned surfaces. Thus, the present invention provides a contaminant extraction apparatus in use to receive hot, contaminating flue gases from a combustor; the appa¬ ratus comprising: a gas contaminant extraction chamber, for passage of the flue gases therethrough; SUBSTITUTE SHEET condensing means by an outer sleeve of coolant; mixing means within the chamber to intimately mix products of conden¬ sation with the flue gases; mixture collection means; and, drain means for draining mixture collected within the chamber. Initial condensation of a portion of the flue gas volatiles, primarily water vapour, together with intimate mixing of alkali and/or alkali salts and the condensate in droplet form with the balance of the flue gas can re¬ sult in the bonding of a significant quantity of flue gas pollutants to the condensate droplets, all of the above occuring simultaneously. Collection of thus formed mixture product upon an extended deposition area permits drainage and removal of the mixture product, for disposal thereof. The relatively concentrated mixture product facilitates subsequent treat¬ ment and handling, as it includes a major portion of the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen present in the flue gas. The amount of moisture contained in coal generally exceeds that which is necessary for the bonding of contaminants in flue gases, and when burning oil as fuel, the created moisture content is approximately 11%, which is also sufficient for the bonding of contaminants in such gases. Thus, there is provided a process, utilizing our flue gas contaminant ex¬ traction apparatus, for modifying hot flue gas emitted from a combustion process comprising the steps of: mixing the flue gas intimately inducing at least partial condensation, with generation of condensate therein; SUBSTITUTE SHEET simultaneously mixing the flue gas intiiriately with condensate and alkali and/or alkali salts to promote absorption of at least some portion of the noxious contents of the gas by the condensate, to form a mixture product; collection of the mixture product in the concave, curved surfaces of the inside wall of the extraction chamber surrounding the flue gas flow path; and, removing the collected product from the residual flue gas stream. The residual flue gases, at least partially cleaned by the (series of) contaminant extraction chamber(s) continue to flow downstream towards the chimney inlet. These gases may be reheated at this stage, if necessary. The invention further includes the mixing of a chemically active agent with the flue gas, to react with acidic elements of the residual gas. The chemi cally active agent is preferably sprayed, by way of a hot liquid solution into the residual flue gas. The use of a basic material such as calcium compound, in the form of a li ewash is preferred. In the case of a com¬ bustion process employing a chimney for discharge of the flue gases, spray¬ ing of the limewash is proposed adjacent the chimney outlet. This chemical treatment of the residual flue gas, as by the injection of a base material in hot liquid form may include a series of fluid injection nozzles, preferably located adjacent the point of exit of the residual flue gases to atmosphere, to inject material such as a suitable concentration of limewash in reacting relation into the residual flue gas stream. The tem¬ perature of this injected material must be below the boiling point. Use of a pH meter and S0_ monitoring device, located downstream of the mixture ex- traction apparatus portion of the process permits determination of the quan¬ tity of limewash to be administered to the residual flue gases. Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus in use to mix various desired substances with the flue stack gases, at the chimney orifice; ap¬ paratus comprising: storage means for desired substances; delivery means for desired substances to be carried to the chimney orifice; and, spraying means for desired substances to mix with exiting flue stack gases. The purpose of the above apparatus is to promote a process, to modify hot flue gas from a combustion process at the point of departure from the stack orifice; comprising the steps of: mixing various desired substances with the outflow of flue gases ( sub¬ stances optimally may include limewash, pressurized air, steam or any com¬ binations thereof) , to at least partially neutralize acid-forming contami¬ nants; and, emitting of thus formed product into the atmosphere. One effect of the present flue gas treatment process is to change the mass of the flue gases leaving the stack, which may change the downstream pattern of deposition on the ground. Increasing the energy of the flue gases, by reheat or by kinetic energy increase may serve to compensate for this effect Where the deposition of flue gas precipitates is intended to rectify or par¬ tially redress previous damage to the ecology by fossil combustion gas con¬ taminants, the flue gas deposition pattern may be of importance for such UBSTITUTE SHEET purposes. Particular air born additives, such as magnesia milk, and other nutrients may be added for purposes of ecc—restructuring. It is contemplated that the down-wind area of beneficial fallout may be ex¬ tended or supplemented by auxiliary, transportable chimneys, using air and/or steam as the carrier for an appropriate treatment agent. Such chimneys, sup¬ ported by a structure, are solely for the purpose of dispersing an ecological¬ ly beneficial chemical agent into the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Certain embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example and without limitation of the invention thereto, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view, in elevation of a power station incor¬ porating certain embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a schematic view in elevation, of an exhaust stack incor¬ porating other embodiments of the invention; and, Figure 4 is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1 , a power house 1 connects by way of a flue gas exhaust duct 1.2 with an electrostatic precipitator 3. The flue gas outlet 2 con¬ nects with contaminant extraction chamber 4, of the present invention. The gas outlet of chamber 4 connects with a reheat chamber 17, and from there, by way of exhaust fan 18, with the flue gas discharge stack 10. Collecting tanks 11 are connected with the extraction chamber 4. A pH meter 15 and SO_ monitoring device 16 are connected with the flue gas outlet of chamber 4. Referring in greater detail to Figure 2, the chamber 4 has a corrugated inner surface 5 and an outer wall 6, forming an annular con tainer therebetween, serving as a cooling jacket. A water supply pipe 13 an water return pipe 14 provide cooling water to the annular cooling jacket 5.5 Within the interior 5.7 of the chamber 4 the lower concave portions 7 of the corrugations connect by way of a series of drain pipes 8 and collector 8.5 with the tanks 11. A large diameter tube 12, illustrated as extending coaxially of the chamber has an array of jet pipes 9 extending outwardly therefrom, in circular and axially spaced relation along the length of tube 12. A supply pipe 19 con¬ nects with an air and/or steam supply (not shown). A supply pipe 19.5 con¬ nects with an alkali and/or alkali salt supply (not shown) . In operation, flue gas exhaust formed by combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas or other combustants passes by way of duct 1.2 to th electrostatic precipitator 3, where fine dust and other combustion particu- lates are extracted from the hot flue gas. The hot flue gas then passes by way of outlet 2, to the extraction chamber 4. The inner wall 5 of the cham ber 4 is cooled by passage of cooling water within the space 5.5, in counte flow relation to the direction of passage of flue gas within the interior space 5.7. A regulated supply of air and/or steam, by way of supply pipe 19 is sprayed through jets into the chamber, to promote droplet formation and widespread turbulent mixing throughout the chamber 4, in cooperation with the corruga- SUBSTITUTE SHEET ted inner surface 5 of the chamber 4. A regulated supply of alkali and/or alkali salts by way of supply pipe 19.5 are sprayed into the chamber 4 in reacting relation to the contaminants of the flue gas, to aid their solubi¬ lity. The cooled inner surface 5 constitutes an extended area collection surface on which the mixed liquid collects. The corrugated surfaces 7 guides the collected mixture to drain pipes 8, and thence, by way of collector 8.5, to the tanks 11. The accumulated mixture may be dumped at will from the tanks 11 , by way of pump 11.5, to disposal. To determine the size and exact form of the corrugations of the inner cool¬ ing surface 5 of the extraction chamber 4 the boiling point of the water must be considered. The objective is such that the precipitated mixture must not evaporate, but cool down, and run along the cooled inner surface 5 to the lower concave portions 7 of the corrugations into the collector tank 11 , by way of a series of drain pipes 8 and a collector pipe 8.5. The partially purified, residual flue gases may have their energy level res tored by the application of heat, in reheat chamber 17, and/or by increase in kinetic energy, by way of exhaust fan 18. Referring to Figure 3, the chemical treatment portion of the process comp¬ rises a limewash supply, where mixing tanks 21 are equipped with mechanical agitators 21.5 and delivery pumps 25. The outlet of stack 10 (see also Figure 4) has annular arrays of nozzles 22 23 connecting respectively with ring ducts 19,20. Pipeline 27 connects rin HEET duct 19 with delivery pumps 25 of the limewash supply system. Pipe line 28, connecting with ring duct 20, connects to a steam supply (not shown). Steam by-pass lines 26, connecting by way of shut-off valves 26.5, permit the blow¬ ing through of the limewash system. While the respective pipes and nozzles are illustrated as being located externally of the stack 10, it will be un¬ derstood that to meet certain climatic requirements it may be preferred to locate the pipes internally of the stack 10. In addition to the use of steam, to assist in vapourizing the limewash, comp ressed air may also be used from a suitable supply, instead of, or in con¬ junction with the steam. In the case that both are needed, another pipe lin ring duct, delivery pumps, and annular array of nozzles may be used (not shown) . • Desired temperatures for all substances and apparatus must be insured and maintained at all stages of the invention by whatever means necessary, to achieve maximal operational efficiency and desired result. The following chemical reactions take place throughout the invention: so 2 + H 2 0 ^± H 2 S0 3 SUBSTITUTE SHEET C0 2 + Ca(OH) 2 — CaC0 3 + H 2 0 CaC0 3 + C0 2 + H 2 0 → Ca(HC0 ) CaCO + S0 2 -→ CaSO + C0 2 Ca(HC0 3 ) 2 + S0 2 → CaS0 3 + 2H 2 0 + 2C0 2 3N0 + H 2 0 → 2H 0 3 + NO 2HN0, + 3H«SO- → 3H_SO. + 2N0 + 2H_0 3 2 3 2 4 2 H 2 S0 4 + Ca(OH) 2 → CaS0 4 + 2H 2 0 It will be understood that the effectiveness of the limewash portion of the process is dependent upon the quantity and concentration of Ca(OH) ? solution injected into the residual flue gases. Injection of the limewash at a point adjacent the stack outlet permits the subsequently formed calcium salts to b dispersed over the area, to have a regenerative effect on previously contami nated terrain. The combined processes tend to neutralize the sulphur and nitrous gases of the exhaust emissions. The extent of carbon dioxide neut¬ ralization will depend on the balance of limewash provided in the chemical part of the process. The dispersion rate of the limewash at the stack's orifice is directly pro¬ portional to and may be automatically controlled by the load applied to the boiler as well as the velocity of the prevailing winds. The dispersed lime¬ wash mixes with the waste gases and substantially neutralizes the residual sulphurous and nitrogen dioxide compounds as well as a portion of the CO„ gases. It will also be understood that the two processes will function individually and that the latter of the two processes may be used in conjunction with al¬ ready existing scrubbers or independently.

Claims: THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS: 1. A contaminant extraction apparatus, for use with a combustion plant generating hot, contaminating flue gases, said device being locatable to receive hot flue gases from a combustor, said apparatus comprising: a gas cooling chamber, for passage, in use of said flue gases in at least partially condensing relation therethrough; injection means within the chamber, for addition of compound(s) to increase solubility of contaminants; mixing means within the chamber, in use to intimately mix products of condensation and added compound(s) with said flue gases; condensate collection means for collecting mixture formed within the apparatus; and, drain means for draining condensate mixture from the chamber. 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , said chamber having a cor¬ rosion resistant corrugated inner wall forming said condensate collec¬ tion means, and coolant fluid therefor. 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said inner wall is of profiled section, to provide an extended, accessible surface area thereto. 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said mixing means compris¬ ing fluid displacement means, to mix said flue gases in intimate mixing relation with condensate therein and desired cornpound(s) , which promote solubility of contaminants. 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, said fluid displacement means comprising fluid injection means and compound(s) injection means, having fluid supply and compound(s) supply means connected therewith. TE SHEET 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said fluid supply means' comp¬ rising an air supply. 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said fluid supply means comp¬ rising a steam supply. 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 or claim 7, said turbulence generating means having a pressure fluid supply pipe extending longitu¬ dinally of said chamber in substantially aligned relation with the axis of flow of said gases therethrough, the pipe having a plurality of branch pipes in mutually spaced relation extending outwardly therefrom, in use to provide a plurality of turbulence generating jets within the chamber. 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said compound supply means being selected from the group comprising an alkali supply and an alkali salt supply, or any combination thereof. 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 , said compound supply means having a pressure fluid supply pipe to inject said compound into the chamber. 11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said water cooling being lo¬ cated outside said inner wall. 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 , said chamber having an outer wall in spaced apart relation from said inner wall, and defining a cool¬ ing space therebetween, said water cooling comprising water supply and water drain means connected in counter-flow relation with the direction of flow of said flue gas, whereby, in use said gas flow is in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of said cooling water. 13. A contaminant neutralizing apparatus, for use with a combustion plant generating hot, flue gases, said device being capable to inject a chemical agent in dispersed relation with flue gas, at the point of emission from the chimney orifice, said apparatus comprising: spraying means for desired substances to mix with exiting flue stack gases . delivery means for desired substances to be carried to the stack orifice for dispersion; and, supply means for said desired substances. 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13, said gas emission means comprising a flue stack, having said spray means located adjacent the outlet therefrom. 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14, said spray means comprising an annular array of nozzles attached to a ring duct. 16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14, said delivery means comp¬ rising pipes connected at one end to the supply means, at the other end to the spray means. 17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13, said supply means comprising an air supply. 18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 17, said supply means comprising a steam supply. 19. The apparatus as set forth in claim 17, said supply means comprising a limewash supply. 20. The apparatus as set forth in claim 16, including pumping means for elevating substances through the delivery pipes towards said stack outlet. 21. A transportable contaminant neutralizing apparatus, said device being capable to inject a chemical agent into the atmosphere in dispersed relation with the velocity and direction of prevailing winds, said appa¬ ratus comprising: a structure of desired elevation; with spraying means for desired substances to be dispersed into the at¬ mosphere; delivery means for said substances to be carried to spraying means SUBSTITUTE SHEET for dispersion; and, supply means for said substances. 22. The apparatus as set forth in claim 21 , said delivery means comp¬ rising pipes connected at one end to said supply means, at the other end to said spray means. 23. The apparatus as set forth in claim 21, said spray means comprising an array of nozzles attached to said delivery pipe for said substances. 24. The apparatus as set forth in claim 22, where said spray means are located at a desired elevation on the said structure. 25. The apparatus as set forth in claim 23, said supply means comprising a steam supply. 26. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25, said supply means comprising a pressurized air supply. 27. The apparatus as set forth in claim 25, said supply means comprising a limewash supply. 28. The apparatus as set forth in claim 24, including pumping means for carrying said substances through said delivery pipes form said supply means to said spray means. 29. A process for modifying hot flue gas emitted from a combustion pro¬ cess, comprising the steps of: reducing the temperature of, and mixing of said flue gas, to create at least partial condensation with generation of condensate therein; simultaneously mixing said flue gas intimately with said condensate and alkali and/or alkali salts to promote absorption of at least some por¬ tion of noxious contents of the gas by said condensate, to form a mixture product; collecting said mixture product; and removing the collected product form the gas stream. SUBSTITUTE SHEET 30. The process as set forth in claim 29, wherein said mixing step comp¬ rises displacing said gas by way of externally energized mixing means. 31. The process as set forth in claim 30, wherein said mixing step comp¬ rises energizing a swirl producing device, to generate turbulence. 32. The process as set forth in claim 30, said collecting step including the provision of an extended wettable area, bounding the flow path of said flue gas. 33. The process as set forth in claim 31, said swirl producing device using pressurized air as the energizing medium. 34. The process as set forth in claim 31, said swirl producing device using pressurized steam as the energizing medium. 35. The process as set forth in claim 29, said mixture product including suphur and nitrogen oxides, in reacted form. 36. A process to modify hot flue gas from a combustion process entering into the atmosphere, at the emission outlet of said gas, comprising the steps of: mixing a chemically active agent with said flue gas, to react with contaminants therein. 37. The process as set forth in claim 36, said chemically active agent including a base chemical, to at least partially neutralize excess aci¬ dity in said flue gs. 38. The process as set forth in claim 37, said base chemical comprising an alkaline earth element. 39. The process as set forth in claim 38, wherein said alkaline earth element is being selected from the group comprising calcium and magnesi¬ um, and mixtures thereof. 40. The process as set forth in claim 36, said chemically active agent being dispersed into said residual flue gas in a liquid solution. 41. The process as set forth in claim 37, said chemically active agent T being sprayed into said residual flue gas as vapour. 42. The process as set forth in claim 36, including the step of deter¬ mining the relative acidity of said residual flue gas, and regulating the rate of addition of said base chemical in response thereto. 43. The process as set forth in claim 42, including the step of in¬ creasing the energy of said flue gas, subsequent to said removal of said mixture product therefrom by a previous process. 44. The process as set forth in claim 42, said energy increasing step including mechanically increasing the kinetic energy of said flue gas. 45. A process for modifying contaminated gas present in the atmosphere, from an elevated outlet, including the steps of: energizing fluid agent(s) to create an outflow from said outlet; and, dispersing an ecologically beneficial, chemically active agent in¬ to said outflow for transportation therewith down-wind of said outlet. 46. The process as set forth in claim 45, said fluid agent(s) being selected from the group comprising pressurized air and pressurized steam, or mixtures thereof. 47. The process as set forth in claim 45, said chemically active agent being selected from the group comprising limewash and magnesia milk, and mixtures thereof.

Inventors: KOTA GEORGE MIKLOS, KOTA, GEORGE, MIKLOS
Applicants: KOTA GEORGE MIKLOS, KOTA, GEORGE, MIKLOS
Application year: 1990
Main classification: B01D53
IPC codes: B01D5, B01D53, F23J15