Abstract:
This invention presents a sulphurous acid generator which employs a combination of novel blending contact and mixing mechanisms which maximize the efficiency and duration of contact between sulphur dioxide gas and water to form sulphurous acid in an open nonpressurized system, without employing a countercurrent absorption tower.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/368,674, filed Aug. 5, 1999, entitled “Sulphurous Acid Generator with Air Injector,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/131,121, filed Aug. 7, 1998, entitled “Open System and Acid Generator,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,368, issued Jun. 27, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    Only a fraction of the earth&#39;s total water supply is available and suitable for agriculture, industry and domestic needs. The demand for water is great and new technologies together with growing populations increase the demand for water while pollution diminishes the limited supply of usable water. The growing demand for water requires efficient use of available water resources.  
           [0004]    Agricultural use of water places a large demand on the world&#39;s water supply. In some communities, the water supply may be adequate for farming but the quality of the water is unsuitable for agriculture because the water is alkaline. Alkalinity is an important factor affecting the quality, efficiency and performance of soil and irrigation water. A relative increase in irrigation alkalinity due to the water&#39;s sodium to calcium ratio or a high pH renders irrigation water detrimental to soil, crop growth and irrigation water efficiency. Such water can be reclaimed for soil rehabilitation and irrigation by adding lower pH sulphurous acid to the alkaline water to reduce its alkalinity or pH.  
           [0005]    The invention of this application is directed toward a device which generates sulphurous acid in a simplified, efficient way. In particular, it is directed toward a sulphurous acid generator which produces sulphurous acid by burning sulphur to produce sulphur dioxide gas. The sulphur dioxide gas is then drawn toward and held in contact with water eventually reacting with the water and producing sulphurous acid, while substantially reducing dangerous emissions of sulphur dioxide gas to the air.  
           [0006]    2. The Relevant Technology  
           [0007]    There are several sulphurous acid generators in the art. The prior art devices utilize sulphur burn chambers and absorption towers. However, known systems utilize countercurrent current flow or pressurized systems as the principle means to accomplish the generation of sulphurous acid. For example, many devices employ the absorption tower to introduce the majority of the water to the system in countercurrent flow to the flow of sulphur dioxide gas. U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,771 teaches introducing 90% of the system water for the first time in countercurrent flow at the top of the absorption tower. In such devices, the integrity of the absorption towers is vital, and any deficiencies or inefficiencies of the absorption tower lead to diminished reaction and results. Other devices utilize pressurized gas to facilitate flow of gas through the system, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,226,201. Pressurized devices, however, require expensive manufacture to ensure the containment of dangerous sulphur dioxide gas to avoid leakage. Even negative pressure machines have the drawback of requiring a source of energy to power the negative pressure generator such as an exhaust fan. Still other devices rely upon secondary combustion chambers to further oxidize the sulphur, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,771. Many sulphurous acid generators emit significant or dangerous levels of unreacted sulphur dioxide gas, a harmful and noxious pollutant, into the surrounding environment.  
         SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention is directed to a sulphurous acid generator which can be used to improve alkaline irrigation water by adding the sulphurous acid produced by the generator to alkaline water to reduce the alkalinity and/or pH of the water. In addition to making the water less alkaline, adding sulphurous acid to alkaline water increases the availability of sulphur in the water to act as a nutrient, improves capillary action of the soil, increases cation exchange capacity, and decreases tail water run-off and tillage and fertilizer costs.  
           [0009]    In many agricultural settings, complicated farm machinery is not practical because it requires technical training to operate and special skills to service and maintain. For sulphur generators, improved design can reduce costs, simplify operation, service and maintenance and increase efficiency and safety thereby making the machine more practical for agricultural use. The present invention is directed toward a sulphurous acid generator that is simple to produce, operate, service and maintain, and which efficiency produces, contains and reacts sulphur dioxide gas and sulphurous acid without exposing the user or other living things in proximity to the machine to dangerous sulphur dioxide emissions.  
           [0010]    It will be appreciated that a specific energy source is not necessarily required by the present invention, and therefore its use is not necessarily restricted to locations where a particular power source, like electricity, is available or can be generated for use. All of the above objectives are met by the present invention.  
           [0011]    Unlike the prior art, the present invention is designed to maximize the amount of water in contact with sulphur dioxide gas and the duration of the contact of water with sulphur dioxide gas without creating back pressure in the system or relying upon pressurization of the gas to cause the sulphur dioxide gas to flow through the sulphurous acid generator. This reduces the complexity of the sulphurous acid generator and the need for additional equipment such as air compressors used by prior art devices.  
           [0012]    The invention primarily relates to a sulphur hopper, a burn chamber, a gas pipeline, a mixing tank, and an exhaust pipeline.  
           [0013]    The sulphur hopper preferably has a capacity of several hundred pounds of sulphur in powder or flake form. The sulphur hopper can be constructed of various materials or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the sulphur hopper is constructed of stainless steel and plastic. The sulphur hopper is connected to the burn chamber by a passageway positioned at the base of the sulphur hopper. The conduit joins the burn chamber at its base. The weight of the sulphur in the sulphur hopper forces sulphur through the passageway at the base and into the burn chamber, providing a continual supply of sulphur for burning. The flow of sulphur may be augmented using an anti-cavitation rake or scraper.  
           [0014]    The burn chamber has an ignition inlet on the top of the burn chamber through which the sulphur is ignited and an air inlet on the side of the chamber through which oxygen enters to fuel the burning sulphur. The burning sulphur generates sulphur dioxide gas. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom of the chamber is removable, facilitating access to the chamber for maintenance and service. The burn chamber is constructed of material capable of withstanding the corrosiveness of the sulphur and the heat of combustion, preferably stainless steel.  
           [0015]    Sulphur dioxide gas exits the burn chamber through an exhaust outlet on the top of the burn chamber and is drawn into a first conduit. The first conduit may be manufactured from stainless steel.  
           [0016]    A supply of water is conducted by a second conduit and may be brought from a water source through the second conduit by any means capable of delivering sufficient water and pressure, such as an elevated water tank or a mechanical or electric pump.  
           [0017]    The first conduit and second conduit meet and couple with a third conduit. The third conduit comprises a blending portion, a contact containment portion, an agitation portion and a means for discharging the sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas. In the third conduit, the sulphur dioxide gas and water are brought in contact with each other to form sulphurous acid. The third conduit may be constructed of polyethylene plastic.  
           [0018]    The blending portion of the third conduit comprises a means for bringing the sulphur dioxide gas in the first conduit and the water in the second conduit into contained, co-directional flow into contact with each other. The majority of water used to create sulphurous acid in the system and method is introduced into the third conduit and flows through one or more contact containment and agitation portions in the third conduit through the contact means. Thereafter, the water and sulphur dioxide gas flow through one or more contact containments, discharging naturally by gravity into a mixing tank.  
           [0019]    Water is introduced into the third conduit in co-directional flow with the sulphur dioxide gas so as to create an annular column of water with the sulphur dioxide gas flowing inside the annular column of water thereby blending the water and sulphur dioxide gas together. In the preferred embodiment, water is introduced into the gas pipeline and passes through an eductor, which causes sulphur dioxide gas to be drawn through the first conduit without the need of pressuring the sulphur dioxide gas and without using an exhaust fan. The water and sulphur dioxide gas remain in contact with each other for the period of time it takes to flow through a portion of the third conduit. In the contact area, a portion of the sulphur dioxide gas reacts with the water, creating sulphurous acid.  
           [0020]    The agitation portion comprises a means for mixing and agitating the codirectionally flowing sulphur dioxide gas and water/sulphurous acid. The agitation portions enhance sulphur dioxide gas reaction and dispersion. Bends in the third conduit or obstructions within the third conduit are contemplated as possible means for mixing and agitating in the agitation portion. Agitation of the co-directional flow of the sulphur dioxide gas and water further facilitates reaction of the sulphur dioxide gas with water into a mixing pool. Sulphurous acid and sulphur dioxide gas flow out of the third conduit through means for discharging the sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas.  
           [0021]    A discharge outlet represents a possible embodiment of means for discharging the sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas. The discharge outlet permits conduit contents to enter a gas submersion zone.  
           [0022]    The sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas exit the third conduit through the discharge and enter a mixing tank. In one embodiment, a weir divides the mixing tank into two sections, namely a pooling section and an effluent or outlet section. Sulphurous acid and sulphur dioxide gas exit the discharge of the third conduit into the pooling section. As the sulphurous acid pours into the mixing tank, it creates a pool of sulphurous acid equal in depth to the height of the weir. At all times, the sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas discharge from the third conduit above the level of the liquid in the pooling section of the mixing tank.  
           [0023]    In other words, the discharge from the third conduit is positioned sufficiently above the surface of the pool, so that sulphur dioxide gas exiting the pipeline can pass directly into and be submerged within the pool while in an open (nonclosed) arrangement. In other words, the discharge from the third conduit does not create any significant back pressure on the flow of sulphurous acid or sulphur dioxide gas in the third conduit or gas pipeline. Nevertheless, the close vertical position of the discharge from the third conduit above the surface of the pool reduces the likelihood that the unreacted sulphur dioxide gas will exit from the discharge without being submerged in the pool. The discharge is removed a distance from the sidewall of the mixing tank toward the center of the pooling section to allow the pool to be efficiently churned by the inflow of sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas from the third conduit.  
           [0024]    As acidic water and gas continue to enter the mixing tank from the third conduit, the level of the pool eventually exceeds the height of the weir. Sulphurous acid spills over the weir and into the effluent or outlet section of the mixing tank where the sulphurous acid exits the mixing tank through an effluent outlet. The top of the effluent outlet is positioned below height of the weir and the discharge from the third conduit in order to reduce the amount of free floating unreacted sulphur dioxide gas exiting the chamber through the effluent outlet. Free floating, unreacted sulphur dioxide gas remaining in the mixing tank rises up to the top of the mixing tank. The top of the mixing tank is adapted with a lid. Under dissolved sulphur dioxide bubbles flowing through the affluent outlet are trapped by a standard u-trap, forcing accumulated bubbles back into the mixing tank while sulfurous acid exits the system through a first discharge pipe.  
           [0025]    To ensure further elimination of any significant emissions of sulphur dioxide gas from the generator into the environment, the sulphur dioxide gas remaining in the mixing tank may be drawn into an exhaust conduit coupled with an exhaust vent on the lid of the mixing tank. The exhaust conduit defines a fourth conduit. Positioned in the fourth conduit is a means for introducing water into the fourth conduit. The water which enters the fourth conduit may be brought from a water source by any means capable of delivering sufficient water to the fourth conduit. As the water is introduced into the fourth conduit, it reacts with the sulphur dioxide gas that has migrated out through the lid of the mixing tank of the absorption tower, and creates sulphurous acid.  
           [0026]    In the preferred embodiment, water introduced into the fourth conduit, passes through a second eductor causing the sulphur dioxide gas to be drawn through the vent and into the fourth conduit. The gas and water are contained in contact as they move through one or more contact containment and/or agitation portions of the fourth conduit. Sulphurous acid exits the fourth conduit through a second discharge pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the second discharge pipe also comprises a u-trap configuration, upstream from the u-trap, a thin stack permits reactive gases to discharge from the system.  
           [0027]    The fourth conduit may be constructed of high density polyethylene plastic. High density polyethylene plastic is preferred for its durability and resistance to ultra violet ray degradation. It is another object of this invention to eliminate the countercurrent absorption powers of the prior art.  
           [0028]    As mentioned, the water introduced into the system to the third conduit and fourth conduit may be brought from a water source to the system by any means capable of delivering sufficient water and pressure, such as a standing, elevated water tank, or mechanical, electric or diesel powered water pump.  
           [0029]    It is an object of this invention to create a sulfurous acid generator that is simple to manufacture, use, maintain and service.  
           [0030]    It is further an object of this invention to create a sulfurous acid generator that is capable of operating without any electrical equipment such as pumps, air compressor or exhaust fans requiring a specific energy source requirement, such as electricity or diesel fuels.  
           [0031]    It is another object of this invention to produce a sulphurous acid generator which converts substantially all sulfur dioxide gas generated into sulphurous acid.  
           [0032]    It is another object of the invention to produce a sulfurous acid generator which uses an induced draw created by the flow of water through the system to draw gases through the otherwise open system.  
           [0033]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sulphurous acid generator with one or more contact containment and/or agitation and mixing mechanisms to increase the duration of time during which the sulphur dioxide gas is in contact with and mixed with water.  
           [0034]    It is an object of this invention to produce a sulphurous acid generator which substantially eliminates emission of harmful sulphur dioxide gas.  
           [0035]    These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]    In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly depicted above will be rendered by reference to a specific embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings. With the understanding that these drawings depict only a typical embodiment of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sulphurous acid generator.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view partly in cutaway cross-section of the components of the sulphurous acid generator.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of a third conduit.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a fourth conduit.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the inventive process.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]    Including by reference the figures listed above, applicant&#39;s sulfurous acid generator comprises a system which generates sulphur dioxide gas and keeps the gas substantially contained and in contact with water for extended periods of time substantially, eliminating any significant release of harmful sulphur dioxide gas from the system. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the principle elements comprise a sulphur hopper  20 , a burn chamber  40 , a gas pipeline  70 , a mixing tank  130 , and an exhaust conduit  210 . The principle elements are mounted on a platform  10  to facilitate transport.  
         [0043]    The sulphur hopper  20  comprises enclosure  24  with a top surface  26 . The top surface  26  defines a closeable aperture, not shown. Enclosure  24  may be of any geometric shape; cylindrical is shown, rectangular may also be employed. Surface  26  of enclosure  24  comprises a closeable aperture of sufficient diameter and shape to allow sulphur to be loaded into the hopper  20 . The enclosure  24  defines a hopper outlet  30 . The hopper  20  is configured such that sulphur in the hopper  20  is directed toward the hopper outlet  30  by the pull of gravity. The hopper outlet  30  allows sulphur to pass through and out of the hopper  20 .  
         [0044]    A passageway conduit  36  communicates between the hopper outlet  30  a burn chamber inlet  50  of the burn chamber  40 .  
         [0045]    In an alternative embodiment, enclosure  24  may include a rocker arm  21  mounted external of enclosure  24 . Rocker arm  21  is capable of being moved back and forth as shown by arrow  23 . Connected to substantially vertical rocker arm  21 , and extending internal to enclosure  24 , is bar  25  having substantially upward extending of fingers  27 . Fingers  27  extend upward into the sulphur supply such rocker arm  23  can be manipulated back and forth, thereby manipulating or raking fingers  27  back and forth to aviate incavitation of sulphur that may occur in hopper  20 .  
         [0046]    The burn chamber  40  comprises a floor member  42 , a chamber sidewall  44  and a roof member  46 . The floor member  42  defines a perimeter and the floor member  42  is removably attached to the chamber sidewall  44 . The roof member  46  is secured to the chamber sidewall  44 , the chamber sidewall  44  supporting the roof member  46 . An ignition inlet  52  defined by the roof member  46  has a removably attached ignition inlet cover  54 . An air inlet  56  defined by the chamber sidewall  44  has a removably attached air inlet cover  58 . The air inlet  56  is positioned substantially opposite to the conduit inlet  50  and may enter the chamber sidewall  44  tangentially. An exhaust opening  60  in the burn chamber  40  is defined by the roof member  46 .  
         [0047]    Sulphur supplied to the burn chamber  40  through the conduit inlet  50  can be ignited through the ignition inlet  52 . The air inlet  56  allows oxygen, necessary for the combustion process, to enter into the burn chamber  40  and thus permits regulation of the rate of combustion. The exhaust opening  60  allows the sulphur dioxide gas to pass up through the exhaust opening  60  and into the gas pipeline  70 .  
         [0048]    The gas pipeline  70  has two ends, the first end  78  communicating with the exhaust opening  60 , the second end terminating at a third conduit  76 . The gas pipeline or first conduit  70  may comprise an ascending pipe  72  and a transverse pipe  74 . The ascending pipe  72  may communicate with the transverse pipe  74  by means a first 90 degree elbow joint. Disposed about and secured to the ascending pipe  72  is a protective grate  90  to prevent unintended external contact with member  72  which is hot when in use.  
         [0049]    Water is conducted through a second conduit  282  to a point at which the second conduit  282  couples with the first conduit  70  at a third conduit  76 .  
         [0050]    Conduit  76  comprises a means  100  for bringing the sulphur dioxide gas in the first conduit and substantially all the water in second conduit  282  into contained codirectional flow whereby the sulphur dioxide gas and water are brought into contact with each other.  
         [0051]    The codirectional flow means  100  shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprises a central body  102 , the central body defining a gas entry  104  and a sulfur dioxide gas exiting outlet  114 , the central body comprising a secondary conduit inlet  106 , a cooling ring outlet  108 , an emitter and an eductor  112 . The eductor  112  generates an annular column of water to encircle gas exiting outlet  114 . The water flow, thermal cooling and reaction are believed assist in drawing sulphur dioxide gas from the bum chamber  40  into the gas pipeline  70  where the gas is brought into contact with water to create sulphurous acid.  
         [0052]    The codirection flow means  100  allows water to be introduced into the third conduit  76  initially through a second conduit inlet  106 . The water entering the codirectional means  100  passes through the eductor  112  and, exits adjacent the sulphur dioxide gas outlet  114 . The water enters the third conduit  76  and comes into contact with the sulphur dioxide gas by surrounding the sulphur dioxide gas where the sulphur dioxide gas and water are contained in contact with each other. The water and sulphur dioxide gas react to form an acid of sulphur. This first contact containment portion of conduit  76  does not obstruct the flow of the sulphur dioxide gas. It is believed that a substantial portion of the sulphur dioxide gas will react with the water in this first contact containment area.  
         [0053]    After the acid and any host water (hereafter “water/acid”) and any remaining unreacted gas continue to flow through third conduit  76 , the water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas are mixed and agitated to further facilitate reaction of the sulphur dioxide with the water/acid. Means for mixing and agitating the flow of water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas is accomplished in a number of ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, mixing and agitating can be accomplished by changing the direction of the flow such as a bend  84  in the third conduit  76 . Another example includes placing an object  77  inside the third conduit  76  to alter the flow pattern in the third conduit  76 . This could entail a flow altering wedge, flange, bump or other member along the codirectional flow path in third conduit  76 . By placing an object in the flow path, a straight or substantially straight conduit maybe employed. The distinction of this invention over the prior art is mixing and agitating the flow of water/acid and sulphur dioxide involving substantially all of the water of the system with sulphur dioxide gas in an open codirectionally flowing system. One embodiment of the present invention can treat between 50 and 300 gallons of water per minute coursing through third conduit  76  being held in contained contact with the sulphur dioxide gas.  
         [0054]    After the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas have passed through an agitation and mixing portion of third conduit  76 , the water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas are again contained in contact with each other to further facilitate reaction between the components to create an acid of sulphur. This is accomplished by means for containing the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas in contact with each other. One embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 as a portion  85  of third conduit  76 . Portion  85  acts much in the same way as the earlier described contact containment portion.  
         [0055]    In a preferred embodiment, additional means for mixing and agitating the codirectional flow of water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas is employed. One embodiment is illustrated as portion  86  of third conduit  76  in which again the directional flow of the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas is directionally altered. In this way, the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas are forced to mix and agitate, further facilitating reaction of the sulphur dioxide gas to further produce or concentrate an acid of sulphur.  
         [0056]    Third conduit  76  also incorporates means for discharging the water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas before the various third conduit  76 . One embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 as discharge opening  80  defined by third conduit  76 . Discharge opening  80  is preferably positioned approximately in the center of the pooling section, described below. In the preferred embodiment, discharge  80  is configured so as to direct the discharge of water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas downward into a submersion pool  158  without creating a back pressure. In other words, discharge  80  is sufficiently close to the surface  133  of the fluid in the submersion pool to cause unreacted sulphur dioxide gas to be forced into the submersion pool, but not below the surface of the fluid in the submersion pool, thereby maintaining the open nature of the system and to avoid creating back pressure in the system.  
         [0057]    The present invention also utilizes a tank  130  having a bottom  132 , a tank sidewall  134 , and a lid  164 . Tank  130  may also comprise a fluid dispersion member  137  to disperse churning sulphurous acid and sulphur dioxide gas throughout tank  130 . Dispersion member  137  may have a conical shape or any other shape which facilitates dispersion. A weir  148  may be attached on one side to the bottom member  132  and is attached on two sides to the tank sidewall  134 . The weir  148  extends upwardly to a distance stopping below the discharge  80 . The weir  148  divides the mixing tank  130  into a submersion pool  158  and an outlet section  152 . The third conduit  76  penetrates the tank sidewall  134  at a point below the lid  164 . An outlet aperture  154  is positioned in the tank sidewall  134  near the bottom member  132  in the discharge section. The drainage aperture  154  is connected to a drainage pipe  156 . Drainage pipe  156  is adapted with au-trap  157 . U-trap  157  acts as means to force levels of gas of undissolved gas for sulphur dioxide gas back into chamber  130  to exit through lid  164  into vent conduit  210 .  
         [0058]    As sulphurous acid flows out of the third conduit  76 , the weir  148  dams the acid coming into the mixing tank  130  creating a churning submission pool  158  of sulphurous acid. Sulphur dioxide gas carried by but not yet reacted in the sulphurous acid is carried into submersion pool of acid  158  because of the proximity of the discharge  80  to the surface  133  of the pool  158 . The carried gas is submerged in the churning submersion pool  158 . The suspended gas is momentarily churned in contact with acid in pool  158  to further concentrate the acid. As unreacted gas rises up through the pool, the unreacted gas is held in contact with water and further reacts to further form concentrate sulphurous acid. The combination of the discharge  80  and its close proximity to the surface  133  of pool of acid  158  creates a means for facilitating and maintaining the submersion of unreacted sulphur dioxide gas discharged from the third conduit into the submersion pool of sulphurous acid to substantially reduce the separation of unreacted sulphur dioxide gas from contact with the sulphurous acid to promote further reaction of the sulphur dioxide gas in the sulphurous acid in an open system without subjecting the sulphur dioxide gas discharged from the third conduit to back pressure or system pressure. That is, discharge  80  positions below the level of the top of weir  148  is contemplated as inconsistent with an open system.  
         [0059]    As sulphurous acid enters the mixing tank  130  from the third conduit  76  the level of the pool  132  of sulphurous acid rises until the acid spills over the weir  148  into the outlet section  152 . Sulphurous acid and sulphur dioxide gas flow out of the mixing tank  130  into the drainage pipe  156 . Drainage pipe  156  is provided with a submersion zone in the u-trap  157  in which sulphur dioxide gas is again mixed into the sulphurous acid and which prevents sulphur dioxide gas from exiting the drainage pipe  156  in any significant amount.  
         [0060]    Any free floating sulphur dioxide gas in mixing tank  130  rises up to the lid  164 . The lid  164  defines an exhaust vent  202 . Exhaust vent  202  may be coupled with a vent conduit  210 . The vent conduit  210  has a first end which couples with the exhaust vent  202  and a second end which terminates at a fourth conduit  220 . The vent conduit  210  may consist of a length a pipe between vent  202  and the fourth conduit  220 . The fourth conduit  220  comprises auxiliary means  240  for bringing sulphur dioxide gas in the vent conduit and substantially all the water in a supplemental water conduit  294  into contained, codirectional flow whereby remaining sulphur dioxide gas and water are brought into contact with each other.  
         [0061]    As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the auxiliary means has a body  240  defining a gas entry  244 , a gas outlet  252 , a supplemental water conduit inlet  246 , and water eductor  250 .  
         [0062]    Water enters the auxiliary means  240  through the supplemental water conduit  294  at inlet  246 . The water courses through the eductor as discussed earlier as to the codirectional means. The water eductor  250  draws any free floating sulphur dioxide gas into the exhaust vent conduit  210 . Water and sulphur dioxide gas are brought into contact with each other in fourth conduit  220  by surrounding the gas with water. The water and gas are contained in contact with each other as the gas and water flow down through fourth conduit  220  to react and form an acid of sulphur. This contact containment area does not obstruct the flow of the sulphur dioxide gas. Substantially all of the sulphur dioxide gas in vent conduit  210  reacts with the water in this contact containment area.  
         [0063]    In fourth conduit  220 , the water/acid and un-reacted or undissolved sulphur dioxide gas also experience one or more agitation and mixing episodes. For example, as water re-enters fourth conduit  220  at inlet  246 , the flow of water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas is mixed and agitated. The water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas are again contained in contact with each other thereafter. Another similar mixing and agitating episode occurs when the directional flow of the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas is altered near discharge  264 . As a result, like the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas in the third conduit  76 , the water/acid and sulphur dioxide gas in fourth conduit  220  may be subject to one or more contact containment portions and one or more agitation and mixing portions. The fourth conduit may have a u-trap  267 . U-trap  267  acts as means to cause bubbles of unabsorbed diatomic nitrogen gas to be held on the upstream side of u-trap  267 . Discharge  264  is also configured with a vent stack  265 . Remaining diatomic nitrogen gas in the system is permitted to escape the system through vent stack  265 . Operation of the system reveals that little, if any, sulphur dioxide gas escapes the system. It is believed that gas that is escaping the system is harmless diatomic nitrogen. This configuration of a sulphur acid generator eliminates the structure, expense and use of counter current absorption towers of the prior art.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIGS. 1, 2 and  3  show a primary pump  280  supplying water through a primary hose  282  to the secondary conduit water inlet  106  at codirectional means  100 . In FIG. 2, a supplemental or secondary pump supplies water to auxiliary means  240  through a supplemental water conduit hose  294 . It will be appreciated that any pump capable of delivering sufficient water to the system may be utilized and the pump may be powered by any source sufficient to run the pump. A single pump with the appropriate valving may be used or several pumps may be used. It is also contemplated that no pump is necessary at all if an elevated water tank is employed to provide sufficient water flow to the system or if present water systems provide sufficient water pressure and flow.  
         [0065]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.