Abstract:
This invention presents a sulphurous acid generator which employs a combination of novel mechanisms which maximize the efficiency and duration of contact between sulphur dioxide gas and water to form sulphurous acid in an open nonpressurized system. The present invention also incorporates a novel high temperature concrete for use in constructing portions of the present invention. The present invention also employs means for substantially eliminating any discharge plume.

Description:
1. RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/342,755, filed Jan. 14, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/643,097, filed Aug. 21, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,347, issued Jan. 14, 2003; which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 08/888,376, filed Jul. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,299, issued Jun. 19, 2001. This application also claim priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/698,747 filed Oct. 27, 2000 which is continuation -in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/643,097, filed Aug. 21, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,347, issued Jan. 14, 2003; which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 08/888,376, filed Jul. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,299, issued Jun. 19, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    2. 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]    3. 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, pressurized systems, and/or a single eductor arrangements 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. An earlier Harmon device utilized a single eductor with a countercurrent absorption tower. Many sulphurous acid generators emit significant or dangerous levels of unreacted sulphur dioxide gas, a harmful and noxious pollutant, into the surrounding environment. Many devices discharge a visible plume or cloud.  
         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 or minimizing 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, an exhaust pipeline, an exhaust chamber and a demister device.  
           [0013]    The sulphur hopper preferably has a capacity of several hundred pounds of sulphur in powder, flake, split-pea or pastile form. The sulphur hopper can be constructed of various materials or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the sulphur hopper is constructed of stainless steel and plastic. In another embodiment the hopper is constructed of Saggregate™ concrete. 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.  
           [0014]    A cooling ring may be disposed at the base of the hopper. The cooling ring enters the base of the hopper, traverses a u-shaped pattern near the passageway into the burn chamber protruding above the base of the hopper. The cooling ring creates a physical and temperature barrier preventing molten sulphur from flowing across the entire base of the hopper.  
           [0015]    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 top 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, namely stainless steel but also Saggregate™ concrete. Saggregate™ concrete may be preferred because it significantly decreases the cost of the hopper and burning chamber. Saggregate™ concrete is a unique blend of cement and aggregates.  
           [0016]    Sulphur dioxide gas exits the burn chamber through an exhaust outlet on the top of the burn chamber and flows through a first conduit. The first conduit may be manufactured from stainless steel. An optional cuff or other structure may be disposed about a portion of the first conduit. The cuff is adapted with a pipe or conduit for connection to the air inlet. The cuff and pip provide means for capturing preheated air for combustion without requiring an additional power or heat source.  
           [0017]    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.  
           [0018]    The first conduit and second conduit meet and couple with a third conduit. The third conduit comprises a blending portion, and a contact containment portion and may comprise an agitation portion. The third conduit also comprises 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 a variety of polyethylene plastic, pvc or any durable plastic.  
           [0019]    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, codirectional flow into contact with each other. The water used to begin the creation of sulphurous acid in the system and method is introduced into the third conduit and flows through the third conduit, thereafter discharging into a mixing tank.  
           [0020]    Water is introduced into the third conduit in codirectional flow with the sulphur dioxide gas so as to initially 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 or venturi, 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 or contained flow with each other for the period of time it takes to flow through a containment portion of the third conduit creating sulphurous acid.  
           [0021]    In different embodiments, an agitation portion may be present. The optional 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 or a length of the third conduit or obstructions within the third conduit are contemplated as means for mixing and agitating in the agitation portion. Agitation of the codirectional flow of the sulphur dioxide gas and water further facilitates reaction of the sulphur dioxide gas with water. Sulphurous acid and sulphur dioxide gas flow out of the third conduit through means for discharging the sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas.  
           [0022]    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.  
           [0023]    The sulphurous acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas exit the third conduit through the discharge and enter a gas submersion zone or 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 water/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. In another embodiment, water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas discharge from the third conduit to mix in a single cell mixing tank, discharging out the bottom of the mixing tank.  
           [0024]    In other words, the discharge from the third conduit is positioned sufficiently high in the mixing tank 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 position of the discharge from the third conduit into the mixing tank reduces the likelihood that the unreacted sulphur dioxide gas will exit from the discharge without being submerged in the pool. In one embodiment, the discharge from the third conduit into the mixing tank 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. In another embodiment, an effluent outlet in the bottom of the mixing tank created a pool which efficiently churns unreacted sulphur dioxide gas with the aqueous fluid of the system.  
           [0025]    As acidic/water and gas continue to enter the mixing tank from the third conduit in one embodiment, 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 below 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. In another embodiment, an effluent outlet in the bottom of a wireless mixing tank employs the column of water to inhibit unreacted sulphur dioxide from exiting the mixing chamber through the bottom discharge 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 may be adapted with an exhaust vent. Undissolved sulphur dioxide gas flowing through the effluent outlet may be trapped by a standard u-trap, forcing accumulated gas back into the mixing tank while sulfurous acid exits the system through a first discharge pipe.  
           [0026]    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 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 exhaust vent of the mixing tank of the absorption tower, and creates sulphurous acid.  
           [0027]    In the preferred embodiment, water introduced into the fourth conduit, passes through a second eductor or venturi 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 flow in codirectional flow through one or more contact secondary containment and/or agitation portions of the fourth conduit. Sulphurous acid exits the fourth conduit through a second discharge pipe. The fourth conduit may be constructed of high density polyethylene plastic, pvc or any suitably durable plastic. The material of construction is chosen for its durability and resistance to ultra violet ray degradation. The second discharge pipe may comprise a u-trap configuration.  
           [0028]    In one embodiment, upstream from the second discharge pipe, an exhaust chamber provides a tertiary containment area. The exhaust chamber may merely be a conduit or it may comprise a scrubbing tower. The exhaust chamber comprises a body which may be constructed of polyethylene plastic which is durable, lightweight and resistant to ultra violet ray degradation. The scrubbing tower defines grill holes through which the rising, undissolved gases rise. At the top of the scrubbing tower, a source of water introduces a shower of water through an emitter inside the exhaust chamber showering water downward, resulting in a countercurrent flow of undissolved gases and descending water. The rising sulphur dioxide gas comes into countercurrent contact with the descending water, creating sulphurous acid.  
           [0029]    The scrubbing tower or exhaust stack is packed with path diverters, which force the countercurrent flow of sulphur dioxide gas and water to pass through a tortuous maze, increasing the duration of time the gas and water remain in contact and the surface area of the contact. Substantially all the free floating sulphur dioxide gas from the mixing tank will react with water in the tower to form sulphurous acid. Sulphurous acid created in the tower flows down into the secondary discharge. Any vapor or undissolved gases pass through the exhaust stack or chamber into a demister device.  
           [0030]    The demister device comprises a heated chamber. However, in some embodiments, the heated chamber requires no additional power or heat source. The demister device of the present invention is a housing constructed to provide means for containing heat or capturing the radiant heat generated by the burn chamber and the first conduit. One embodiment of such means is a vertical housing the lower portion of which surrounds the burn chamber. The housing of the demister device also surrounds a portion of the first conduit. The housing defines an inlet connected to the exhaust chamber to receive the vapor or undissolved gases, if any, passing through the exhaust chamber. The housing captures or contains the radiant heat generated by the apparatus. The captured radiant heat dries any vapors or gases so as to substantially or entirely demist the vapors or gases, thereby substantially or entirely eliminating any visible exhaust plume from the apparatus. In another embodiment, auxiliary heat is/may also be used. Particularly, when the demister is some distance remote from the burn chamber.  
           [0031]    As mentioned, the water introduced into the system to the third conduit, fourth conduit and scrubbing tower may be brought from a single water source or from multiple water sources 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.  
           [0032]    The present invention also contemplates means for controlling the burn rate of sulphur in the burning chamber, that is, dampening the flow or amount of air made available into the burning chamber.  
           [0033]    It is an object of this invention to create a sulfurous acid generator that is simple to manufacture, use, maintain and service.  
           [0034]    It is also an object of this invention to construct the hopper and burn chamber out of a high-temperature concrete to reduce manufacturing costs.  
           [0035]    It is another object of this invention to eliminate reliance upon countercurrent absorption as the prior mechanism for creating sulphurous acid as taught by the prior art.  
           [0036]    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.  
           [0037]    It is another object of this invention to produce a sulphurous acid generator which converts substantially all sulfur dioxide gas generated into sulphurous acid.  
           [0038]    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.  
           [0039]    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.  
           [0040]    It is an object of this invention to provide a sulphurous acid generator which substantially eliminates emission of harmful sulphur dioxide gas.  
           [0041]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a sulphurous acid generator with means for conditioning intake air prior to combustion in the sulphur burner.  
           [0042]    Another object of the present invention to provide a sulphurous acid generator with means for conditioning intake air prior to combustion in the sulphur burner without requiring an additional heat or power source.  
           [0043]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sulphurous acid generator with means for substantially eliminating any visible discharge or exhaust plume from the apparatus.  
           [0044]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a sulphurous acid generator with means for substantially eliminating any visible discharge or exhaust plume from the apparatus without requiring an additional heat or power source.  
           [0045]    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  
       [0046]    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:  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sulphurous acid generator.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 1A and 1B are a cross-section view of components of the sulphurous acid generator.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIGS. 2 and 2A is a side elevation view partly in cutaway cross-section of the components of the sulphurous acid generator.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIGS. 3, 3A,  3 B and  3 C are side elevation views of partly in cut-away cross-section of alternative embodiments.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the Saggregate™ concrete embodiment of the sulphur hopper and burning chamber.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a third conduit.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of a fourth conduit.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust scrubbing tower.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIGS. 8A to  8 E illustrate alternative embodiments dampening available air or oxygen flowing into the burning chamber for combustion.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIGS. 9, 9A and  9 B are alternative embodiments showing rearrangement of the components of FIG. 3 into a small space.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 10 is a flow chart explaining the inventive process.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0058]    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, 2,  2 A, and  3 . The principal elements of the present invention are shown in FIGS.  1 - 9 .  
         [0059]    The sulphur hopper  20  comprises enclosure  24  with a lid  26 . Lid  26  may define a closeable aperture, not shown. Enclosure  24  may be of any geometric shape; square is shown, cylindrical may also be employed. Lid  26  of enclosure  24  is readily removable to allow sulphur to be loaded into hopper  20 . Enclosure  24  defines a hopper outlet  30 . Hopper  20  is configured such that sulphur in hopper  20  is directed toward hopper outlet  30  by the pull of gravity. Hopper outlet  30  allows sulphur to pass through and out of hopper  20 .  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view/cross-section of open hopper  20 . Hopper  20  comprises a base or floor  22 . In the preferred embodiment, a cooling ring  28  is disposed about {fraction (1/2)} inch above base  22 . As shown in FIG. 1, untreated irrigation water is circulated through cooling ring  28 . See also FIG. 1B. FIGS. 1A and 1B also disclose vertical standing baffles  29 . In practice of the invention it has been discovered that baffles  29  assist in directing the dry sulphur to hopper outlet  30 . Practice of the invention has also revealed that cooling ring  28  is most effective when placed closer to hopper outlet  30  rather than the middle of base  22  or farther away from hopper outlet  30 . The effect cooling ring  28  has on molten sulphur will be discussed below.  
         [0061]    A passageway conduit  36  communicates between hopper outlet  30  and burn chamber inlet  50  of burn chamber  40 .  
         [0062]    Burn chamber  40  comprises floor member  42 , chamber sidewall  44  and roof member  46 . Roof member  46  is removably attached to chamber sidewall  44  supporting roof member  46 . Roof member  46  defines an ignition inlet  52  as having a removably attached ignition inlet cover  54 . An air inlet  56  defined by chamber sidewall  44  has a removably attached air inlet cover  58 . The air inlet  56  preferably enters the chamber sidewall  44  tangentially. An exhaust opening  60  in the burn chamber  40  is defined by the roof member  46 .  
         [0063]    As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A,  3 , and  4 , roof member  46  also defines a downwardly extending annular ring  48 . In the preferred embodiment, ring  48  extends downwardly into burn chamber  40  at least as low as air inlet  56  is disposed. It is understood and believed that this configuration causes not only inlet air to swirl in a cyclone effect into burn chamber  40  but induces a swirling or cyclone effect of the combusted sulphur dioxide gas as it rises in burn chamber  40  and passing up through exhaust opening  60  and gas pipeline  70 . Roof member  46  is secured to sidewall  44  of burn chamber  40  by either bolting roof member  46  to burn chamber to the top of sidewall  44  in any conventional fashion, or as shown in FIG. 4, by employing removable C-clamps  49 .  
         [0064]    Hopper  20 , passageway conduit  36  and burn chamber  40  may be constructed of stainless steel. In such case, roof member  46  could be removably bolted to burn chamber  40 . In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, hopper  20 , passageway conduit  36  and burn chamber  40  as well as a platform or legs  10  may be constructed of Saggregate™ concrete. Saggregate™ concrete is a unique blend of cement and other components. The Saggregate™ concrete comprises a cement component, two aggregate components, and a water component. The preferred cement component is Lumnite MG® (“Lumnite® cement”), Heidelberger Calcium Aluminate Cement from Heidelberger Calcium Aluminates, Inc., Allentown, Pa., U.S.A. The preferred Lumnite® has a 7000 pound crush weight nature. The first aggregate is preferably a pea-sized medium shale sold by Utelite Corp., Wanship, Utah, 84017, U.S.A. A second aggregate is preferably a crushed mesh or crushed fines inorganic aggregate. The preferred fine-sized aggregate is PAKMIX® Lightweight Soil Conditioner® produced by Utelite Corp., Wanship, Utah, 84017, U.S.A. The Pakmix® aggregate comprises No. 10 crushed fines of shale capable of bearing temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.  
         [0065]    The mixing ratio of the cement, first aggregate, second aggregate and water are as follows. The ratio of Lumnite® cement to combined aggregates is 1:3 by volume. The ratio of water to Lumnite® cement by weight is 0.4:1. Operational results are achieved when the volume ratio of pea-sized medium shale aggregate to Lumnite® cement ranges from about 0:1 to about 3.0:1 and where the volume ratio of crushed mesh/crushed shale fines aggregate to Lumnite® cement ranges from about 0:1 to about 3.0:1. More satisfactory results are achieved when the volume ratio of pea-sized medium shale aggregate to Lumnite® cement ranges from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1 and where the volume ratio of crushed mesh/crushed shale fines aggregate to Lumnite® cement ranges from about 1.5:1 to about 2.0:1. The most favorable results occur when the pea-sized medium shale aggregate is mixed in a ratio to Lumnite® cement in a range from about 1.2:1 to about 1.3:1 by volume and wherein the crushed mesh/crushed shale fines aggregate component is present in a ratio to Lumnite® cement in a range from about 1.7:1 to about 1.8:1 by volume.  
         [0066]    Embodiments of the Saggregate™ concrete of the present invention discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 4 were made in the following manner:  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0067]    [0067]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   1.5 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   1.5 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0068]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one and one-half cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Measure one and one-half cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale. together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete was used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-bum chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
         [0069]    Other embodiments of the Saggregate™ concrete of the present invention discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 4 may be made in the following manner:  
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0070]    [0070]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   3.0 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   None       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®           cement                    
         [0071]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure three cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Use no crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement and pea-sized medium shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the three cubic feet of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0072]    [0072]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   None       crushed fine shale   3.0 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®           cement                    
         [0073]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Use no pea-sized medium shale. Measure three cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0074]    [0074]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   .4 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   2.6 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®           cement                    
         [0075]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure 0.4 cubic foot of pea-sized medium shale. Measure 2.6 cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 5  
       [0076]    [0076]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   one volume unit       crushed fine shale   2.0 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0077]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one cubic foot of pea-sized medium shale. Measure two cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite) cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 6  
       [0078]    [0078]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   1.1 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   1.9 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0079]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one and one-tenth cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Measure one and nine-tenths cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 7  
       [0080]    [0080]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   1.2 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   1.8 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0081]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one and two-tenths cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Measure one and eight-tenths cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 8  
       [0082]    [0082]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   1.3 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   1.7 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0083]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one and three-tenths cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Measure one and seven-tenths cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
       EXAMPLE 9  
       [0084]    [0084]                                   Component   Amount                   Lumnite ® cement   one volume unit       pea-sized medium shale   1.4 × one volume unit       crushed fine shale   1.6 × one volume unit       water   .4 × weight of one volume unit of Lumnite ®                    
         [0085]    For example, one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement is measured and weighed, the weight of one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement being noted. Measure one and four-tenths cubic feet of pea-sized medium shale. Measure one and six-tenths cubic feet of crushed fine shale. Mix the Lumnite® cement, pea-sized medium shale and crushed fine shale together to create a dry mix. Measure an amount of water equal to 0.4 times the weight of the one cubic foot of Lumnite® cement. Add the amount of water to the dry mix to create Saggregate™ concrete. Mix, handle, pour, cure and treat the Saggregate™ concrete like conventional concrete. In the context of the present invention, Saggregate™ concrete is used with suitable molds to form the desired hopper-burn chamber assembly capable of withstanding the heat of burning and molten sulphur in use.  
         [0086]    The dry mix of Lumnite® cement and aggregates can be pre-mixed and bagged together. This greatly simplifies construction for the user because all components of the Saggregate™ concrete are provided except water which can be provided on site. When mixed and cured, the Saggregate™ concrete is easily capable of withstanding the 400 to 600 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the burning and molten sulphur in burning chamber  40 .  
         [0087]    In the preferred embodiment using Saggregate™ concrete to construct base  22  and sidewall  24  of hopper  20  should be 2½ to 3 inches thick. Similarly, the walls of the conduit passageway  36  and base  42  and sidewall  44  of burn chamber  40  should also have Saggregate™ concrete in the thickness of about 2½ to 3 inches. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, lid  26  may be constructed of virtually any material, including wood, plastic, or any other material. Due to the extreme heat generated in burn chamber  40 , roof member  46  must be made of a material that will withstand such extreme temperatures. Preferably, roof member  46  is constructed of stainless steel.  
         [0088]    As shown in FIG. 4, feet  10  may also be constructed of Saggregate™ concrete. Feet  10  are used to permit air to radiate under the bottom of hopper  20  and burning chamber  40  to dissipate radiant heat. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and  4 , an additional advantage of placing cooling ring  28  in the hopper near passage conduit  36  results in a physical barrier and temperature barrier of any molten sulphur flowing from burning chamber  40  through conduit passageway  36  into hopper  20 . In other words, the physical location of cooling ring  28  and the temperature gradient caused thereby, impedes the flow of any molten sulphur out of conduit passageway  36  so as to confine molten sulphur between cooling ring  28  and fluid conduit passageway  36 . In a preferred embodiment, the hopper is in a square shape that has a cross-section of about 18 inches by 18 inches and is about 30 inches high in its inside dimensions. If a cylindrical shaped hopper is employed, an inside diameter of about  18  inches is preferred. In such a case, the inside height dimension of conduit passageway  36  is about 5 inches in inside height and about 10 inches in inside width with the burning chamber  40  being about 12 inches in height and having an inside diameter of 10 inches. This embodiment burns about 5 pounds of sulphur or less per hour and is capable of treating about 15 to 100 gallons of water per minute.  
         [0089]    In another larger embodiment, the hopper, if square, could have inside dimensions of about 32 inches by 42 inches, with a height of about 48 inches with the inside height dimension of conduit passageway  36  being about 6 inches in inside height and about 11 inches in inside width with a burn chamber having a height of about 16 inches and an inside diameter of about 18 inches. In this embodiment, tests have revealed that about 20 pounds of sulphur or less per hour is burned and the amount of water being treated may range from about 20 gallons per minute to about 300 gallons per minute.  
         [0090]    The present invention also contemplates a means for controlling the burn rate of sulphur in burn chamber  40 . FIGS. 8A through 8E represent different means for dampening air intake through air inlet  56 . FIG. 8A illustrates a curved and/or occluded end of air inlet  56 . Tests have revealed that a substantially centered hole having a diameter of about 1 to about 2 inches permits effective control of the burn of sulphur in chamber  40 .  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 8B illustrates a conventional gate valve which can be placed along air inlet  56  to selectively dampen the flow of air into burn chamber  40 .  
         [0092]    Similarly, FIG. 8C illustrates a conventional ball valve effective in restricting flow. Use of such a ball valve permits selective dampening or control of air through air inlet  56  into burn chamber  40 .  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 8D illustrates another embodiment in which a bend in air inlet  56  is followed by a ring disposed within air inlet  56  defining an opening  61  substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of air. Air inlet  56  also has a second bend.  
         [0094]    The preferred means for dampening the flow of air into burn chamber  40  is illustrated in FIG. 8E. Air inlet  56  has a curve or bend and is packed with stainless steel mesh or wool.  
         [0095]    In all the embodiments of FIGS. 8A through 8E, air inlet  56  comprises a pipe or conduit having a diameter of about 3 inches.  
         [0096]    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 .  
         [0097]    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 am optional protective grate  90  to prevent unintended external contact with member  72  which is hot when in use.  
         [0098]    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 .  
         [0099]    Conduit  76  comprises a means  100  for bringing the sulphur dioxide gas in the first conduit  70  and the water in second conduit  282  into contained codirectional flow. Water and sulphur dioxide gas are brought into contact with each other whereby sulphur dioxide gas dissolves into the water.  
         [0100]    The codirectional flow means  100  shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and  5  comprises a central body  102 , central body  102  defining a gas entry  104  and a sulfur dioxide gas exiting outlet  114 , central body  102  further comprising a water conduit inlet  106 , and a water eductor  112 . Eductor  112  generates a swirling annular column of water to encircle gas exiting outlet  114 . The water flow, thermal cooling and reaction are believed to assist in drawing sulphur dioxide gas from burn chamber  40  into gas pipeline  70  where the gas is brought into contact with water to create sulphurous acid.  
         [0101]    The codirectional 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.  
         [0102]    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 may be further 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 may be 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  as shown in FIG. 5. This could entail a flow altering wedge, flange, bump or other member  77  along the codirectional flow path in third conduit  76 . By placing an object in the flow path, a straight or substantially straight conduit may be employed. The distinction of this invention over some prior art is mixing and agitating the flow of water/acid and sulphur dioxide in an open codirectionally flowing system. One embodiment of the present invention can treat between 20 and 300 gallons of water per minute coursing through third conduit  76  being held in contained contact with the sulphur dioxide gas.  
         [0103]    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 may again be 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.  
         [0104]    As shown in FIG. 2, 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.  
         [0105]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, third conduit  76  also incorporates means for discharging the water/acid and unreacted sulphur dioxide gas from 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.  
         [0106]    As illustrated in FIG. 2, one embodiment of 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 either tank sidewall  134  or lid  164  (not shown). An outlet aperture  154  is positioned in the tank sidewall  134  near the bottom member  132  in the outlet section. The drainage aperture  154  is connected to a drainage pipe  156 . Drainage pipe  156  may be adapted with a u-trap  157 . U-trap  157  acts as means to trap and force undissolved gases in a submersion zone, including sulphur dioxide gas, back into chamber  130  to exit chamber  130  through lid  164  into vent conduit  210 . Sulphurous acid exits pipe  156  or primary discharge.  
         [0107]    As sulphurous acid flows out of the third conduit  76 , the weir  148  dams the water/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 the open system illustrated by FIG. 2. However, discharge  80  may be positioned below the level of the top of weir  148  or below the surface of submersion pool  158 .  
         [0108]    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  may be 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 or primary discharge  156  in any significant amount.  
         [0109]    Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, first conduit  70  and second conduit  282  are coupled as discussed above. However, in this embodiment, third conduit  76  may have a bend  84  to transition to length  85  and define a discharge opening  80  into mixing tank  130 . As shown in this embodiment, the water/acid and undissolved sulphur dioxide enter the mixing tank in a downward angle direction. Another embodiment, not shown, contemplates third conduit  76  entering directly into the top of mixing chamber  130  through lid  164 .  
         [0110]    Mixing tank  130  of the embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises a bottom member  132  defining an outlet aperture  154 . Mixing tank  130  has a diameter of about 6 to 8 inches. As a result, the inside volume of mixing tank  130  is such that as water/acid begins to fill tank  130  and interacts with primary discharge  155  and optional u-trap  157 , the level of water/acid rises and falls in a flushing action.  
         [0111]    As water/acid discharges from third conduit  76  into mixing tank  130 , it results in a turbulent washing machine effect forcing undissolved sulphur dioxide gas into the churning water/acid in mixing tank  130 . As depicted in FIG. 3, a discharge pip  156  extends vertically a distance up into mixing tank  130  through floor member  132 . This configuration provides a further agitation zone  131  in which descending waters/acid must change its direction and ascend in tank  130  before exiting out u-trap  157 . As a result, submersion pool  158  in use represents a churning pool wherein undissolved sulphur dioxide is contained in water/acid for further dissolution and/or in u-trap  157  acts to trap and direct undissolved gases back up through submersion pool  158  to escape out exhaust vent  202  and enter into vent conduit  210 . On the other hand, sulphurous acid exits the system through drainage pipe or primary discharge  156 .  
         [0112]    For the embodiments shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3, any free floating sulphur dioxide gas in mixing tank  130  rises up. The tank  131  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 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.  
         [0113]    As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and  6 , 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 .  
         [0114]    Water enters the auxiliary means  240  through the supplemental water conduit  294  at inlet  246 . The water courses through inlet  246  and eductor  250  as discussed earlier as to the codirectional means. 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 exiting gas outlet  252  with water exiting eductor  250 . 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. It is believed that substantially all of the remaining sulphur dioxide gas in vent conduit  210  reacts with the water in this contact containment area.  
         [0115]    In fourth conduit  220 , the water/acid and unreacted or undissolved sulphur dioxide gas may also experience one or more agitation and mixing episodes. For example, as fluid and gas divert in fourth conduit  220  at elbow  262 , 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. 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 or undissolved sulphur dioxide, if any, to be held or trapped on the upstream side of u-trap  267  in a submersion zone. Secondary discharge  264  may also be 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 escapes the system. It is believed that gas that is escaping the system is harmless diatomic nitrogen. The configuration of a sulphur acid generator of FIG. 2A eliminates the dependence upon use of a countercurrent absorption tower technology of the prior art to effect production of sulphurous acid. Nevertheless, as an added safety feature to, and to further diminish any possible sulphur smell emitting from a device, vent stack  265  may comprise a limited exhaust scrubbing tower as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.  
         [0116]    As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and  7 , vent or exhaust stack  65  encases two substantially horizontally placed vent screens  269 . In the preferred environment, vent stack  265  is severable and connectable at joint  271 . This facilitates construction shipment and maintenance. The upper vent screen  269  acts to contain path diverters  263  within vent stack  265 . The source of water  295  is disposed to enter vent stack  265  at or near the top of vent stack  265 . A water dispersion device  261  is attached to the end of water conduit  295  inside vent stack  265  above the column of path diverters  263 . The preferred water dispersion device  261  is an i-Mini Wobbler distributed by Senninger Irrigation, Inc., Orlando, Fla., 32835, U.S.A. In the present invention the water dispersion device  261  is, contrary to its intended use, inverted 180°. Experimentation has shown that the i-Mini Wobbler is the most effective in an inverted fashion because it duplicates rain in large droplets rather than a mist or spray and due to the wobbling affect of the device, it creates a randomly dispersed water flow thereby more effectively wetting the column of path diverters  263 . This creates a water saturated tortuous path through which any undissolved rising or in stack  65  gases must pass. In the preferred embodiment, the path diverters  263  are Flexirings® diverters  263 . In this configuration, the only countercurrent flow of water and any undissolved gases is in the exhaust scrubbing tower of vent stack  265 . Experimentation has shown that the majority of water entering the system of the present invention enters at inlet  106 . A lesser amount of water enters the system at inlet  246  with only a fraction of the water entering the system through conduit  295 .  
         [0117]    Demister Chamber  
         [0118]    The present invention further comprises a device for eliminating or substantially eliminating visible gases and/or vapors generated by the apparatus by drying, or reducing or substantially reducing the moisture content of, the gases and/or vapors generated by the apparatus. This is accomplished by reducing the moisture content of the discharge. In practice, sometimes the gases and/or vapors generated by the apparatus produce a visible plume or cloud discharged from the apparatus. The present invention includes means for substantially eliminating any discharge plume.  
         [0119]    An example of means for substantially eliminating any discharge plume comprises a demister chamber  300  comprises a housing or sidewall  310 . Housing  310  substantially surrounds or encases burn chamber  40  and a portion of ascending pipe  72  to contain or capture radiant heat generated or created by burn chamber  40  and pipe  72  while permitting entry of air at a lower portion of housing  310  to permit a chimney effect of rising air upward through chamber  300 . Housing  310  can have one or more flat sides or rounded sides. Housing  310  or portions of housing  310  can be enlarged or reduced in size relative to size of the burn chamber. The housing  310  may be constructed of any suitable material(s) or insulated material(s) capable of withstanding the significant temperatures associated with burn chamber  40  and pipe  72  when the apparatus is operating. The temperature of the heat in housing  310  is a temperature above the ambient temperature of the environment in which housing  310  is located.  
         [0120]    The housing  310  defines an inlet  320  at which housing  310  can be coupled to vent stack  265 . In one embodiment, 90 degree elbow  350  is employed to direct gases and/or vapor downward into demister  300 . As the gases and/or vapors exit vent stack  265  and enter demister chamber  300 , the heat within demister chamber  300  dries or reduces the moisture content of the gases and/or vapors eliminating or substantially eliminating any visible discharge plume discharging from the apparatus. As revealed by the structure of demister chamber  300 , no additional heat or power source is needed. If the radiant heat of the apparatus is insufficient to adequately eliminate any discharge plume, a heat source or coils  360  could be disposed inside housing  300  powered by an auxiliary power or heat source  370 . FIG. 2. Any conventional, equivalent heat source may be used. Similarly, heat source  360  could comprise heat coils, wires or cords wrapped around housing  300 ; this would be particularly effective for a housing of small cross-section.  
         [0121]    The transfer of radiant heat with demister chamber  300  has also been achieved using one or more disc-shaped rings  340  attached to ascending pipe  72 . Aluminum has proven an effective material for rings  340 . However, rings  340  are optional and not required to eliminate or substantially eliminate the discharge plume.  
         [0122]    In another embodiment, demister chamber  300  is capable of effectively drying or reducing the moisture content of a variety of discharge gases, vapors or plumes. For example, in the embodiments shown in both FIGS. 2 and 3 any free floating sulphur dioxide gas in mixing tank  130  rises up. The tank  131  defines an exhaust vent  202 . Exhaust vent  202  may be coupled with a vent conduit  210 . Vent conduit  210  can, like vent stack  265 , be coupled to housing  310  to dry gases and vapors exiting mixing tank  130  without further processing.  
         [0123]    In another embodiment, drying gases and vapors exiting mixing tank  130  is particularly contemplated when an air injector  283  is utilized. FIGS. 1, 2,  2 A, and  3 A. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,391, air injector  283  disperses additional air into the water. The preferred air injector is the Mazzei® Injector from Mazzei Injector Corporation, Bakersfield, Calif., U.S.A. Equivalent devices will be known or readily discoverable by those skilled in the art. The air injector entrains additional air in the water stream providing a stream of water enriched with air/oxygen. Such air/oxygen enriched water is then processed through the apparatus with gases and vapors rising in the mixing tank. The resulting gases and vapors exiting the mixing tank could likewise be dried by demister  300 .  
         [0124]    In another embodiment, demister  300  can also be used to dry other discharge gases and/or vapors. For example, there are uses of sulphur gases known to those of skill in the art which uses do not require precise levels or amounts of dissolved or reacted sulphur gas(es) in aqueous solution or sulphurous acid in order to accomplish the desired chemical reaction or treatment or in order to avoid residual or offensive sulphur smells. Employing the burn chambers and air inlet dampeners discussed above, the present invention also contemplates a sulphur gas generator and introducer which simplifies the equipment or apparatus needed to controllably generate sulphurous acid on-site and on-demand. As disclosed in FIG. 3A, the present invention contemplates introducing sulphurous acid into the subject water source without employing the mixing tank, and secondary and tertiary water introduction.  
         [0125]    The gas pipeline  70  has two ends, the first end 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.  
         [0126]    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 .  
         [0127]    Conduit  76  comprises a means  100  for blending or bringing the sulphur dioxide gas in the first conduit  70  and the water in second conduit  282  into contained codirectional flow. Water and sulphur dioxide gas are brought into contact with each other whereby sulphur dioxide gas dissolves into the water.  
         [0128]    The codirectional flow means  100  shown in FIGS. 1, 2,  2 A,  3 ,  3 A and  5  comprises a central body  102 , central body  102  defining a gas entry  104  and a sulfur dioxide gas exiting. outlet  114 , central body  102  further comprising a water conduit inlet  106 , and a water eductor  112 . Eductor  112  generates a swirling annular column of water to encircle gas exiting outlet  114 . The water flow, thermal cooling and reaction are believed to assist in drawing sulphur dioxide gas from burn chamber  40  into gas pipeline  70  where the gas is brought into contact with water to create sulphurous acid.  
         [0129]    The blending or codirectional flow means  100  allows water to be introduced into the third conduit  76  initially through a second conduit inlet  106 . The water entering 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 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 the contact containment area.  
         [0130]    If it is necessary or desirous to further agitate the codirectional flow of aqueous solution and gas to encourage and facilitate dissolution of sulphur gases into or reaction with the solution, an object  77  may be positioned inside third conduit  76  as shown in FIG. 5 to alter the direction of the codirectional flow.  
         [0131]    As illustrated in FIG. 3A, third conduit  76  is disposed to discharge the flow of aqueous solution and undissolved sulphur gas(es), if any, through discharge  80  into the water source to be treated. In one embodiment, discharge  80  is below the surface of the water source to be treated so as to permit further dissolution of undissolved sulphur gas(es) into the water source. In other embodiment, discharge  80  can be above the surface of the water source to be treated.  
         [0132]    The sulphurous acid generator of FIG. 3A, unlike the prior art, is capable of satisfactorily generating sulphur gases and sulphurous acid without excessive sulphur gas generation and smell because the amount of sulphur gases generated may be limited by employing the air inlet dampeners taught in relation to FIGS. 8A through 8E. By limiting or reducing the amount of sulphur gases generated, less sulphur gas is present, hence less sulphur is available and must be dissolved into or react with the solution. The preferred embodiment of gas pipeline  70  of FIG. 3A is a two inch diameter pipe. In this way, less sulphur gas is generated and the available water is more able to host all or substantially all of the sulphur gas(es). Similarly, an air injector  283 , previously described, may or may not be employed.  
         [0133]    In addition, an exhaust or vent stack  265  to provide an exhaust of undissolved gases and/or vapors. Stack  265  of FIG. 3A can also be coupled to demister chamber  300  to dry gases and/or vapors as discussed above. If desired, discharge  80  may include a u-trap  157  to assist in trapping gases and vapors.  
         [0134]    In another alternative embodiment contemplated by the present invention, demister  300  can be located remote from the apparatus. In such embodiments, heat source  360  and auxiliary power source  370  would be required. The size and shape of a remote demister  300  could vary from circular pipe of virtually any diameter to whatever size and shape suits the application. Furthermore, a remote demister  300  can accommodate gas or vapor flowing substantially vertically, substantially horizontally or somewhere in between. For example, such a remote demister could be located along a acid discharge pipe at any point where gases and/or vapors accumulate and/or are permitted to be discharged to the surrounding air. A remote demister could be disposed at a pressure relief or exhaust valves along the length of a pipe or pressurized pipe carrying an acid of sulphur and undissolved gases and vapors.  
         [0135]    For example, the present invention contemplates the introduction of sulphur gases directly into the water source to be treated such as a pressurized water line of an existing water system. These embodiments permit the sulphur gases to be drawn or injected into the existing water systems without the necessity, if desired, of pressurizing the sulphur gases.  
         [0136]    As illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, direct injection embodiments are disclosed. In FIGS. 3B and 3C, sulphur is combusted in burner chamber  40 . The combustion of sulphur and its attendant gas generation may be controlled as discussed above related to FIGS. 8A through 8E. In this way the sulphur gases can be generated on-site in an on-demand basis. Sulphur gases exit burn chamber  40  through exhaust opening  60 . Sulphur gases pass through gas pipeline  70  to injector  510 . Injector  510  is an injector which draws fluids or gases into a pressurized system at a point of differential pressure. The preferred injector  510  is a Mazzei™ Injector made by Mazzei Injector Corporation, Bakersfield, Calif., U.S.A. Injector  510  operates upon water flow in an existing water line  500  having a flow of water. Injector  510  creates a differential pressure in line  500 , across injector  510 . The differential pressure draws or introduces sulphur gases in gas pipeline  70  into water line  500  without the necessity of pressurizing the sulphur gas. Injector  510  introduces the sulphur gas(es) directly into the water subject to treatment. A pressure relief valve  520  can be located along line  500 . FIGS. 3B and 3C. If gases and/or vapors are permitted to be discharged at valve  520  causing a visible plume, a remote demister  300  with a heat source  360  and auxiliary power  370  can be used to substantially eliminate any visible discharge plume. This application is particularly suited to landfill application where water, gases and/or vapors are conducts over a distance away from the apparatus or where it is desirable to spray or sprinkle acidic aqueous solution over fields or over landfills to treat and/or neutralize otherwise undesirable soils, waste, fertilizers and/or smells in cases where precision in solution of sulphur gases into aqueous solutions may vary. The devices and function of FIGS. 3B and 3C described herein provide means for passively introducing or injecting sulphur gases into a pressurized fluid line.  
         [0137]    All of the foregoing burner chamber configurations permit the user to generate needed sulphur gases on-site thereby avoiding the costly purchase, transportation, and containment of preexisting sulphur gas delivery systems.  
         [0138]    Therefore, as illustrated, the present invention contemplates and discloses a variety of means for substantially eliminating any discharge plume or cloud often associated with exiting gases and/or vapors.  
         [0139]    Conditioning Intake Air Prior to Combustion of Sulphur  
         [0140]    In order to maximize combustion and in order to avoid combustion problems associated with humid climates or temperature concerns, conditioning intake air prior to combustion has proved beneficial and desirable. This can be accomplished in a number of ways.  
         [0141]    In operation, burn chamber  40  and ascending pipe  72  become very hot. In one embodiment, the present invention also comprises a device to utilize radiant heat of combustion to preheat and/or dry intake air. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a heater  400  comprises a heat barrier  410 . Heat barrier  410  is disposed a distance away from ascending pipe  72  along a length of pipe  72 . Heat barrier  410  acts to trap radiant heat from pipe  72  and/or burn chamber  40 . Air is permitted to enter the space between barrier  410  and pipe  72  and/or burn chamber  40 . Barrier  410  defines an opening  430  to which one end of pipe  420  is attached. Another end of pipe  420  is attached to air inlet  56 . In this way, intake air can be preheated and/or dried.  
         [0142]    While the figures illustrate barrier  410  as annular cuff or sleeve, barrier  410  could be any shape or configuration which, when disposed along a length of pipe  72  and a distance from pipe  72 , traps sufficient heat to condition intake air.  
         [0143]    Alternatively, and suitable heating device which could be adapted to inlet  56  may be employed, including devices similar to heat source  360 . The flow of sulphur dioxide gas and water through the apparatus/system is depicted in flow diagram FIG. 10.  
         [0144]    [0144]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 . A supplemental or secondary pump  290  supplies water to auxiliary means  240  through a supplemental water conduit hose  294  and to conduit  295 . 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. See FIGS. 9, 9A and  9 B. The arrow in FIGS. 9 and 9B show one water source pipe  280  being split three ways to serve to means  100 , means  240 , and stack  265 . 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.  
         [0145]    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.