Patent ID: 11420158

Abstract:
Process and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and converting an ozone-depleting alkyl halide fumigant from a fumigant/air mixed stream (14) by absorbing it into a metal hydroxide-alcohol buffer solution (26) in an absorber/scrubber (12) to produce a fumigant-free air stream. The captured alkyl halide in aqueous alcohol solution can actively react with the metal hydroxide in alcohol solution to produce a value-added product, such as a precipitate metal halide, and another alcohol that further enhances absorption. The absorbing solution is well-mixed with make-up alcohol and alkali streams to maintain the concentration of the metal hydroxide in the desired buffer solution range. The solid precipitate metal halide is separated from the liquid stream, and the metal hydroxide-containing mixed alcohol stream is recycled to the absorber/scrubber (12).