Scrubbing processes impure liquids

Other Pyrochemical Processes. The chemistry of pyrochemi-cal separation processes is another fertile area of research e.g., new molten salt systems, scrub alloys, etc. and the behavior of plutonium in these systems. Studies of liquid plutonium metal processes should also be explored, such as filtration methods to remove impurities. Since Rocky Flats uses plutonium in the metal form, methods to convert plutonium compounds to metal and purify the metal directly are high-priority research projects. 

Any post-consumer plastic stream will contain some halogens in the form of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, brominated flame retardants, halogenated additives, food waste, or salt. Therefore, two issues must be considered. First, the gas stream resulting from the depolymerization of plastics must be scrubbed to remove any halogenated gases to satisfy emissions controls. Second, halogens in the liquid product must be minimized to increase its value and marketability. Therefore the Conrad process has been developed. It is a robust process unit that can accommodate a variable feedstream and produce a consistent product, free of nonhydrocarbon impurities by low feed preparation costs. 

Figure 5.3 illustrates a process to manufacture acetylene from calcium carbide. The carbide is introduced by a screw conveyor into a perforated horizontal cylinder housed in a concentric envelope. Water is sprayed inside the internal shell. The acetylene formed passes upstream through the screw conveyor to a scrubbing tower, where, a new water spray carries off most, of the solids conveyed by the gas. The residual lime and carbide impurities are removed by a screw conveyor to a sludge receiver. The acetylene is cooled to — 10°C to condense most of the water. It is then purified by contact with dilute sulfuric acid in a liquid liquid absorber, and then with sodium hypochlorite prepared by the action of chlorine on caustic soda, to. remove impurities. The acetylene is then cooled to 0°C for the more complete separation of moisture. The final product nevertheless still contains 0.4 per cent by weight of water, which is suitable for most uses. More intensive dehydratation can be achieved by passage over silicagel. 

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