BE1028315B1 - PROCEDURE FOR DEDUCTING ACTIVE CARBON CONTAINERS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for dedusting container containers containing activated carbon. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for dedusting containers containing activated carbon which are suitable for the purification of a gas. The invention further relates to the use of overpressure for dedusting activated carbon.

Description

METHOD FOR DEDUCTING ACTIVE CARBON CONTAINERS BE2020/5720

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for dedusting activated carbon by exposing the activated carbon to an overpressure. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for dedusting activated carbon in a container usable for the purification of gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Activated carbon based adsorbents are ubiquitous in various industrial sectors.

The popularity of activated carbon for the purification of liquids and gases is largely due to the large adsorption surface of the carbon, which is obtained by its porous microstructure. This microstructure is obtained by a physical or chemical treatment of carbon-rich material that will lead to pore formation. The precise size of the pores depends on the origin of the carbon-rich starting material and the specific activation process (Bansal et al., Activated carbon adsorption, 2005, Taylor Francis Group).

Today, activated carbon adsorption is considered one of the most effective ways to purify gas. When activated carbon is used for the purification of gases, the activated carbon is first transferred to a sealed container that can be connected to the supply and discharge of a gas stream.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By filling the container with activated carbon, however, activated carbon is released, which when this container is put into operation is entrained in the gas stream to be purified. As a result, gases with sub-optimal purities are obtained. In addition, opening the activated carbon container may release dust clouds that are harmful to workers in the vicinity of the opened container (Wehr et al., Pneumoconiosis among the activated-carbon workers, Arch. Environ. Health, 1975 ). Finally, this dust formation is also harmful when it infiltrates equipment, which can cause obstructions or overheating (Wirling et al., Safety aspects in the use of carbonaceous sorbents during waste gas treatment, Metall. Plant Technol. Int., 2007).

Activated carbon is usually screened before or during transfer to a filter installation.

However, sieving can only absorb the dust formation to a limited extent, since a large fraction of the dust is only formed when the activated carbon ends up in the container of the gas filter installation. Additionally, there may be dust attached to the surface of the activated carbon that cannot be removed by sieving. There is therefore a need to develop improved BE2020/5720 processes to counteract the presence of activated carbon dust in a filter installation. Related to this, there is also a need to provide activated carbon containing containers, columns, and filters that contain a minimum of polluting activated carbon. The present technology described herein provides an efficient and easy to implement solution to the above problem in the prior art. The invention described herein concerns a method and use in which activated carbon is removed by creating an overpressure in an activated carbon containing container and subsequently allowing this container to deflate. As a result of the release, the overpressure will leave the activated carbon-containing container, with the dust being entrained from the container due to the air movement. The method and use have the advantage over the prior art that dedusting only takes place after the activated carbon has been transferred into the container. After dedusting, therefore, no manipulations of the activated carbon should be carried out that (may) cause dust again. The technology described can be applied to any container or filter that has a facility to supply gas or (compressed) air. In addition, the invention relates to an activated carbon containing plant with a low amount of residual dust which can be obtained by the technology described herein.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of dedusting an activated carbon containing container to remove contaminants from a gas comprising exposing the contents of the container to a pressure greater than the pressure outside the container and depressurizing the container .

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the container is exposed to a pressure at least 15 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, preferably to a pressure that is from 20 kPa to 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the relaxation of the container is done by changing the position of at least one closing mechanism forming part of or connected to the container from a closed position to an open position.

In particular, the method as described herein provides for the relaxation of the container to take place in a time span of less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 2 seconds.

In particular, the method as described herein provides for the position of at least one closing mechanism to change from a closed position to an open position when a preset pressure limit is reached in the container, preferably in an automatic manner.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that after release of the BE2020/5720 container, the position of the at least one closing mechanism is changed from an open position to a closed position.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the position of the at least one closing mechanism changes from a closed to an open position in less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.5 seconds.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that after deceleration dust is collected in a second container connected to the activated carbon containing container, preferably connected by a closing mechanism.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the activated carbon containing container is a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel.

In particular, the method as described herein provides for a reduction of at least 30% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 50% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 75% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 90% in the number of dust particles takes place.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the amount of dedusting corresponds to the difference between the amount of dust particles in a gas passed through the carbon-containing container before and after the method.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the activated carbon containing container contains activated carbon of granular form, extruded form, pearl form, impregnated form, polymer coated form, woven form, or any combination thereof.

In particular, the method as described herein provides that the pressure is increased by the addition of compressed air.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of overpressure for dedusting activated carbon.

In particular, the use as described herein provides that the activated carbon is exposed to the overpressure in a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel.

In a further aspect, an installation arranged for the purification of a gas is provided, wherein the container contains activated carbon, characterized in that the activated carbon has been dedusted so that the activated carbon has a minimum transmission of 40%.

Additionally, the present invention provides the use of an activated carbon containing container as described herein for extracting contaminants from a gas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION BE2020/5720 Before describing the present method, use and installation of the invention, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to specific systems and methods or combinations described in view of such methods. , installations and combinations can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, as the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. As used herein, the singular forms "the", "the", and "an" include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprising" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "including" or "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unlisted members, parts or method steps It will be understood that the terms "comprising", "comprising" and "composed of" as used herein include the terms "consisting of" and "consisting of".

The listing of numeric ranges with endpoints includes all numbers and fractions that fall within the associated ranges, as well as the listed endpoints.

The term "about" or "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a length of time and the like, is intended to vary +/-10% or less, preferably +/- 5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less and even more preferably +/-0.1% or less of the specified value, insofar as such variations are suitable to be used in the disclosed invention. It should be understood that the value to which the modifier "approximately" or "approximately" refers is itself also specific and preferably described.

While the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more members or at least one member of a group of members, are self-explanatory, the terms include by way of further explanation a reference to one of said members or to any two or more of said members, such as any 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In particular, the teachings of all references specifically referenced herein are incorporated by reference.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in describing the technology, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which such technology belongs.

By way of further guidance, the definitions of the terms are included to better understand the teachings of the present technology BE2020/5720. In the following passages, various aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Any aspect defined as such may be combined with any other aspect or any other aspects unless clearly stated to the contrary. In particular, any feature designated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features designated as preferred or advantageous. Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure or feature disclosed in connection with the embodiment is incorporated into at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at various places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but could. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or properties may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this specification. While certain embodiments described herein include some features incorporated in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features of different embodiments are further intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention, and constitute separate embodiments, as would be apparent from experts in the field. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed as limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

In a first aspect, the current technology relates to a method of dedusting an activated carbon containing container to remove contaminants from a gas, the method comprising exposing the contents of the container to a pressure greater than the pressure outside the container , and relax the container.

The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that the method as described herein brings about a noticeable improvement over the prior art. By exposing the contents of the container to a pressure higher than the pressure outside the container and then relaxing the container by releasing pressure, dust is generated by transferring the activated carbon to the container and diverted from the container. In addition, the method is capable of removing or at least reducing dust adhering to the walls of the container, to the outer surface of the activated carbon particles, and/or within the pores of the activated carbon. This dedusting cannot be obtained by procedures or methods known in the art such as, inter alia, BE2020/5720 sieving techniques.

Furthermore, the method as described herein is universally applicable to any activated carbon-containing container that can be {temporarily} airtightly sealed, regardless of the purpose for which the activated carbon-containing container is configured, or what dimensions the activated carbon-containing container consists of.

As used to describe the present technology, the terms "activated carbon", "activated carbon", "activated carbon", "activated carbon", "collactivit", and "Norit" generally refer to a carbon-retaining matter that exists in part or in large part from carbon.

In particular is meant a material which has undergone a thermal and/or chemical activating process and therefore contains a large number of pores, which drastically increases the contact surface of this substance compared to non-activated material.

Methods of manufacturing activated carbon are described in detail in the prior art (including in Viswanathan et al, Methods of activation and specific applications of carbon materials, 2009). Activated carbon is distinguished by a high adsorption capacity of one or more substances. "Adsorption" as used to describe the present technology refers to an adhesion of atoms, ions or molecules to a surface.

Commonly used characteristics to further define activated carbon include the Brunauer-Emmet and Teller (BET) value which is indicative of the internal surface area of the activated carbon, the hardness, the ash percentage, the water content, the iodine number also indicative of the total surface area of the activated carbon, density and butane number.

A standard test for measuring iodine capacity is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D4607-14 method.

The percentage of ash is generally expressed in the prior art in percentage by weight. "Percentage by weight", "wt%", or "mass percentage" refers to a quantitative expression of the relative mass amount of a particular component and therefore the ratio between the mass of the component and the total mass.

An alternative indication of the relative weight contribution of a component can be expressed as a “weight fraction” obtained by dividing the weight percentage by 100. A non-limiting example of a method to measure the density of activated carbon is ASTM D2854-09(2019 ) method.

As used herein, the term "dedusting" refers to a treatment or procedure in which dust is removed from a device, surface, or substance to be dedusted. “Dedusting” can alternatively be defined as removing or separating a dry matter from another matter.

Removal or separation aims to obtain at least two kinds of matter, in the context of the present technology one kind of matter is dedusted activated carbon and the second kind of matter is extracted dust.

In a broad interpretation, dedusting can be interpreted as a form of cleaning.

The term "dedusting" as used herein to describe the present technology means the removal of dust(particles) and/or BE2020/5720 ash(particles) of activated carbon from a container containing activated carbon.

In an embodiment of the present invention, dust comprises carbon particles having a diameter smaller than twice, preferably five times, preferably ten times and even up to one hundred times the standard deviation of the mean particle size of the activated carbon containing the dust.

In certain embodiments, the mean diameter of the dust particles is twice, preferably five times, preferably ten times, preferably twenty times smaller than the mean diameter of the mean size of the activated carbon containing the dust.

The diameter of the undesired dust particles is generally smaller than the diameter of the desired activated carbon particles or granules.

However, unwanted dust particles larger than the desired activated carbon particles can also be removed from the container by the method described herein if the mass of a dust particle is distinctly greater than the mass of the desired activated carbon particles.

Thus, in another embodiment, the dust comprises particles having a mass that is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% greater than the average mass of the activated carbon particles.

The amount of dust that is removed can be expressed in several ways.

The prior art generally uses terms such as or similar to "degree of dust removal", "amount of dust removal", "reduction of the amount of dust", "dust reduction", or even "dust removal". One skilled in the art understands that the specific degree of dedusting is dependent on various parameters such as, but not limited to, the parameters described herein.

The gas that can be purified by the activated carbon containing container can be any gas.

Non-limiting applications of activated carbon in which the present technology can offer added value include air purification and environmental protection, purification of process gases, ventilation of storage containers, desulphurisation of natural gas, and purification of waste odors and/or chemicals, purification of biogas.

The term "container" as used herein refers to any container or enclosure for storing a product.

A person skilled in the art understands that a container can be made of different kinds of matter and can have different colors, coatings, shapes and sizes and that each of these containers is envisioned in the technology described herein.

In order to be able to implement the present technology, it is necessary that the container has an airtight character, or can be adapted to (temporarily) obtain an airtight character.

The term "container" also includes mobile containers, i.e. containers that are movable or specifically designed to be moved, whether or not designed to be a modular unit connectable to different filter installations, preferably filter installations equipped for the purification of gas.

Mobile containers are containers configured for (simple and/or user-friendly)

(loading) loading and unloading of the container at any location. Alternatively, mobile containers BE2020/5720 can be described as containers that can be detached from usable means of transport. Preferably, mobile containers as contemplated herein are containers that are interchangeable in a treatment plant, and provide the ability to transport them as a separate part for non-limiting purposes such as, inter alia, repair (repair), replacement, or maintenance. Non-limiting examples of useful means of transport for mobile containers are cars, vans, trucks, buses, trains, and ships. The present technology is suitable for any container susceptible to increased pressure. The present technology is so flexible and adaptable that it can be easily adapted to different configurations of containers equipped for the purification of gases. In certain embodiments, the container is a tank container.

The container may be of any shape such as, inter alia, cylindrical, cubic, spherical, trapezoidal, pyramidal, or any combination or concatenation of shapes. By shape in the context of the present technology is meant the general shape of the container, excluding local bulges or curvatures caused by, inter alia, closing mechanisms. The container can consist of all kinds of materials, provided that the chosen material is sufficient to be able to apply a desired pressure according to the method of the invention. Possible materials for the container are in particular metals such as steel or aluminum or plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polythene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), other plastics, or any combination of these. In particular, glass fiber reinforced polymers or other composite materials are contemplated.

In an embodiment according to the invention, a container has an inlet and an outlet so that a gas to be purified can be led into the container via the inlet, passed through it and then left the container via the outlet. The inlet and outlet are preferably provided with a closing mechanism which can either be removed or opened when installing the container as a filter in a treatment plant. The inlet and outlet of the container may be provided on opposite sides of the container or on the same side or on different sides of the container which are not necessarily opposite to each other.

The method as described herein can be applied to any container arranged for the purification of a gas, wherein the nature or composition of the gas is not limiting to the invention. Non-limiting examples of gases to be purified for which the container can be arranged include: sewage gas, biogas, landfill gas, synthetic gas, combustion gas, effluent gas, mine gas, coal-fired power station gas, or any combination of these.

As used herein, the terms "exposure to" and "exposure" refer to contacting the contents of the activated carbon containing container BE2020/5720 at a particular pressure different from the pressure outside the container. This pressure can be obtained and/or introduced in various ways. Non-limiting examples to obtain an overpressure in the container are introducing a (compressed) gas, heating the closed container, or evaporating a liquid in the container, evaporating residual water in the pores of the coal, or any other any combination of these. This positive pressure difference can be equally expressed by the term "overpressure". One skilled in the art understands that the term is not limiting to the amount of pressure, the period (duration) of exposure to the pressure, or the rate of pressure build-up. The exposure to the elevated pressure as provided in the disclosed technology is also not limiting on the origin, type, or temperature of the gas. The gas used to create the overpressure may furthermore contain specific components which exert a cleaning or activating effect on the activated carbon. One skilled in the art understands that exposure of the contents of the activated carbon containing container to overpressure can be accomplished by adding a mixture of air or gases, optionally containing further cleaning characteristics.

The term "relaxed" as used herein is indicative of the removal of the elevated pressure in the activated carbon containing container. The relaxation can be partial (partial) or complete. Partial relaxation indicates that the relaxation causes a pressure drop in the container, the new level of pressure in the container after relaxation still increases relative to the pressure outside the container. Complete relaxation of the container is indicative of equalizing the pressure inside the container to the pressure outside the container, the new pressure being optionally atmospheric pressure. It is known in the art that the average atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury), corresponding to 1013 hPa, 1.013 bar, and 1 atmosphere. An alternative term for atmospheric pressure is norm pressure.

In certain embodiments, the method described herein consists of exposing the activated carbon containing container to a pressure at least 15 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, preferably to a pressure from 20 kPa to 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container is exposed to a pressure that is between 15 kPa and 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container is exposed to a pressure ranging between 20 kPa and 300 kPa, preferably between 20 kPa and 200 kPa, preferably between 25 kPa and 200 kPa, preferably between 25 kPa and 200 kPa, at preferably between 30 kPa and 100 kPa, preferably between 30 kPa and 50 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container. In further embodiments, the activated carbon containing container is subjected to a pressure of about 35 kPa. In alternative embodiments, the activated carbon containing container is exposed to a pressure BE2020/5720 which is at least 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container. In further embodiments, the activated carbon containing container is exposed to an overpressure relative to the pressure outside the container in combination below a temperature that is higher than the temperature outside the container. In alternative embodiments, the overpressure in the activated carbon-containing container is partly obtained by manipulation of the pressure outside the container, for instance a reduction of the pressure outside the container. In certain embodiments, the overpressure is partially or completely achieved by heating the (contents of) the container.

In certain embodiments, the release of the container occurs in a time span of less than 10 seconds. In certain embodiments, the release of the container takes place in less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 2 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.5 second. In certain embodiments, the release of the container takes place in a time span of between 1 minute and 0.1 second, preferably between 30 seconds and 0.2 second, preferably between 15 seconds and 0.5 second. In certain embodiments, release occurs before the at least one closure mechanism reaches its extreme open position. One skilled in the art understands that the precise time required to achieve relaxation of the container is dependent on various parameters such as but not limited to the dimensions of the container, the flow rate of the at least one closing mechanism, and the pressure difference within the container and outside the container.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the relaxation of the activated carbon containing container is done by changing the position of at least one closing mechanism included in or connected to the container from a closed position to an open position. In certain embodiments, the at least one closure mechanism is physically connected directly to the container. In alternative embodiments, the at least one closure mechanism is physically connected to the container by means of a supply hose. In certain embodiments, the at least one sealing mechanism is the only sealing mechanism that is part of or connected to the container. In alternative embodiments, there are at least two, at least three, at least four or at least five sealing mechanisms connected to the container. In certain embodiments, release occurs by simultaneously or nearly simultaneously opening more than one closure mechanism connected to the container. In certain embodiments, the at least one closure mechanism connected to the container allows both application of pressure to and release of the container. In alternative embodiments, the relaxation of the container is done by bringing into open position a closing mechanism which is not the closing mechanism BE2020/5720 which allows or effectuates pressure supply. The term "closure mechanism" as used herein refers to a manipulable connection member and refers to an engineering mechanism for controlling the flow of a physical medium. In the context of the present technology, the physical medium is a gas, mixtures of gases, a liquid, or a mixture of liquids. The connection is manipulable in the sense that the passage or non-passage of a physical medium can be controlled manually and/or automatically. The term "closed position" describes a well-defined relative position of several closing mechanism parts with respect to each other. In a closed position, a closure mechanism is impermeable and impermeable to a substance, usually gas or air in the context of the present technology, unless another substance is explicitly mentioned. Non-limiting examples of shut-off mechanisms are valves, valves, and shut-offs. In certain embodiments, the intended closing mechanisms are valves. In alternative embodiments, the intended shut-off mechanisms are valves, for example butterfly valves or reducing valves. In still alternative embodiments where more than one closure mechanism is described, the present technology includes any combination of valves, valves, and shut-offs. In embodiments where a valve is contemplated, this valve may be actuated by the following non-limiting manipulations: turning, pressing, cranking, or lifting. Automatic valves are also contemplated in the present technology. Automatic shut-off mechanisms are indicative of shut-off mechanisms that can be operated remotely (electrically), for example by means of an electromagnet, electric motor, pneumatic, or compressed air.

A person skilled in the art is aware that an airtight sealing mechanism can also be regarded as a watertight sealing mechanism. An "open position" of the closure mechanism is indicative of a position of the components of the closure mechanism with respect to each other configured so that complete closure no longer occurs, thus allowing exchange of gas flows or air flows. A partially open closure mechanism, being a closure mechanism in a partially open position, may be considered a closure mechanism in an open position within the scope of the technology described herein.

In further embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the position of at least one closing mechanism changes, preferably in an automatic manner, from a closed position to an open position when a preset pressure limit is reached in the container. In certain embodiments, the pressure limit is dependent on the characteristics of the container. In certain embodiments, the pressure limit is arbitrarily set. In certain embodiments where more than one closure mechanism is connected to the container, the closed position of one closure mechanism, multiple closure mechanisms, or all BE2020/5720 closure mechanisms may automatically change to an open position. In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the position of at least one closure mechanism changes in an automated manner from a closed position to an open position when a preset pressure limit is reached in the container, followed by a change in the position of at least one closing mechanism from the open position to the closed position when a second preset pressure limit is reached in the container. In certain embodiments, a first preset pressure limit is at least 30 kPa higher than a second preset pressure limit. In certain embodiments, the method as described herein also includes (automatically) changing the closing mechanism from an open position to a closed position when a certain amount of pressure is released from the container, or when atmospheric pressure in the container is achieved by releasing the container. In certain embodiments, the closing mechanism is a pressure valve.

The term "pressure limit" as used in the description of the present technology refers to a preset pressure value. "Automated change" as used to describe the present invention refers to a change in position of at least one closure mechanism upon reaching a certain pressure limit and/or temperature.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that upon release of the container, the position of at least one closing mechanism is changed from an open position to a closed position. In certain embodiments, relaxation is achieved by decreasing the pressure in the activated carbon container to atmospheric pressure. In certain embodiments, relaxation is achieved when the pressure in the activated carbon-containing container reaches the same pressure as the pressure in a space or container connected to the activated carbon-containing container by means of at least one closing mechanism.

In alternative embodiments, the position of at least one closure mechanism is changed from an open position to a closed position after partial relaxation, provided that the pressure difference before and after relaxation is at least 15 kPa. In further embodiments, the pressure difference is between 15 kPa and 300 kPa, preferably between 15 kPa and 200 kPa, preferably between 20 kPa and 150 kPa, preferably between 20 kPa and 100 kPa, preferably between 20 kPa and 50 kPa. In alternative embodiments, the differential pressure is greater than 300 kPa. In certain embodiments, the change of position of at least one closing mechanism from open position to closed position is done automatically. In certain embodiments, the position of at least two closing mechanisms changes from an open position to a closed position, preferably automatically.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the BE2020/5720 position of the at least one closing mechanism changes from a closed to an open position in less than 10 seconds. In certain embodiments, the position of the at least one closing mechanism changes from a closed to an open position in less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.5 second, preferably less than 0.2 second, preferably less than 0.1 second. In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the contents of the activated carbon-containing container are subjected to a pressure at least 15 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, and that the container then relaxes in a time span of less than 10 minutes. seconds. In further embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the contents of the activated carbon containing container are subjected to a pressure which is between 15 kPa and 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, and that the container subsequently relaxes over a period of between 20 seconds and 0.2 seconds. In further embodiments, the contents of the activated carbon containing container are exposed to a pressure which is between 15 kPa and 100 kPa, preferably between 20 kPa and 100 kPa, preferably between 25 kPa and 100 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, and that the container then relaxes in a time span of between 10 seconds and 0.2 seconds, preferably between 5 seconds and 0.2 seconds. In an alternative embodiment, the method as described herein is characterized in that the contents of the activated carbon containing container are exposed to a pressure which is at least 15 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container and that the container subsequently relaxes in a time span of less than 0.5. seconds.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is adapted so that after relaxation the dust is collected in a second container connected to the activated carbon containing container. In further embodiments, the second container is connected to the activated carbon containing container by a closing mechanism. A person skilled in the art understands that the second container can be equipped with different closing mechanisms that are able to establish a connection with different types of activated carbon containing containers. A skilled person furthermore understands that the intended second container can be regarded as a universally connectable container, or a multivalently connectable container.

In certain embodiments, the second container is a mobile container, preferably equipped with at least two different closing mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the second container includes a structural configuration that permits emptying of the container, preferably without using the structural member (e.g., a closure mechanism) that establishes connection with the activated carbon containing container. In further embodiments, the structural configuration is a hatch. In certain embodiments, the container is structurally rigid.

In alternative embodiments, the shape of the second container is variable. In certain BE2020/5720 embodiments, the second container is (partially) transparent. In certain embodiments, the second container is connected or connectable to a facility or supply of moisture, preferably a facility or supply of water.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is adapted so that the activated carbon containing container is a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel. In further embodiments, the activated carbon containing container contains in addition to activated carbon a second matter containing adsorbent characteristics. In certain embodiments, the (mobile) filter vessel contains a compressor connected to the space in which the activated carbon is located. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container includes a hatch configured for filling and/or emptying the activated carbon container. The term "filter" as used herein refers to the standard definition of a filter in the art. “Filter” thus refers to a medium used to separate solids from liquids and/or gases. A filter as described in the present technology is thus indicative of a medium that can perform a filtering function using any mechanical, physical or even biological operations. Filters are generally designed to retain certain substances in a liquid and/or a gas without impeding the passage or flow of the liquid or gas. The filter may contain a single layer of activated carbon, such as a screen or filter bed, but may also contain one or more activated carbon filter layers forming a matrix of regular or irregular channels. The term "filter vessel" as used herein refers to a container containing at least one input and output for the gas to be purified so that the gas can flow through the container and the carbon contained therein. In further embodiments, the activated carbon containing container includes a second hatch for emptying the activated carbon from the container. In further embodiments, the hatch for filling the container with activated carbon is located at the top of the container. In still further embodiments, the hatch for emptying the container is located at the bottom of the container. In still further embodiments, a complete gas purification process comprising the present technology can be described as follows: i) filling a first airtight container with activated carbon, preferably through a hatch located at the top of the container; ii) exposing the contents of the airtight container to a pressure greater than the pressure outside the container; iii) relaxing the activated carbon containing container, preferably by changing the position of a closing mechanism connected to or forming part of the container. Optionally, BE2020/5720 the activated carbon is collected in a second container; iv) effecting a gas flow through the activated carbon containing container, wherein the gas flow contains a gas to be purified; and optionally v) emptying the activated carbon from the first airtight container, preferably through a hatch located at the bottom of the container. Based on the present technology and the described application forms, one skilled in the art understands that further steps can be added to the above process, such as but not limited to disconnecting or stopping the gas flow before emptying the first airtight container.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that dedusting results in a reduction of at least 30% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 50% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 75% in number of dust particles, preferably at least 90% in number dust particles.

In certain embodiments, the disclosed method provides at least one sample of the gas stream passed through the activated carbon containing container. In certain embodiments, the amount of dedusting corresponds to the difference between the amount of dust particles in a gas passed through the carbon-containing container before and after the process. In alternative embodiments, the amount of residual dust in the active container after dedusting by the method described herein is checked by comparing the gas supplied before passage through the activated carbon containing container with the supplied gas after passing through the activated carbon containing container. In alternative embodiments, the amount of residual dust is checked by comparing the amount of dust in gas after passage through the activated carbon containing container with a reference value.

A skilled person understands that a reference value is dependent on various parameters, including but not limited to the type and/or shape of the activated carbon in the container. In alternative embodiments, the dust content of the activated carbon in the container is checked by a standard test. A skilled person is aware of the method of carrying out these tests. In certain embodiments of the present technology, the sample typically winds at predetermined times. In certain embodiments, the method described herein is repeated several times until a certain residual amount of substance is detected. In certain embodiments, the method as described herein provides for additional tests to be performed to characterize the activated carbon, such as but not limited to a test to determine the moisture content of the activated carbon.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the BE2020/5720 activated carbon container contains activated carbon of granular form, extruded form, bead form, impregnated form, polymer coated form, woven form, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the present technology is characterized in that the activated carbon containing container contains reactivated activated carbon, or a mixture of virgin activated carbon and reactivated carbon.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the activated carbon is additionally screened before it is introduced into the container, or while it is introduced into the container.

In certain embodiments, the activated carbon used is a mixture of activated carbon of different origin, and/or (re)activated by different (re)activation processes.

As used herein, the term "reactivated carbon" refers to an activated carbon that has been recycled after saturation for a subsequent use, which may or may not be the same as the first or previous use.

Reactivated carbon is used both to repeat a previous application where the activated carbon was used or to perform another application.

A person skilled in the art understands that the origin of the activated carbon is not limiting for the possibility of carrying out the present technology.

In certain embodiments, the process as described herein is adapted to purify methane-containing gases such as biogas, landfill gas, mine gas, marsh gas, or natural gas, preferably desulphurizing methane-containing gases.

The term "methane-containing gas" in the context of the present technology should be interpreted as a gas containing at least 10%, preferably 20%, preferably 30%, preferably 40%, preferably 50% methane.

The types of activated carbon useful in the present technology can be classified on the basis of size of the activated carbon particles, their activation process, and possibly industrial applications.

One skilled in the art understands that virtually all forms of activated carbon are contemplated in the present technology.

Powdered activated carbon is generally described as activated carbon smaller than 1.0 mm in size.

When adapting the present technology so that the method described herein can be performed on powdered activated carbon, it is appropriate that the powdered activated carbon can be distinguished from the activated carbon on the basis of mass.

Granular activated carbon is characterized by a larger diameter than powdered activated carbon resulting in a smaller external surface area than observed with powdered activated carbon.

Granular activated carbon can be further divided into granular activated carbon and extruded granular activated carbon.

Granular activated carbon is generally considered to be extremely suitable for purifying gases and liquids.

Non-limiting examples of granular activated carbon are the sizes 8x20, 20x40, and 8x30 commonly used in the purification of BE2020/5720 liquids and the sizes 4x6, 4x8, and 4x10 for the purification of gases. One skilled in the art is aware of this size designation and understands that by way of illustration a 20x40 granular activated carbon may be passed through a US standard sieve #20 (0.84 mm) but will be retained through a US standard sieve #40 (0.42 mm) . Extruded activated carbon is produced by combining powdered activated carbon with a binder, where the bonded activated carbon is then extruded into a cylindrical or spherical shape, usually with a diameter between 0.8 and 130 mm. Impregnated activated carbon as described in the present technology is indicative of activated carbon further containing one or more inorganic impregnates. Non-limiting examples of impregnates are aluminum, manganese, zinc, iron, lithium, calcium, iodine, and silver. A polymer-coated activated carbon is activated carbon that contains a layer of biocompatible polymer on the outer surface without this layer blocking access to the pores. Finally, woven activated carbon is based on processing rayon fibers into activated carbon.

In certain embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the pressure in the container is increased by the addition of compressed air or a gas mixture. In alternative embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the pressure in the container is increased by addition of a gas of a composition corresponding to the gas to be purified. In further embodiments, the method as described herein is characterized in that the pressure in the container is increased by a mixture of the gas to be purified and compressed air. In certain embodiments, the compressed air or gas mixture is complemented with additional components that contain a cleaning and/or activating function. The cleaning function of one or more additional components can relate to cleaning the activated carbon, cleaning the internal container walls, cleaning the supply and/or discharge parts that lead the gas stream to be purified to and from the container containing activated carbon, or achieve a cleaning of any combination of these components. The term "compressed air" as used in the description of the present technology refers to compressed air obtained by methods known in the art.

In a further aspect, the present technology contemplates a computer-based method for dedusting activated carbon, comprising entering the activated carbon characteristic into a user interface, calculating an optimum overpressure by the computer, exposing the activated carbon in a container to the overpressure calculated by the computer, and relaxing the container. In certain embodiments, entering the activated carbon characteristics includes entering the dust percentage. In alternative embodiments, the dust percentage of the activated carbon present in the container is automatically detected by the computer, preferably by means of one or more sensors, for example optical sensors. In further BE2020/5720 embodiments, the computer-based method is performed automatically when a hatch adapted for adding activated carbon to the container is closed. It was further established that the use of overpressure is extremely suitable for dedusting activated carbon and that its use can be configured based on the needs for dedusting the activated carbon. The inventors have also discovered that the degree of dust removal is generally proportional to the pressure difference. The use of overpressure to dedust activated carbon can be applied to any activated carbon containing container, whether it is a fixed or mobile container. The precise function of the activated carbon-containing container is also not limiting for achieving the present technology and it can thus be used for the dedusting of the following illustrative and non-limiting types of containers: activated carbon-containing filter vessels, activated carbon storage containers, containers designed for (re)activating carbon-rich matter, containers designed for impregnating activated carbon, and containers designed for extruding activated carbon.

The use of overpressure for dedusting an activated carbon containing container can stand alone or be implemented in a larger whole of activated carbon handling processes and/or processes in which one falls back on the adsorbent properties of activated carbon for the purification of liquids or gases, preferably gases. In certain embodiments, the magnitude of the pressure difference is adapted to a previously measured dust content in the gas to be purified. In certain embodiments, an existing container is placed in and completely enclosed by a container in which one can generate a desired overpressure. In certain embodiments, the use of overpressure in the activated carbon containing container is combined with known alternative cleaning methods known in the art. In certain embodiments, the use of positive pressure is repeated several times, preferably at least twice, preferably at least three times, preferably at least more than three times to further minimize residual dust. In further embodiments, the use of an identical overpressure multiple times is contemplated to further minimize a residual amount of dust. In alternative embodiments, the use of different gauges of overpressure is contemplated to further minimize residual dust. In still further embodiments, increasing pressure differences are used sequentially to further minimize a residual amount of dust. In certain embodiments, the use of an overpressure of 30 kPa to 300 kPa is contemplated to dedust an activated carbon containing container. The use of the present technology is applicable to any single or repeated use activated carbon containing container or installation for purifying gases or liquids, preferably gases.

In certain embodiments, the use as described herein is characterized in that the BE2020/5720 activated carbon is exposed to the overpressure in a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel.

In certain embodiments, the activated carbon is already contained in a container configured to perform a filtering function, the container preferably being a (mobile) filter vessel.

In alternative embodiments, the use as described herein is characterized in that the activated carbon exposed to the overpressure is contained in a container not configured to perform a filtering function and thus the activated carbon must be transferred to a container at least one more time. arranged to perform a filtering function.

One skilled in the art understands that the use of positive pressure to dedust a container containing activated carbon can be performed by a series of manual operations, by a series of automated operations, or by a combination of manual and automated operations.

In a further aspect, the inventors have discovered that mobile activated carbon containing containers contain only a small amount of dust and are therefore extremely suitable for gas purification.

These containers are capable of producing purified gas with an increased degree of purity compared to activated carbon containing containers known in the prior art.

In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container of activated carbon is characterized by an average transmission rate of 40% in gas passed through the container.

In further embodiments, the activated carbon containing container of activated carbon is characterized by an average transmission content of 45%, preferably 50%, preferably 55%, preferably 60%, preferably 65%, preferably 70%, preferably 75% preferably 80%, preferably 85%, preferably 90%, preferably 95% in gas passed through the container.

The term "transmission" as used herein refers to transmission through a medium, the medium in the context of the present technology being a gas.

Transmission is a quantitative parameter that depends on the amount of substance present in a gas or gas mixture.

To determine the transmission of the dust content, use can be made of a method in which activated carbon is brought into contact with denatured alcohol, whereby any dust present comes into suspension.

The suspension is then filtered with a sieve and the percentage transmission is measured on the sieved suspension at a wavelength of 440nm.

The higher the transmission, the lower the dust content.

In particular, activated carbon containing containers obtained by the method or use described herein are contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container described herein is equipped with a dust storage reservoir separated from the space of the container containing the activated carbon, preferably by a closure mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container includes a screen preferably at the bottom of the container, wherein the screen can be brought into communication with the environment in which the container is located by opening structural means through which a portion of substance passes through the container. container falls when the activated carbon is placed in the container. In certain embodiments, the storage reservoir acts as a storage space both for the dust obtained by screening the activated carbon on transfer to the container and for the dust obtained by the process based on or using the present technology. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon is wetted in a storage reservoir which facilitates the emptying of the container. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container includes a pressure gauge. The term "pressure gauge" as used herein is indicative of a measuring instrument that measures pressure. In certain embodiments, the container is manufactured to standardized (ISO) standards.

In a further aspect, the use of an activated carbon containing container as described herein is also contemplated for extracting contaminants from a gas. In certain embodiments, the activated carbon containing container used to extract contaminants from a gas is a mobile container. In alternative embodiments, the activated carbon containing container used for extracting contaminants from a gas is a stationary container. In certain embodiments, the contaminants contain sulfur-containing compounds. In alternative embodiments, the contaminants contain flammable substances.

The aspects and embodiments of the invention described in this application are further supported by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Characterization Activated Carbon Dust and Dedusting Samples of activated carbon dusts were analyzed by laser diffraction. Depending on the type of activated carbon, the characteristics of the dust are different.

In the case of coal-based particles, the dust particles have a median size of 70.5um. 47.1% of the sample had a particle size of 63um or less, 75.7% of the sample had a particle size of 200um or less and 98.8% of the sample had a particle size of 500um or less.

The following method can be used to determine the transmission of the dust content: 1.25 g of activated carbon is brought into contact with denatured alcohol (Disolol®), whereby any dust present comes into suspension. The suspension is then filtered with a sieve and the percentage transmission is measured on the sieved suspension at a wavelength of 440nm.

The higher the transmission, the lower the dust content.

The coal-based particles were dedusted by the method described herein. The pellets were dedusted by exposure to an overpressure of 350 mbar for 1 minute after which the container was released.

A dust measurement before and after dedusting shows the BE2020/5720 transmission increases from 60% to 67%. measure dust content (DSTM26) before and after dedusting

Claims (16)

CONCLUSIONS (retyped) BE2020/5720 A method for dedusting an activated carbon containing container to remove contaminants from a gas, the method comprising the steps of: i) exposing the contents of the container to a pressure greater than the pressure outside the container, and ii) relaxing the container. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is exposed to a pressure which is at least 15 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container, preferably to a pressure which is from 20 kPa to 300 kPa higher than the pressure outside the container. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the relaxation of the container takes place in a time span of less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 2 seconds. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relaxation of the container is done by changing the position of at least one closing mechanism forming part of or connected to the container from a closed position to an open position. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the position of at least one closing mechanism changes from a closed position to an open position when a preset pressure limit is reached in the container, preferably in an automated manner. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the closing mechanism is a pressure valve. The method according to claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the position of the at least one closing mechanism changes from a closed to an open position in less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 5 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, at preferably less than 0.5 second. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after relaxation, dust is collected in a second container connected to the activated carbon containing container, preferably connected by a closing mechanism. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the activated carbon containing container is a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by dedusting a reduction of at least 30% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 50% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 75% in the number of dust particles, preferably at least 90% in number of dust particles. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the amount of dedusting BE2020/5720 corresponds to the difference between the amount of dust particles in a gas passed through the carbon-containing container before and after the method. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the activated carbon containing container contains activated carbon of granular form, extruded form, pearl form, impregnated form, polymer coated form, woven form, or any combination thereof. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step i) the pressure is increased by adding compressed air. 14. The use of overpressure for dedusting activated carbon, characterized in that the activated carbon is exposed to the overpressure in a filter vessel, preferably a mobile filter vessel. 15. A mobile activated carbon containing container for the purification of a gas wherein the container contains activated carbon characterized in that the activated carbon has been dedusted and gas passed through the container has a minimum transmission of 40%. The use of an activated carbon containing container according to claim 15, for extracting contaminants from a gas.