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Method and apparatus for regenerating activated carbon containing an adsorbed volatile organic absorbate

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6452878
A method is described for regenerating spent activated carbon containing adsorbed volatile organic adsorbate comprising: establishing a confined downwardly moving bed of activated carbon; adding spent carbon to the top of said bed; introducing superheated steam into the bottom of said bed in contact with said carbon; recovering exit gas including predominantly superheated steam and volatilized adsorbate from the top of said bed; circulating a portion of said exit gas through a superheater and compressor to the bottom of said bed; withdrawing a portion of said exit gas through a cooler to condense steam and volatile adsorbate; continuously circulating superheated steam in a closed loop through said downwardly moving bed, said compressor and said superheater; recovering partially regenerated activated carbon containing residual volatile adsorbate from the bottom of said bed.
Assignee:
Tigg Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5230872
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-749946
OSTI ID:
6452878
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English