Organic acid scrubber and methods

Abstract

A scrubber assembly for removal of water soluble and/or alkaline gases from an exhaust stream uses a scrubber mixture contained within at least one scrubber vessel. Preferably the scrubber mixture include a liquid phase including an aqueous acid solution, and solid phase including a solid organic acid. Preferably, the scrubber mixture includes a solid carboxylic acid having low toxicity and low corrosiveness to system components. In one embodiment, a plurality of scrubber vessels, each containing the scrubber mixture are connected in series. The scrubber assembly may further include an indicator tank containing an indicator mixture. The pH of the scrubber mixture and/or indicator mixture may be monitored, thereby making operation of the system not only simpler and more reliable, but also more efficient. A method for removal of water soluble and/or alkaline gases from an exhaust stream is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.