Abstract:
A method is described for reducing NOx emissions and improving energy efficiency during mineral processing in a rotary kiln (12). The method comprises injection of air (32) with high velocity/high kinetic energy into the kiln to reduce or eliminate stratification of kiln gases. The method can be applied to mix gases in a rotary kiln vessel or in a preheater/pecalciner vessel.
Abstract:
Phthalic anhydride is recovered from gases in a multiple heat-Pipe exchanger system, one or more heat exchangers (10) for condensing phthalic anhydride from gases containing vapors thereof and one or more heat exchangers (10) for simultaneously melting out the condensed phthalic anhydride solids, the exchangers (10) being switched in alternate cycles to melt out from the surfaces of the exchangertube (14) ends on which the phthalic anhydride solids were first accumulated, and to condense phthalic anhydride solids in the exchanger (10) or exchangers (10) from which the phthalic anhydride was removed by melting out, the cooling of opposite heat-pipe exchanger tube (14) ends to recover phthalic anhydride is economical and efficient with ambient air, either alone or with some warm recycle exchanger air to adjust the cooling temperature; and the heating to melt out accumulated phthalic anhydride is effective with hot gases, such as combustion gases, preferably by incineration a residual phthalic anhydride tail gas from which the phthalic anhydride was condensed, or other hot combustion gases, but other sources of heating the air or gases may be optionally substituted. Important advantage is present in superior heat exchange efficiency using the heat-pipe exchanger (10) for this service, in the ready switching from heating to cooling of such exchangers (10) for alternate operation in both condensing and melting out modes, in the elimination of intermediary heat transfer media and the separate auxiliary equipment required for the heating and cooling cycles, in the utilization of waste heat from combustion gases, and in the great economy for phthalic anhydride storage tank vent condensers through elimination of both cooling water and steam requirements.