Abstract A continuous process for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly carbon dioxide, from an atmosphere containing the same, which comprises subjecting the gaseous contaminant laden atmosphere to contact with strongly basic ionic polymer sheet under the influence of an applied electrical field. The apparatus for accomplishing this comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of cylindrically shaped perforated reinforced sheets, in strip form, of strongly basic ionic polymeric material partially suspended at the lower end thereof into a circulating stream of sea water, the polymeric cylindrically shaped sheets being interspersed between a source of an appiable electric field, e.g., a cathode and an anode, and a cation-exchange membrane and an anion-exchange membrane being in turn interspersed between the cathode and the upper exposed ends of the polymeric sheets.
A method according to claim 1 wherein at least one rolled perforated sheet, in elongated strip form, of said polymeric material is employed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical form is reinforced by backing and perforated elongated sheet with a screening material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the gaseous contaminant comprises predominantly carbon dioxide.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for continuously removing gaseous contaminants from an atmosphere containing the same which comprises at least one reinforced cylindrical unit, said cylindrical unit being formed from a rolled perforated sheet of strongly basic ionic polymeric material, said cylindrical unit being partially suspended at its lower end thereof into a circulating stream of sea water or brackish water, said cylindrical unit being interspersed between a source of an electrical field appliable to said apparatus consisting of a cathode and an anode, a cation-exchange membrane and an anion-exchange membrane, forming an ion-exchange membrane junction, being in turn interspersed between said cathode and the upper exposed ends of said polymeric sheet, a source of tap water being circulable about said cathode and the ion-exchange membrane junction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein a plurality of said cylindrical units are provided, and wherein said cylindrical unit is reinforced by backing said perforated elongated sheet with a screen material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said cylindrical unit is formed of an elongated strip of said polymeric material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said cylindrical unit is formed of a plurality of polymeric sheets.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 used for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide laden atmosphere.