Puncture elements and methods for using the same are disclosed. The puncture elements according to the disclosed concept include a cutting edge or a sharp and are composed of a mineral loaded polymer. The minerals of the mineral loaded polymer include an active agent, such as a desiccant. Optionally, the puncture elements are used to puncture a cover (e.g., foil seal) of a package.

A method for separating and recovering carbon dioxide from ambient air includes continuously bringing ambient air into contact with a basic aqueous solution; electrodialysis of the solution using bipolar and anion-selective ion exchange membranes as well as recycling the depleted solution; separating CO.sub.2 from the enriched solution and recycling the solution depleted of CO.sub.2. The absorption is performed in an absorber, open basin, or a combination thereof. Separation is achieved by thermal desorption of CO.sub.2 by steam stripping to obtain a carbon dioxide/steam mixture; and/or by chemical reaction of the (hydrogen-) carbonate ions, in which the CO.sub.2 contained is converted into a water-insoluble salt or a gas and simultaneously removed from the solution. The pH of either obtained solution is measured before the recycling or before the separation, and is adjusted to a predetermined value. pH is measured and adjusted based on how absorption and separation are performed.

A process includes converting hydrocarbons to at least one molecular energy carrier and carbon dioxide, reacting said carbon dioxide with a divalent metal-containing silicate to form solid divalent metal carbonate and silicate and utilizing at least one of said carbonate and silicate in the production of construction and/or chemical material.

The present application pertains to methods for making metal oxides and/or citric acid. In one embodiment, the application pertains to a process for producing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or both from a material comprising calcium and magnesium. The process may include reacting a material comprising calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Separating, concentrating, and calcining may lead to the production of oxides such as calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. In other embodiments the application pertains to methods for producing an alkaline-earth oxide and a carboxylic acid from an alkaline earth cation-carboxylic acid anion salt. Such processes may include, for example, reacting an alkaline-earth cation-carboxylic acid anion salt with aqueous sulfur dioxide to produce aqueous alkaline-earth-bisulfite and aqueous carboxylic acid solution. Other useful steps may include desorbing, separating, and/or calcining.

A method for reducing pollution in exhaust gases and a system for treating exhaust gas are provided. The method includes the step of treating an exhaust gas stream with a treating fluid. In one application, the treating fluid is injected by spraying droplets into the exhaust gas stream. A system for treating exhaust gas includes a reagent, and a nozzle to spray the reagent into the exhaust gas stream.

The packing has one or more thin-layer packing elements that are installed upright, the packing element having a main body portion with a planar liquid film formation surface, and one or more wall portions that are provided upright relative to the liquid film formation surface along a linear direction. The side surface of each wall portion has a curved portion at the base thereof connected to the liquid film formation surface, the curved portion curving so as to continue into the liquid film formation surface.

Devices, systems and methods for capturing CO.sub.2 in a form that can be stored, processed, and/or converted to usable products is desirable. Systems capture CO.sub.2 using small scale, individual devices at a vast number of locations which, in the aggregate, are capable of significantly decreasing CO.sub.2 concentrations in the atmosphere on a global scale. When such small devices are placed in areas already occupied with a structure, i.e., office buildings, apartments, homes, automobiles and the like, though the amount of CO.sub.2 removal by each individual device may be relatively small, in the aggregate, significant amounts of CO.sub.2 may be removed at a more macro or even global scale.

The present application pertains to methods for making metal oxides and/or citric acid. In one embodiment, the application pertains to a process for producing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or both from a material comprising calcium and magnesium. The process may include reacting a material comprising calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Separating, concentrating, and calcining may lead to the production of oxides such as calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. In other embodiments the application pertains to methods for producing an alkaline-earth oxide and a carboxylic acid from an alkaline earth cation—carboxylic acid anion salt. Such processes may include, for example, reacting an alkaline-earth cation—carboxylic acid anion salt with aqueous sulfur dioxide to produce aqueous alkaline-earth—bisulfite and aqueous carboxylic acid solution. Other useful steps may include desorbing, separating, and/or calcining.

The present invention provides a new method for fixing carbon dioxide. A method for fixing carbon dioxide, includes: a contact step of bringing a mixed liquid containing at least one of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and further containing at least one of a chloride of a Group 2 element or a chloride of a divalent metal element into contact with a gas containing carbon dioxide; and an electrolysis step of electrolyzing the mixed liquid after the contact to prepare a mixed liquid after the electrolysis. In the contact step, the mixed liquid after the electrolysis is reused as the mixed liquid.

Utilization of nitrogen oxides contained in the ambient air including a system and a method with which the nitrogen oxides can be utilized for the production of liquid or solid chemicals.