Microorganisms present within a plurality of microorganism clusters immobilized in a porous support material may collectively define a supported bio-catalyst. When the microorganisms are effective to convert methane into one or more oxidized carbon compounds (e.g., methanotrophic bacteria), the supported bio-catalysts may be utilized to remove methane from methane-containing gas streams, such as those obtained from mining ventilation. Methods for processing a methane-containing gas stream may comprise interacting the gas stream with the supported bio-catalyst in substantial absence of a liquid phase, and obtaining a methane-depleted gas stream downstream from the supported bio-catalyst. Systems for processing a methane-containing gas stream may comprise the supported bio-catalysts housed in one or more vessels fluidly coupled to a source of methane-containing gas stream. A gas concentration in the methane-containing gas stream and/or the methane-depleted gas stream may be used to determine a current state or anticipated remaining lifetime of the supported bio-catalyst.

The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing carbon dioxide in exhaust gases formed by combustion characterized by an exhaust system having a space (5) in which the exhaust gases are supplied to plant parts comprising chloroplasts with chlorophyll via means (6) for injection and an apparatus for generating and scattering of red light (7), preferably light from a laser and/or maser into the mixture of exhaust gases and plant parts, and of a grape sugar collecting device (8), and or, a collecting device (9) for water condensed from the exhaust gases.

The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing carbon dioxide in exhaust gases formed by combustion characterized by an exhaust system having a space (5) in which the exhaust gases are supplied to plant parts comprising chloroplasts with chlorophyll via means (6) for injection and an apparatus for generating and scattering of red light (7), preferably light from a laser and/or maser into the mixture of exhaust gases and plant parts, and of a grape sugar collecting device (8), and or, a collecting device (9) for water condensed from the exhaust gases.

A device for the removal of volatile organic compounds including at least one first connector arranged at the outlet of a gas stream to be treated. At its top, has a connection extension that links with the bioreactor located in the middle part of the device (having a nutrient solution where organisms that degrade volatile organic compounds can grow). Additionally, there is a dispersion arrangement that couples with an outlet through which the gaseous stream, once treated, is expelled out to the environment. A distribution network of a nutritive solution with microorganisms that degrade volatile organic compounds. The connection extension includes a distributor cone that is arranged in an inverted way and internally emptied and also has a cylindrical extension at its top. The distributor cone allows the airflow to be displaced by an external path into the internal walls of the distributor cone, whose cylindrical extension connects with a second perforated cylinder with multiples drill holes throughout its periphery. The axial axis of the cylindrical extension coincides with the axial axis of the distributor cone. The perforations of this second perforated cylinder are arranged so that the gas output can enter the bioreactor from its bottom.

A device for the removal of volatile organic compounds including at least one first connector arranged at the outlet of a gas stream to be treated. At its top, has a connection extension that links with the bioreactor located in the middle part of the device (having a nutrient solution where organisms that degrade volatile organic compounds can grow). Additionally, there is a dispersion arrangement that couples with an outlet through which the gaseous stream, once treated, is expelled out to the environment. A distribution network of a nutritive solution with microorganisms that degrade volatile organic compounds. The connection extension includes a distributor cone that is arranged in an inverted way and internally emptied and also has a cylindrical extension at its top. The distributor cone allows the airflow to be displaced by an external path into the internal walls of the distributor cone, whose cylindrical extension connects with a second perforated cylinder with multiples drill holes throughout its periphery. The axial axis of the cylindrical extension coincides with the axial axis of the distributor cone. The perforations of this second perforated cylinder are arranged so that the gas output can enter the bioreactor from its bottom.

An apparatus for controlling airborne pollution comprises a leeward wall located near a polluted region, and a windward wall located between the leeward wall and the polluted region. The leeward wall and the windward wall are spaced apart so as to define an airflow passageway therebetween. The windward wall extends upwardly to a first wall height. The leeward wall includes an upper portion extending above the first wall height. The upper portion is adapted to direct airflow downward through the airflow passageway towards at least one opening located below the first wall height for exhausting the airflow from the airflow passageway.

An apparatus for controlling airborne pollution comprises a leeward wall located near a polluted region, and a windward wall located between the leeward wall and the polluted region. The leeward wall and the windward wall are spaced apart so as to define an airflow passageway therebetween. The windward wall extends upwardly to a first wall height. The leeward wall includes an upper portion extending above the first wall height. The upper portion is adapted to direct airflow downward through the airflow passageway towards at least one opening located below the first wall height for exhausting the airflow from the airflow passageway.

An effective ethanol emission treatment system usable at buildings such as spirit aging warehouses which biologically removes ethanol prior to air escaping to the atmosphere is disclosed. The system can be used either with or without imparting negative pressure on the building to draw the ethanol vapors into the treatment system. The system provides efficient removal of ethanol from large volumes of air having relatively low ethanol concentrations.

An effective ethanol emission treatment system usable at buildings such as spirit aging warehouses which biologically removes ethanol prior to air escaping to the atmosphere is disclosed. The system can be used either with or without imparting negative pressure on the building to draw the ethanol vapors into the treatment system. The system provides efficient removal of ethanol from large volumes of air having relatively low ethanol concentrations.

A fiber bundle for bearing microorganisms. Fiber filaments are wound into a ring shape or have two ends bound into a bundle, or wires, ropes or bands made of staple fibers or fiber filaments are wound into a ring shape or have two ends bound into a bundle or are woven into a strip. A filter layer formed by fiber bundles for bearing microorganisms is characterized in large specific surface area and high porosity, and the unit capacity of bearing the microorganisms may be several times that of a granular filter material.