Scrubber system for the removal of contaminants from a fluid stream

Abstract

A scrubber which dries and removes contaminants from a fluid stream (a gas-liquid stream) using as a media, particulate material which can be char obtained from a gasifier, the scrubber system processing the gas and cooling liquid combined with the gas which is obtained by reactions in the gasifier. The media is fed in a continuous stream forming a downward moving column in counterflow relationship with the gas. The gas flows upward thru the particulate media and is dried and cleaned as it contacts the media. The flow relationship is such that the cleanest and dryest media and the cleanest gas contact each other. The column of media continues downward entering a liquid scrubbing section where it is disposed below the level of the liquid. There the contaminated liquid stream, passes through the media in counterflow relationship being cleaned as it contacts the media. Both the gas and liquid components of the stream are scrubbed prior to discharge of the spent media. The spent media may be recirculated to the gasifier for further gasification.