The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 21, 1999
Ralph E Taylor-Smith, Dunellen, NJ (US);
Agere Systems Guardian Corp., Orlando, FL (US);
Abstract
The invention provides an improved point-of-use PFC/HFC abatement process involving an electrochemical route to abatement. PFCs/HFCs are treated with a relatively strong chemical reducing agent, typically an alkali such as lithium, potassium, or sodium, in a system that promotes ionization of the alkali, e.g., by inclusion of ammonia or other compound that promotes dissolution of the alkali to ions. The electrochemical potential arising from the ionization process provides sufficient energy to extract the fluorine atoms from the PFCs/HFCs. The system also contains a weak acid proton donor to provide a hydrogenation source. The weak acid is believed to displace the reaction equilibrium by protonation, to allow the reaction to proceed at a sufficient rate.