PROCEDE ET DISPOSITIF DE LAVAGE ET DEVESICULAGE DE MELANGES GAZEUX

A column-type apparatus for treatment of a gas stream with liquid includes a gas inlet for introducing a gas stream containing soluble compounds and solid particles into the apparatus and simultaneously imparting a cyclonic and upward flow to the gas stream. A gas-liquid mixing section above the gas inlet contains a liquid dispersing device from which liquid is vertically dispersed from the upper portion of the gas-liquid mixing section and flows downwardly and counter-currently to the gas flow wherein all the material entrained within the gas stream is completely and intimately contacted with the liquid. In a gas-liquid separating section above the mixing section, the cyclonic and upward flow of the gas stream causes separation of vesicles formed in the mixing section and solid particles entrained therein by centrifuging and impinging the vesicles onto the interior wall of the column, causing the vesicles to coalesce and form a continuous and downwardly flowing film of liquid on the interior wall of the column, which collects in a liquid collection section. The thus treated gas, free of soluble compounds and solid particles, flows through a gas outlet section. The apparatus is useful in any process involving gaseous streams containing soluble compounds, and particularly for absorptions involving chemical reactions or requiring less than a theoretical plate.