RECOVERY OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS FROM CARBON ADSORBER BEDS

摘要

The invention describes a process for the removal of one or a plurality of volatile organic compounds from a process gas stream containing same by the use of an activated carbon containing unit and regenerating the carbon of said unit. The steps of the comprise passing a process gas containing volatile organic compounds capable of being adsorbed on an activated carbon though an activated carbon containing unit to adsorb the volatile organic compounds onto said carbon; shutting off the flow of process gas to the unit and passing steam through the unit in a direction opposite to direction of the flow of the volatile organic compounds containing process gas to the volatile organic compounds from the activated carbon; condensing the steam and volatile organic compounds, and separating same; shutting off the flow of steam to the unit and passing atmospheric air through the unit in the same direction as the steam was passed through the unit and not, as in the case of the prior art, in the same direction as was the VOC-laden process air passed through the unit, to thereby dry the carbon contained therein and lower its temperature to a selected temperature; and returning said unit to on-line operating status.