PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR REGENERATING ADSORBENTS AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT EMBODYING THE SAME

摘要

An absorbent is removed from an adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent with a near critical liquid which is a solvent for the adsorbate. The near critical liquid containing the dissolved adsorbate is then subjected to at least partial vaporization to form a vapor in which the adsorbate is substantially less soluble thereby making it possible to remove the adsorbate from the near critical liquid. The vapor is then condensed to restore it to the near critical liquid state wherein it is a solvent for the adsorbate so that it may be reused. The process is particularly suitable for adsorbent regeneration in the treating of wastewaters.