Decontamination of toxic gases through formation of gas hydrate

Abstract

Areas in which toxic material has been released, particularly in gaseous form but also in liquid form, are decontaminated by forming gas hydrate of the toxic agent. Smaller-molecule toxic agents form sI or sII type hydrates, whereas larger-molecule toxic agents for sH type hydrates. A “companion gas” or “companion agent” is supplied to fill the smaller voids of the sH hydrate, thereby enabling larger-molecule toxic agents to form hydrates by filling the larger voids of the sH hydrate which, but for the presence of the smaller-molecule agent in the smaller voids, would be unstable and not form. Portable as well as fixed, permanently installed apparatus for conducting hydrate-based decontamination is also disclosed.

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         25 . Apparatus for decontaminating an area in which a toxic, hydrate-forming agent has been released, said apparatus comprising: 
 a relatively light-weight, portable containment vessel, said containment vessel being pressurizeable and constructed of waterproof materials;    a water spray distribution system disposed within said containment vessel for spraying water into the interior of said containment vessel; and    a toxic agent intake system, said toxic agent intake system comprising one or more light-weight, collapsible intake conduits and a pump system configured to draw said toxic agent into said one or more conduits and deliver said toxic agent into said containment vessel.    
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising a companion gas injection conduit configured to introduce a companion gas into said apparatus to be mixed with said toxic agent.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising means for cooling said containment vessel.  
     
     
         28 . Integrated air circulation and toxic agent decontamination apparatus, comprising: 
 air circulation ducting disposed within a building or other area in which people gather;    a pressurizeable containment vessel in communication with said air circulation ducting; and    a water spray distribution system disposed within said containment vessel for spraying water into the interior of said containment vessel.    
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , further comprising a companion gas injection conduit configured to introduce a companion gas into said apparatus to be mixed with said toxic agent.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , further comprising means for cooling said containment vessel.  
     
     
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