Thermal process for removal of contaminants from process streams
 A method of controlling the build-up of organic and/or inorganic contaminants (e.g., carbonates, nitrates, nitrites, and the like) in an aqueous process stream, comprising directing at least some of the contaminated stream to a heating means wherein at least some of the contaminants are decomposed. Thereafter, the decomposition products are removed and the purified stream is returned to the process. In a preferred embodiment, the process is an alkylene oxide manufacturing process, and the contaminated aqueous stream is the effluent from a catalyzed scrubbing system for removal of carbon dioxide. Organic contaminants are decomposed to carbon dioxide, which is flashed off; inorganic salts which are decomposed to gases are flashed off; inorganic salts which are not converted to gases are scrubbed out. 
Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
Y B C Y C Y B C
Y02C B01D C02F Y02P C07D Y02P B01D C02F
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Alfred W. James H. Wei-Yeong
Naumann McCain Wang