Low temperature NO sub x /SO sub x removal apparatus

This patent describes an apparatus for recovering heat from flue gas and removing the contaminants from the flue gas. It comprises: a duct structure having an inlet for receiving exhaust gases at an elevated temperature and containing contaminants, heat exchangers connected in series to one another in the duct structure, means for conveying the contaminated exhaust gases through the series connection of the heat exchangers to progressively remove heat from the exhaust gases and reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases, a temperature controller having a coolant circulating therethrough for receiving the exhaust gases and being heated by the exhaust gases to transfer heat from the exhaust gases to the coolant and reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases from an elevated temperature to an ambient temperature, means positioned in the duct structure for spraying the exhaust gases at ambient temperature with a finely divided stream of liquid reagent to combine the contaminants in solution with the reagent, a chamber connected to the duct structure and including means for receiving the exhaust gases and contaminants in solution with the reagent, an absorption enhancer contained in the chamber for receiving the contaminants in solution with the reagent and the exhaust gasesmore » to promote removal of the contaminants from the exhaust gases and entrance of the contaminants into solution with the liquid reagent, and a stack connected to the chamber means for conveying from the duct structure the exhaust gases at ambient temperature and substantially free of the contaminants.« less