Abstract: Segregated external gas storage tanks are used to store gases of varying purity for use in the purge and pressure equalization and product repressurization steps of pressure swing adsorption operations, thereby enabling the bed size factor and the power requirements of pressure swing adsorption-gas separation operations to be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption of air and other gas separation operations are carried out using specific preferred zeolite adsorbent compositions based on the symmetry of the framework atoms and cations therein. Specific SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and cation/cation ratios for enhanced performance are identified. LiX adsorbent having a silica to alumina ratio on the order of 2.364 provides enhanced PSA performance.

Abstract: A vent gas stream containing volatile organic compounds is passed continuously through a condenser in counter-current flow with respect to cold clean vent gas combined with a cryogenic refrigerant. The volatile organic compounds are condensed at various temperatures inside the condenser, and are separately recovered at very low levels of refrigerant utilization.

Abstract: A non-uniform graded ball adsorbent bed support is employed in the head section of an adsorption vessel to achieve a uniform flow of gas to the adsorbent bed. The open areas of an inlet gas distributor are also varied to channel gas toward the edge portion of the vessel head to enhance the uniform flow of gas to the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: Organic chemical oxidation reactions are carried out using pure or nearly pure oxygen and evaporative cooling. Advantageous operating results are achieved thereby, and the oxidation of organic chemicals resulting in the production of solid products or byproducts is facilitated by obviating the need for direct contact heat exchange surfaces that become coated with solid products or byproducts.

Abstract: Process swing adsorption processes for gas separation are carried out using overlapping pressure swing adsorption, feed gas repressurization and desorption steps. The adsorptive capacity of the system employed is increased, unit power consumption is decreased, and the overall efficiency of the operation is enhanced.

Abstract: The oxidation of p-xylene to produce terephthalic acid is carried out using pure or nearly pure oxygen and evaporative cooling. By-product and waste generation are reduced, oxygen utilization is enhanced, desirable operating conditions are employed, and the need for direct contact heat exchange surfaces in the reactor vessel is obviated.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process employs a simultaneous equalization and evacuation step followed by simultaneous feed and product gas repressurization steps, resulting in faster processing, and a reduction in power requirements, in the recovery of oxygen and argon from feed air.

Abstract: A tracer gas and a carrier gas, such as helium and nitrogen, are blended using flow restrictive orifices in the flow lines for each gas. A process controller is used for automatic adjustment of a control valve in the tracer gas flow line in response to variations in pressure, temperature and flow in the flow lines.

Abstract: Waste heat generated within a pressure swing adsorption system is effectively captured and utilized to preheat the feed gas passing to a feed gas blower for compression to the desired adsorption pressure level. The energy efficiency of the system, and overall system performance, are thereby enhanced.

Abstract: In the production of lithium-exchange adsorbents, lithium recovery from spent ion-exchange solutions is achieved with advantageous secondary recovery of lithium from zeolite wash liquor and precipitate salts by ion-exchange means.

Abstract: Sloped inner and outer conical baffles are provided in a gas-liquid mixing system having a recirculating portion of a body of liquid, separated from a quiescent portion of the body of liquid and an overhead gas phase, precluding the collection of gas under the baffles, eliminating dead zones of gas, and minimizing the passage of gas to the overhead gas phase during normal operation, while facilitating the venting of gases during upset conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for dissolving a gas in a liquid such as a hot edible oil for deodorizing, hydrogenating or other purposes. The invention comprises recirculating the liquid from a closed container, through an eductor and back into the liquid, and connecting the vacuum end of the eductor to the overhead gas space to draw gas down into the liquid. Preferably the apparatus contains an impeller means for sucking gas down from the overhead space, if the liquid is at an operating level.

Abstract: Improved fluid separation membranes are prepared from the blends of polyetherimide with phenylindane containing polyimides, wherein the amount of phenylindane containing polyimide in the blend is low. The present invention provides for highly anisotropic membranes particularly useful for gas separation applications and for preparation of composite membranes thereof.

Abstract: An endogenerator is provided in which CO and H.sub.2 are generated as primary products of hydrocarbon oxidation. Noble metal catalysts such as platinum (Pt) and particularly rhodium (Rh), are loaded on a porous ceramic support, of example, an alumina carrier. In the endogenerator reactor little or no CO and H.sub.2 are produced by the slow and energy-intensive reforming reactions and this allows for a compact reactor which operates autothermally without auxiliary heating means, and with high space velocities wherein space velocity is defined as the number of standard cubic feet per hour of output gas per cubic foot of the catalyst carrier. Preferred hydrocarbons are methane or propane, preferred oxidants are nitrogen/oxygen mixtures with from 5% oxygen up to 100% oxygen. The endogenerator of the present invention provides a process and apparatus that generates the required reducing gases CO and H.sub.2 for heat treating applications which require leaner atmospheres and lower carbon potentials.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption air and other gas separation operations are carried out using specific preferred zeolite adsorbent compositions based on the symmetry of the framework atoms and cations therein. Specific SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and cation/cation ratios for enhanced performance are identified. LiX adsorbent having a silica to alumina ratio on the order of 2.364 provides enhanced PSA performance.

Abstract: A pumper system is adapted to enable pumps to be switched between parallel operation, for the high flow conditions normally desired for in-situ pigging operations within a line to be cleaned, and series operation, for the high pressure conditions needed in the event the pigging device becomes obstructed in the line.

Abstract: An essentially fluxless solder joining process comprises a solder coating to be applied to a surface under controlled pressure conditions enabling the volume and shape of the solder to be desirably controlled. Coatings produced by essentially fluxless processes enable joining processes to be carried out in an essentially fluxless manner with highly desirable processing flexibility.

Abstract: Advanced membrane compositions having high permeability characteristics, and optimal operating temperatures above ambient during only a portion of the year, are operated with a controlled reduction in operating feed air pressure under rising ambient temperature conditions. The overall efficiency of the air separation process is enhanced, and power requirements are significantly reduced.

Abstract: A gas injection and heating device and method for the bubbling of a gas into a body of hot liquid to be interacted with the gas. The device comprises an elongate heat exchange gas container, designed to be immersed in the hot liquid to pre-heat the gas in situ by heat exchange with the liquid. Cold gas is supplied to the elongate gas container, circulated therethrough to become heated to the liquid temperature, and then released from a nozzle into the depth of the liquid in the form of small bubbles of hot gas having a large liquid interfacial mass transfer area.