Abstract: Permeable composite fibrous catalytic sheets comprised of at least three distinct solid phases. A first solid phase is an electrically conductive phase comprised of randomly oriented electrically conductive carbon fibers. A second solid phase is a 3-dimensional porous network of a non-conductive porous ceramic material. A third phase is comprised of catalytic particles dispersed on said 3-dimensional porous network.

Abstract: A pretreatment process of a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas. The biomass feed, which is preferably a cellulosic feed, is subjected to a two stage torrefaction that comminutes the biomass and increases its energy density.

Abstract: An improved process for hydrocracking heavy petroleum feedstocks wherein hydrogen-containing streams associated with a hydrocracker are subjected to rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption having a cycle time of less than 30 S.

Abstract: A process for the adsorption of nitroglycerine from aqueous streams using nitrocellulose as the adsorbent.

Abstract: The use of an effective amount of trans-4-tertbutyl-1-phenylcyclohexanol in waxes to increase the melting point, softening temperature, as well of other properties.

Abstract: Improving the properties of polymer materials by incorporating into a polymer material an effective amount of a modifying agent, preferably trans-4-tertbutyl-1-phenylcycolhexanol. Properties such as melting point, elastic modulus and softening temperature are improved.

Abstract: A process for the production of chlorates and derivative chemicals from ammonium perchlorate as a starting material. Ammonia is produced in a first step wherein a metal hydroxide is reacted with ammonium perchlorate to produce ammonia and a metal perchlorate. If the metal hydroxide used is sodium hydroxide, sodium perchlorate is formed. The ammonia generated is recovered and sent to a reformer to produce hydrogen which is used to fuel a fuel cell that generates water and electrical energy to run an electrochemical reactor where the metal perchlorate is converted to a metal chlorate and derivative chemicals.

Abstract: High temperature treatment of graphite nanofibers to increase their catalytic activity. The heat treated graphite nanofiber catalysts are suitable for catalyzing chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-dehydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Production of biodiesel from vegetable and animal oils with conversion of a by-product crude glycerol stream to methanol. The crude glycerol stream is combined with superheated steam and oxygen to produce a synthesis gas that is then passed to a methanol synthesis reaction zone to produce methanol.

Abstract: Electrically conductive polymer composite materials comprised of: a) an effective amount of substantially crystalline graphitic carbon nanofibers comprised of graphite sheets that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanofiber, preferably wherein said graphite sheets form a multifaceted tubular structure; and b) a polymeric component.

Abstract: TNT and nitramines, such as RDX, are recovered from mixtures containing same. The present invention more particularly relates to the removal of such mixtures from munitions and the separation of components contained in the munitions.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams by contacting the hydrocarbon stream, especially a gasoline stream, with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is regenerated with hydrogen or a hydrogen/H2S mixture.

Abstract: Novel catalysts comprised of graphitic nanostructures. The graphitic nanostructure catalysts are suitable for catalyzing reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: An auxiliary modular oven assembly for use with a gas chromatograph. The auxiliary oven assembly is comprised of a housing, an oven compartment, a heater, at least one sampling valve, at least one fixed volume sample loop, and at least one chromatograph column or column trains, wherein the column or column trains contains a material capable of causing the separation of chemical components of a chemical sample at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An insect pest eradication system comprised of a non-lethal knockout agent and an insecticide. The present invention also relates to a method of eradicating insects, particularly those found in earthen colonies, by treating the insects with a non-lethal knockout agent, such as trans-dichloroethylene, in combination with a suitable insecticide for the targeted insects.

Abstract: Gold-containing catalysts, which catalyst is comprised of gold on a nanostructure support, which support is characterized as graphite nanofibers comprised of graphite sheets, which graphite sheets are oriented substantially perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nanofiber and wherein said graphite nanofiber contains exposed surfaces and wherein at least about 95% of said exposed surfaces are comprised of edge sites.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for the separation recovery of TNT and RDX from Composition B-containing munitions. The munitions also contain liner materials, such as asphalt and binders, and sealers, such as wax, each of which are also recovered by use of solvent technology.

Abstract: A traction force applying apparatus includes a frame that has a first support bar, a second support bar and a third support bar. The second support bar is fixedly connected to the first support bar adjacent to a first end thereof. The third support bar is fixedly connected to the first support bar near a second end thereof. A first set of plurality of hooks are fixedly attached to a first side of the first support bar. A second set of plurality of hooks are fixedly attached to a first side of the second support bar. A one-way tensioning cleat is fixedly connected to the first support bar. The apparatus also includes a rope that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rope is selectively connectable to one of the plurality of hooks in the first set and the second set. The rope extends through the cleat to place a desired tension on the rope between the cleat and the first end of the rope. The traction force applying apparatus can be used alone or in combination with a traction table.

Abstract: Incineration systems, particularly those using municipal garbage and waste, refuse-derived fuels, coal and petroleum coke, and/or chlorinated hydrocarbons are operated without the release of toxic pollutants such as dioxins. One preferred embodiment relates to a non-polluting method for burning fuel derived from typical municipal garbage and waste eliminating, or at least significantly reducing, the need for the landfill disposal of such waste materials. In an alternative application, air, water, coal and/or petroleum coke are used to produce electricity, urea, and methanol in a non-polluting manner.