Abstract: A method for determining optimum catalyst particle size for a gas-solid, liquid-solid, or gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed reactor such as a slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR) for converting synthesis gas into liquid fuels considers the complete granular temperature balance based on the kinetic theory of granular flow, the effect of a volumetric mass transfer coefficient between the liquid and the gas, and the water gas shift reaction. The granular temperature of the catalyst particles representing the kinetic energy of the catalyst particles is measured and the volumetric mass transfer coefficient between the gas and liquid phases is calculated using the granular temperature. Catalyst particle size is varied from 20 ?m to 120 ?m and a maximum mass transfer coefficient corresponding to optimum liquid hydrocarbon fuel production is determined. Optimum catalyst particle size for maximum methanol production in a SBCR was determined to be in the range of 60-70 ?m.

Abstract: A thermally regenerative desiccant element comprising micron size silica gel and held within an expanded web of a fluoroplastic elastomer is disclosed. The expanded web of silica gel is bonded onto a heat conductive plate to form the desiccant element. The desiccant elements are stacked in an arrangement such that the air to be processed passes in contact with the silica gel. The other side of the plate is made to come in contact with a stream of humidified cooled air. The cooled air removes the heat of sorption when the silica gel sorbs moisture. A solar collector is used to heat ambient air for regeneration of the silica gel.

Abstract: A filter for clarifying carbonaceous liquids containing finely divided solid particles of, for instance, unreacted coal, ash and other solids discharged from a coal liquefaction process is presented. The filter includes two passageways separated by a porous filter medium. In one preferred embodiment the filter medium is of tubular shape to form the first passageway and is enclosed within an outer housing to form the second passageway within the annulus. An electrode disposed in the first passageway, for instance along the tube axis, is connected to a source of high voltage for establishing an electric field between the electrode and the filter medium. Slurry feed flows through the first passageway tangentially to the surfaces of the filter medium and the electrode. Particles from the feed slurry are attracted to the electrode within the first passageway to prevent plugging of the porous filter medium while carbonaceous liquid filters into the second passageway for withdrawal.

Abstract: A filter for clarifying carbonaceous liquids containing finely divided solid particles of, for instance, unreacted coal, ash and other solids discharged from a coal liquefaction process is presented. The filter includes two passageways separated by a porous filter medium. In one preferred embodiment the filter medium is of tubular shape to form the first passageway and is enclosed within an outer housing to form the second passageway within the annulus. An electrode disposed in the first passageway, for instance along the tube axis, is connected to a source of high voltage for establishing an electric field between the electrode and the filter medium. Slurry feed flows through the first passageway tangentially to the surfaces of the filter medium and the electrode. Particles from the feed slurry are attracted to the electrode within the first passageway to prevent plugging of the porous filter medium while carbonaceous liquid filters into the second passageway for withdrawal.

Abstract: A thermally regenerable sorbent composition for removal of oxides of nitrogen from a gas stream wherein the sorbent consists essentially of about 15 to 35 wt. percent Fe, about 15 to 35 wt. percent Co and greater than about 5 wt. percent Na. The process for removal of oxides of nitrogen from a gas stream containing oxygen wherein the gas stream is passed in contact with the thermally regenerable sorbent composition described at a contact temperature of about 200.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. and is thermally regenerable by heating at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. The process and composition is effective for gas streams where the oxides of nitrogen content is less than 2000 ppm and is particularly effective where the oxides of nitrogen content is about 50 to 1000 ppm. The composition and process is especially useful in removal of oxides of nitrogen from combustion gas effluents such as from furnaces and vehicles.

Abstract: The use of iron oxide sorbents to remove oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) from gaseous mixtures containing small amounts of NO.sub.x such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine or flue gases, without interference from carbon oxides or water vapor and thermally regenerable at relatively low temperatures, are disclosed. A preferred sorbent is supported ferric oxide for sorption of NO.sub.x from gaseous mixtures containing oxygen. Ferrous or ferrosoferric oxide sorbents are also suitable in the presence or absence of oxygen.