Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting process using a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprises several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system for practicing the method includes at least one level one chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level two chamber that is linked with the level one chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle &agr; relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby hose lengths, angle &agr; and the angle sector are selected in accordance with the process so that injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This process is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.

Abstract: A fluid distributing-collecting system for a device for bringing fluids and solids into contact comprising several distributor plates and several panels for mixing, distributing or extracting fluids. The system comprises at least one level 1 chamber in connection with the outside of said device with at least one hose and, at least one level 2 chamber that is linked with the level 1 chamber and that comprises one or more connecting hoses of a selected length that are arranged in at least one zone. The zone is identified relative to an angle .alpha. relative to a radius of a plate and corresponds to a given angle sector, whereby said hose lengths, angle .alpha. and the angle sector are selected so that the injected fluid arrives approximately at the same time on all of the panels of the same plate. This system is used for separation of paraxylene in a simulated moving bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular device that comprises a reaction zone that includes a catalyst bed and a zone for separation by distillation, as well as independent circulation channels for liquid fluid and gaseous fluid.

Abstract: The catalyst inside a catalytic reaction column is replaced while running the catalytic reaction by diverting a basically monophase fluid to keep it from passing through the catalyst, evacuating from the column the catalyst that has lost at least a portion of its properties, introducing into the column a quantity of catalyst that is approximately equal to the quantity of catalyst that was evacuated from the column, and restoring the circulation of the basically monophase fluid through the catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus for equalising pressure and flush in a vessel (1) has a chromatographic separation chamber (5), a distribution plate (3) or collection plate located in the vessel, a pressure equalisation chamber (4) defined at least in part by the extremity of the vessel and by a first face of the plate, the separation chamber (5) being defined by a second face of the distribution or collection plate, a first conduit (6) which places a first fluid in communication with the distribution or collection plate, the separation chamber (5) communicating with the equalisation chamber (4) via a flush chamber (10) comprising a first opening (21). A line (9) for supplying a second fluid which is substantially pure or substantially non contaminated is directly connected to the flush chamber at a point such that a portion of the second fluid can circulate towards the pressure equalisation chamber via a further opening (20) and the remaining portion can circulate towards the separation chamber via the first opening (21).

Abstract: The invention is a column for separating a substance from a liquid having a plurality of separable compounds. The column has at least a first and a second bed of granular solids separated by at least one device, the device has at least a collection device which collects the substance to be separated, the collection device being in fluid connection to at least one mixing chamber, at least a first circuit for injection and/or removal of a first secondary fluid B.sub.1 and at least a second injection and/or removal circuit of a second secondary fluid B.sub.2. The injection and/or removal circuits are in communication with the mixing chamber with at least one opening allowing passage of the secondary fluids B.sub.1, B.sub.2 into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A device for distributing, mixing, injecting, and/or removing several fluids, one of the fluids being a main fluid A.sub.1, and at least a first secondary fluid B.sub.1 and a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said device having means (3, 4) for collecting said main fluid A.sub.1, said collecting means being related to at least one mixing chamber having at least one wall substantially parallel to the device axis circuit (12, 5) of a first secondary fluid B.sub.1, and at least a second injection and/or removal circuit (13, 6) of a second secondary fluid B.sub.2, said injection and/or removal circuits being in communication with the mixing chamber (7) by means of one or more openings (15, 16) allowing passage of said secondary fluids B.sub.1 and B.sub.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for regenerating a hydrocarbon hydroconversion catalyst containing a carrier, at least one group VIII noble metal and a halogen or halogenated compound.It is characterized by an operation in two regeneration zones (1) and (2). The gas effluent from the first regeneration zone (1) is used to feed the second regeneration zone. During the step of burning coke deposited onto the catalyst in the first zone, the heat amount generated during the combustion is used for preheating the feed of said first zone. The temperature of the effluent of said first zone is reduced, through said exchanger, to a value adapted to perform the burning step in the second zone. Additional air is supplied before introducing the gas into said second zone (2) in order to obtain a suitable oxygen concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing acoustic waves in water through sudden ejection of liquid mass from a tubular main housing. A first shuttle and second shuttle are slidably mounted inside the main housing. The first shuttle forms with the main housing a slug chamber for confining therein a liquid slug. A pneumatic source together with a pneumatically-operated valve cyclically cause the shuttles to move relative to or in locked condition with each other, thereby applying during each cycle of operation an abrupt propulsion force to the confined liquid slug which becomes expelled as a very high-velocity liquid jet through ports in the housing. A calibrated control element for providing the proper pressures to the pneumatically-operated valve ensures proper movement of the shuttles.