Abstract: A process is provided for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas streams, such as natural gas, biogas, or odorous air, and converting the H2S into sulfate and sulfur. The invention uses a countercurrent flow bio-trickling filter to capture H2S in acidic liquid and then removes the acidic liquid to a separate tank where aeration is used to convert H2S biologically to sulfate and sulfur.

Abstract: A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three linear actuators, each having an associated light sensor, are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. The floating base is free to move axially but not radially of the support column. The actuator of a light sensor receiving a lesser amount of radiant energy retracts, and extends when receiving a greater amount of radiant energy. Each light sensor is moved in a stepwise manner, with a predetermined, limited number of steps used to define light source acquisition for tracking purposes.

Abstract: A tracking device for automatically following a moving light source that is detectable in the presence of ambient light. A carrier platform including one or more radiant energy conversion devices and a sensor array is mounted to an upright support column with a universal joint. Three linear actuators, each having an associated light sensor, are equally angularly spaced about the support column with an upper end connected to the carrier platform with a universal hinge and a lower end connected to a floating base with a spherical hinge. The floating base is free to move axially but not radially of the support column. The actuator of a light sensor receiving a lesser amount of radiant energy retracts, and extends when receiving a greater amount of radiant energy. Each light sensor is moved in a stepwise manner, with a predetermined, limited number of steps used to define light source acquisition for tracking purposes.

Abstract: In order to maintain the surface area of an alumina catalyst over the course of operation and regeneration, a method of incorporating phosphorus into the alumina has been developed. By incorporating a small amount of phosphorus, the resulting catalyst is better able to withstand hydrothermal conditions, such as during a carbon burn step, which causes alumina surface area to degrade or decrease. Reduced surface area also desorbs chloride from the catalyst, lowering activity and increasing corrosion. Here, steam treatments have been used to simulate commercial hydrothermal stability and a critically small amount of phosphorus has been discovered which balances an increased surface area against decreased chloride retention. Increased surface area results from increased phosphorus, yet higher levels of phosphorus blocks ability to hold chloride. Moreover, X-ray data shows that an amount as low as 0.

Abstract: A catalyst and a process for using the catalyst are disclosed generally for the conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst has an increased average bulk density and a decreased mass ratio of platinum-group metal. The process using the catalyst obtains unexpected high activity and stability for the reforming of naphtha range hydrocarbons. Mössbauer spectroscopy is used to characterize the extent of tin association with platinum and determine an effective molar tin ratio appropriate for alumina supports with densities above 0.6 g/cc.