Abstract: A one-step process is disclosed for the coproduction of dimethyl ether and methanol from synthesis gas containing H.sub.2, CO, and CO.sub.2. The synthesis gas is contacted with a mixture of methanol synthesis and methanol dehydration catalysts suspended in an inert liquid in a three phase reactor system. Maximum dimethyl ether productivity and product energy recovery are realized by controlling the fraction of methanol synthesis catalyst in the range of about 75 to about 90 wt % of the total catalyst mixture. A methanol-rich fuel product containing dimethyl ether can be obtained when this range is about 95 to about 99.9 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-gas shift process which is carried out in a non-aqueous, high boiling liquid medium, either in an ebullated or slurry mode. The function of the liquid is to provide a heat sink for the exothermic reaction thereby allowing for better performance and longer catalyst life. The process, termed "liquid phase shift" (LPS) preferably uses commercially available vapor-phase low temperature shift (LTS) catalysts to accomplish the shift reaction. Because of the isothermality of the LPS process and its ability therefore to take advantage of higher catalyst activity, the average operating temperature is typically 260.degree. C. (500.degree. F.). This compares favorably to the lower average operating temperature for the conventional vapor-phase LTS process, which is typically 240.degree. C. (465.degree. F.). In addition, the LPS process can handle high carbon monoxide content feeds, e.g. 75 vol % carbon monoxide on a dry basis, without experiencing excessive catalyst deactivation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement to a process for the production of methanol from synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen utilizing a three phase or liquid-phase reaction technology. The improvement to the process is the addition of relatively small amounts of water to the liquid-phase reactor thereby allowing for the use of a CO-rich synthesis gas for the production of methanol by effectuating in the same reactor the methanol synthesis and water-gas shift reactions. A portion of the unreacted synthesis gas stream from the liquid-phase reactor is separated into a hydrogen-rich component and a carbon monoxide-rich component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a convenient process for the activation of catalysts, especially copper-zinc catalysts, for use in liquid phase methanol or liquid phase shift reactions, by reduction of the catalyst with soluble organo-metallic reducing agents. The reduction process is fast, can be carried out at atmospheric pressure and low temperature, i.e. less than 100.degree. C., and yields active catalysts with smaller metal crystallite sizes than conventional hydrogen-nitrogen temperature ramping reduction processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of activation of a CuO/ZnO/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 catalyst slurried in a chemically inert liquid. Successful activation of the catalyst requires the use of a process in which the temperature of the system at any time is not allowed to exceed a certain critical value, which is a function of the specific hydrogen uptake of the catalyst at that same time. This process is especially critical for activating highly concentrated catalyst slurries, typically 25 to 50 wt %. Activation of slurries of CuO/ZnO/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 catalyst is useful in carrying out the liquid phase methanol or the liquid phase shift reactions.

Abstract: Improved recovery of platinum lost from the catalyst gauze in a nitric acid plant is obtained by using palladium containing recovery gauzes configured to enhance the mass transfer characteristics of the system.

Abstract: Improved recovery of platinum lost from the catalyst gauze in a nitric acid plant is obtained by using palladium containing recovery gauzes configured to enhance the mass transfer characteristics of the system.

Abstract: Improved recovery of platinum lost from the catalyst gauze in a nitric acid plant is obtained by using palladium containing recovery gauzes configured to enhance the mass transfer characteristics of the system.