Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature distribution in a heat exchanger, in which an actual temperature distribution in the heat exchanger is measured by means of at least one optical waveguide arranged in the heat exchanger, in particular in the form of a glass fiber, light being launched into the optical waveguide and light that is scattered in the optical waveguide being evaluated for determining the actual temperature distribution, and at least one flow of a fluid medium that is carried in the heat exchanger being controlled in such a way that the actual temperature distribution is made to approximate a pre-defined target temperature distribution. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out a method for controlling a temperature distribution in a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature distribution in a heat exchanger, in which an actual temperature distribution in the heat exchanger is measured by means of at least one optical waveguide arranged in the heat exchanger, in particular in the form of a glass fibre, light being launched into the optical waveguide and light that is scattered in the optical waveguide being evaluated for determining the actual temperature distribution, and at least one flow of a fluid medium that is carried in the heat exchanger being controlled in such a way that the actual temperature distribution is made to approximate a pre-defined target temperature distribution. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out a method for controlling a temperature distribution in a heat exchanger.

Abstract: The process serves for removing carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen from an air stream by catalytic oxidation. Dusts and/or aerosols of a particle size of less than 20 &mgr;m are removed from the air stream upstream of the catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: A reactor is constructed essentially cylindrically symmetrically about an essentially vertically running axis and has a shell and within the shell at least one annular bulk packing which is filled with free-flowing material and is bounded by an inner and an outer grating and, on its lower side, by a plate supported from the bottom on the shell. With simultaneous avoidance of a bypass in the top area of the reactor, in addition, as little as possible bulk packing through which flow does not pass in adsorption or reaction is to remain as dead space, so that the losses of product components during the pressure decrease can be reduced. This is achieved by providing for widening the bulk packing in the top area of the reactor. In the upper area of the reactor, the outer or outermost grating can be joined to the reactor shell in a gas-permeable manner, while the inner grating or gratings widens conically outwards.

Abstract: A reactor, for example, for adsorption processes, is described which is designed essentially cylindrically and is symmetrical with respect to an essentially vertical axis. The reactor is bounded by a shell. A circular bed filled with free-flowing material (e.g., an adsorbent or catalyst) is positioned inside the shell. The free-flowing material is contained within an inner basket and an outer basket and supported by a bottom support member from below. Both baskets are rigidly connected in the radial direction and rigidly connected at their lower end to the shell. At least one of the two baskets is both expandable in the axial direction and rigidly connected at its upper end to the shell.

Abstract: In a process for the adsorptive separation of steam and a less readily adsorbable component, e.g., carbon dioxide, from a gaseous stream, wherein after termination of an adsorption phase, a hot scavenging gas is conducted through the adsorber for regeneration purposes, and the adsorber comprises at least two series-connected adsorption beds, essentially the entire steam being adsorbed in the first adsorption bed and, in the second adsorption bed, substantially only the less readily adsorbable component being adsorbed, and that, during at least a part of the hot-scavenging phase, scavenging gas is conducted directly to the outlet ends of the two adsorption beds.