Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger reactor with forced circulation is used to improve heat and mass transfer for exothermic liquid-liquid, gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid reactions. Enhanced productivity and selectivity are obtained.

Abstract: A biochemical reactor utilizing an immobilized carrier which is useful in applications such as denitrification of waste water and includes a circulation conduit within the interior of the biochemical reactor. A feed conduit feeds recirculating fluid through a circulation inlet of the circulation conduit. The feed outlet of the feed conduit is located relative to the circulation inlet opening to direct fluid flowing out of the feed outlet into the circulation conduit to induce a circulation motion of immobilized carriers and fluid into the circulation inlet opening, through the circulation conduit, out of a circulation outlet opening, through the interior of the biochemical reactor, and again into the inlet of the circulation conduit.

Abstract: A reactor is described for exothermic sludge phase reactions which comprises as the heat exchanger an annular chamber which is covered at the top and the bottom by the reaction mass in the reactor, the annular chamber comprising a plurality of vertical passage ducts having a circular cross-section for the reaction mass, and the coolant flowing through the annular chamber between the passage ducts for the reaction mass.

Abstract: Embodiments of a remediation reactor and mixer/contactor blade for the reactor are shown and described, the reactor being for containing a liquid slurry, suspension or settled bed of solid particles containing microorganisms. Inside the vessel is a supply conduit and at least one generally horizontal stirrer blade in fluid connection with the supply conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has a leading side having openings through which fluid may pass. The stirrer blade rotates in the vessel, and this rotation is made easier by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry, suspension or settled bed at or near the leading edge of the stirrer blade. The fluidization zone is less dense than the rest of the sediment bed, and the stirrer blade tends to rotate into the fluidization zone.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing sulphur dioxide from a gas, preferably a flue gas, by means of an aqueous suspension of an absorbent, preferably limestone, are disclosed. In the method, the flue gas is conducted through a conduit topped with an apertured plate (3) on which is provided a flowing layer of the absorbent suspension having a static height of at least about 100 mm, preferably about 200-500 mm, and a volume of about 50-500 l, calculated per m.sup.3 of flue gas flowing through the layer every second. The layer of absorbent suspension flows along the apertured plate (3) at a flow rate of about 5-100 l/s, preferably about 10-30 l/s per 1 m.sup.3 of sulphur-dioxide-containing gas per second.

Abstract: Embodiments of a slurry reactor and slurry mixer/contactor are shown and described. Each embodiment of the reactor includes a vessel for containing a liquid slurry or suspension of particles and microorganisms. In the inside of the vessel, generally along its centerline, is a vertical conduit extending from near the top to near the bottom. At the bottom of the vertical conduit is at least one generally horizontal, hollow, stirrer blade in fluid connection with the vertical conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has openings near its leading edge so fluid may pass therethrough. The stirrer blade may rotate around the vertical conduit if the conduit is fixed, or the conduit, with the stirrer blade fixed to it, may rotate around in the vessel. In any event, the rotation of the stirrer blade is caused by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry sediment bed at the leading edge of the stirrer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dissolving a mixed oxide or mixture of oxides of uranium and plutonium. The powder is added with nitric acid to a chamber to dissolve uranium oxide, and the solution is circulated through a circuit of the apparatus with a portion of the solution passing through a filter. At least a portion of the filtered solution containing dissolved uranium oxide is removed from the apparatus, while returning non-filtered circulating solution containing non-dissolved plutonium oxide to the chamber. The removal of solution is then terminated, a monovalent silver salt is added and divalent silver is generated in-situ by electrolysis, the divalent silver causing dissolution of the plutonium oxide.

Abstract: Process for carrying out gas/liquid reactions at from (-50.degree.) to 300.degree. C. and from 0.1 to 100 bar by carrying out the reaction in the absence of a continuous gas phase, and, as a special case, a process for the batchwise reaction of acetylene in the liquid phase at from 0.degree. to 300.degree. C. and from 2 to 30 bar, in which acetylene is introduced a) in the absence of a continuous gas phase and b) under isobaric conditions to a degree of saturation of from 5 to 100%.

Abstract: Embodiments of a slurry reactor and slurry mixer/contactor are shown and described. Each embodiment of the reactor includes a vessel for containing a liquid slurry or suspension of particles and microorganisms. In the inside of the vessel, generally along its centerline, is a vertical conduit extending from near the top to near the bottom. At the bottom of the vertical conduit is at least one generally horizontal, hollow, stirrer blade in fluid connection with the vertical conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has openings near its leading edge so fluid may pass therethrough. The stirrer blade may rotate around the vertical conduit if the conduit is fixed, or the conduit, with the stirrer blade fixed to it, may rotate around in the vessel. In any event, the rotation of the stirrer blade is caused by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry sediment bed at the leading edge of the stirrer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for thermal decomposition of stock, especially a spent liquor obtained from pulp manufacture, where the gas stream formed in this connection passes through a liquid bath. The decomposition device has a reactor with a chamber in which thermal decomposition takes place, and a separation zone including a liquid bath for separating off components contained in the gas stream leaving the chamber. The separation zone includes a housing for the liquid bath and a tipping chute arranged adjacent the outlet of the chamber, so that the tipping chute at least partially increases in cross-sectional area in the direction of flow of the gas stream.

Abstract: A reactor includes a reaction vessel that defines a reaction chamber. Completely or partially within the reaction chamber is at least one spiroid. The spiroid is operably associated with the reaction vessel so that rotation of the reaction vessel causes the spiroid to rotate and liquid to be transferred through the spiroid. The spiroid can circulate gas and liquid within the reaction chamber, introduce fresh gas and liquid into the reaction chamber or discharge gas and liquid from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for high speed air dispersion (HSAD) and oxidation of elemental phosphorus in aqueous medium. The HSAD apparatus is an element used in a process designed for treating the highly toxic and hazardous phosphorus sludge wastes with oxygen-containing gas microbubbles at high shear rates in which the elemental phosphorus is quantitatively converted to soluble oxyphosphorus compounds which can be recovered after neutralization as fertilizer by products or disposed of as inert nonhazardous landfill material.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating or cooling solid suspension slurry. The apparatus comprises a vessel (1) for containing the slurry and a draft means contained within a draft section of a draft tube (2) to circulate and maintain the suspension. Extending substantially the length of cylindrical section (26) of the draft tube below the draft means are plate heat exchangers (7, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) connected in series. The plate heat exchangers may be recessed into the wall of the draft tube so as not to increase the pressure drop through the draft tube or may be arranged in pairs along the axis of the draft tube so that the proportion of the cross-sectional area of the draft tube occupied by the heat exchangers is minimized.

Abstract: Components, usually but not exclusively gaseous components, are removed in a liquid medium from gas streams and chemically converted into an insoluble phase or physically removed. Specifically, hydrogen sulfide may be removed from gas streams by oxidation in aqueous chelated transition metal solution in a modified agitated flotation cell. The same principle may be employed with other procedures in which a gaseous phase is dispersed in a liquid phase to effect an interaction between components present in such phases. A gas-liquid contact apparatus, generally a combined chemical reactor and solid product separation device, comprising such modified agitated flotation cell also is described. In order to effect efficient mass transfer and rapid reaction, gas bubbles containing hydrogen sulfide and oxygen are formed by rotating an impeller at a blade tip velocity of at least about 350 in/sec. to achieve the required shear.

Abstract: A processing vessel (10) for a liquid includes an impeller (32) in an open-ended shroud (30) to cause circulation. The base of the vessel (10) communicates with a short duct (18) closed at its lower end, and the shroud (30) is shaped to ensure circulation into this dead-end duct (18). The duct is provided with ultrasonic modules (24) so that its contents are subjected to intense insonation. The insonation of the liquid can lead to improvements in the product of processes such as crystallization.

Abstract: Components, usually but not exclusively gaseous components, are removed in a liquid medium from gas streams and chemically converted into an insoluble phase or physically removed. Specifically, hydrogen sulfide may be removed from gas streams by oxidation in aqueous chelated transition metal solution in a modified agitated flotation cell. A gas-liquid contact apparatus, generally a combined chemical reactor and solid product separation device, comprising such modified agitated flotation cell also is described. In order to effect efficient mass transfer and rapid reaction, gas bubbles containing hydrogen sulfide and oxygen are formed by rotating an impeller at a blade tip velocity of at least about 350 in/sec. to achieve the required shear. To assist in the reaction, a surrounding shroud has a plurality of openings, generally of aspect ratio of approximately 1, of equal diameter and arranged in uniform pattern, such as to provide a gas flow therethrough less than about 0.02 lb/min/opening in the shroud.

Abstract: A distillation column reactor is provided having special trays arranged within the column to provide better mixing and thus achieve better mass and energy transfer between the liquid, vapor and catalyst. The trays comprise a slotted support plate for the catalyst with openings to allow vapor passage through the catalyst from the tray below. A draft chimney or riser is provided directly above the slotted openings to increase the vapor velocity and carry the liquid and catalyst upward on the tray. A hood is included at the upper end of the chimney to direct the liquid-vapor-catalyst flow back down onto the tray. The liquid from the tray above is distributed onto the tray about the chimney by distributors which preferably extend below the static catalyst level on the tray.

Abstract: Slurry bubble columns equipped with downcomers which have high efficiency gas disengagement means fitted on top of the slurry liquid reaction mixture comprising an inverted channel having a gas vent extending out of the apex of the inverted channel and a liquid by-pass pipe extending from the side of the inverted channel at a point below the apex to under the liquid level and emptying into the downcomer. The inverted channel is fitted to the top of said downcomer and the bottom edge of which inverted channel is in contact with the surface of the slurry mixture in the slurry bubble column reaction zone. Improved catalyst distribution and circulation, mass and heat transfer results from catalyst in gas-lean slurry flowing through the liquid by-pass tubes in the inverted channel and flowing into and down the downcomer to the bottom of the bubble column reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by fixing and dumping carbon dioxide which is disposed in seawater or fresh water satisfying certain temperature and pressure conditions for the formation of carbon dioxide hydrate or its clathrate comprising:a) a transport pipeline equipped with a compressor;b) a carbon dioxide source connected to said transport pipeline upstream of said compressor;c) a plurality of ejector nozzles disposed at one end of the pipeline;d) a reaction housing which allows seawater or fresh water and carbon dioxide to react with each other and form the carbon dioxide hydrate or its clathrate;e) a dispersing propeller;wherein the reaction device is provided with the ejector nozzles and the dispersing propeller at the inlet portion of the device; the concentration of the carbon dioxide is supplied into the pipeline and is discharged by the compressor into the reaction housing from the ejector nozzles under pressure to form the carbon dioxide hydrate

Abstract: A centrifugal film bioreactor useful for processing both shear sensitive and shear requiring or tolerant cells. A liquid phase is directed upward in a guide tube to rotating truncated conical surfaces which transport the liquid phase across their surfaces. After leaving the conical surfaces, the liquid passes through a gaseous phase and may contact the wall of the fermentation vessel and then combine with the downward moving liquid phase in the lower part of the fermentation vessel, where it circulates. The maximum entrainment of the gaseous phase into the liquid phase occurs while the liquid phase is passing through the gaseous phase. Different configurations of guide tube propellers and fermentation vessel, allow for processing of different shear tolerant cells.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for use in treating slurries containing minerals, soils or sludges contaminated with toxic organic substances is disclosed. The vessel includes a tank, having a sealed cover, a mixer arrangement, an air supply arrangement and an exhaust gas recycling system. The air supply arrangement includes one or more porous, flexible membrane diffusers adapted for introducing gas, in the form of fine bubbles, into a tank-contained slurry.

Abstract: A compost crib is provided for the on-site disposal of animal carcasses accumulated during commercial operations, in which passive solar energy is utilized to assist in the decomposition process. Aerobic, thermophilic bacteria multiply in the sunlight, solar heat and heat of decomposition and convert nitrogenous material in carcasses and manure, as well as the carboniferous cellulose additive to the compost, to a bacterial biomass. The crib is simple in construction, having a frame with mesh walls to allow for adequate exposure to air. Access doors are provided for loading carcasses and for unloading recycled compost material for rotation back onto the compost mass. Solar panels are provided in the roof for the generation of solar heat and to provide sunlight to aid in bacterial photosynthesis.

Abstract: A laboratory device and method are adapted to subject a same rock sample to successive liquid treatments without any intermediary handling of the sample. The device combines a chamber comprising a first part fitted with an inlet for introducing a rock sample and liquid reagents into the chamber; a heater for regulating the temperature in the chamber and a plug fitted within an open port for protecting the chamber from an overpressure. The first part also comprises means for stirring the contents of the chamber including a liquid by introducing gas as bubbles into the liquid. A second part of the chamber is located under the first part and a selective filtering unit is interposed between the first and second parts of the chamber, the filter has a porosity selected for retaining organic material contained in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a solution of a non-ferrous metal sulphonate by reacting a non-ferrous metal with a sulphonic acid, the non-ferrous metal being brought into contact with a sulphonic acid at a temperature of from 20.degree. to 120.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen or oxygen-containing gases.

Abstract: In its simplest sense, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the contacting of plural, distinct phases in a circulatory reactor containing a liquid-immersed circulation tube by injecting a stream of dispersed distinct phases together into the circulation tube of the circulatory reactor. Sufficient fluid movement will force the fluid in the reactor to circulate downwardly through the circulation tube and upwardly in the annular space between the tube and the reactor wall.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other gas streams. By passing a natural gas or other gas stream having a hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S) component through an aqueous solution of copper (II) ions (Cu.sup.++), the hydrogen sulfide component is converted to copper sulfide (CuS). The copper (II) ion solution is prepared by admixing powdered copper (Cu) with an aqueous solution of nitric acid (HNO.sub.3). The copper (II) ion solution is regenerated from the copper sulfide by treatment with nitric acid which liberates nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2). The nitrogen dioxide is used to generate nitric acid for the copper sulfide regeneration stage. In another aspect, a reaction vessel is provided which includes a centrally disposed circulation tube that enhances the mass transfer and circulation characteristics of gas purification processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing performance of a catalyst in a gaseous phase catalytic reaction for a given reactant comprises a reactor receiving a predetermined quantity of fluid reactant discharging the reaction mixture, including reaction products, from the reactor after a predetermined residence time. The reactor comprises a confined reactor volume with an upflow zone and a downflow zone. A device circulates fluids upwardly through the upflow zone and downwardly through the downflow zone where particulate catalysts in the upflow zone are fluidized by the upward flow of the fluid. The circulating device is adapted to circulate the fluid about the reactor volume at a rate which provides at any moment during the residence time for the reactants an essentially uniform concentration of reactants throughout the reactor volume to simulate conditions in a catalytic riser reactor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the safe handling of alkylation catalyst. The method and apparatus comprises a process vessel which serves a dual function of storing alkylation catalyst and of recontacting alkylation hydrocarbon product with alkylation catalyst. Alkylate product is passed through an eductor-mixer device which intimately mixes alkylate with catalyst. This mixture flows into the dual function recontacting vessel where a phase separation of the catalyst and alkylation hydrocarbon product takes place. Conduits are provided to connect the process reactor, cooling heat exchanger, settler, and interconnecting piping so as to allow the quick release of pressure from the combination storage-recontacting vessel and subsequent draining of catalyst into the vessel by use of gravitational force.

Abstract: A method and means for continuous precipitation of granular uranium peroxide. The reaction vessel and agitation method practiced in it avoid filter plugging and caking problems.

Abstract: Fat or oil is hydrolyzed with water and lipase effectively by supplying the fat or oil and water continuously each at a constant rate or semicontinuously in portions and simultaneously withdrawing a solution containing fatty acid(s) and an aqueous solution containing glycerol formed by the enzymatic reaction from the reaction system continuously at the same rates as those of the supplied fat or oil and water respectively or semicontinuously in portions to thereby maintain the glycerol concentration in the aqueous phase of the reaction system constant within a range of 10 to 40% by weight.

Abstract: A gas-liquid mixing process and apparatus having a vessel with an axial flow down-pumping impeller in a draft tube has gas ingestion tubes extending into a body of liquid from a hollow portion of the impeller shaft or other fluid communication means with the overhead gas in the vessel. Upon gas-liquid mixing at liquid levels that interfere with vortex development by the impeller, gas is drawn from the overhead through the ingestion tubes into the body of liquid.

Abstract: In a chlorine hydrate tank wherein a chlorine gas supply pipe is inserted into a tank holding chilled water therein and chlorine gas in blown into the water through the pipe to form a chlorine hydrate, a hollow cylinder having an opening in an upper-side portion thereof is arranged around the chlorine gas supply pipe so as to form a predetermined gap therebetween so that the upper opening of the cylinder is partially or entirely submerged in the water.

Abstract: A grading decomposer apparatus for continuously decomposing a liquor of sodium aluminate supersaturated in alumina comprises a cylindrical-conical tank for containing the liquor, having an upper cylindrical portion and an overflow generally peripherally disposed in the upper portion. A centrally disposed tubular element passes from above into the upper portion of the tank; the tubular member terminates in the cylindrical portion of the tank below the overflow. The apparatus also includes an off-take from the lower portion of the tank to an outlet; liquor is recycled from the lower portion of the tank to the upper portion within the tubular element and below the overflow, and liquor is introduced into the upper portion of the tank within the tubular element and below the overflow. A static disperser is disposed within the tubular element, the liquor feed and the recycled liquor inlet in order to create a feed and tranquilization zone within the tubular element.

Abstract: An externally cooled cylindrical vessel has a draft tube centered in the lower half thereof. A continuous circulation seeded with tartars crystals includes a fast downward flow through the draft tube and a slow upward flow outside the draft tube. The circulation induces crystal growth and the removal of tartars from the liquid. A coning zone is defined in the vessel above the draft tube. The slow upward flow moves toward the calming zone, facilitating classification of the crystalline matter which is reintroduced into the fact downward flow. The liquid product from which the tartars has been removed and which is collected in the upper section of the vessel is tapped off by an overflow port located near the top of the vessel.

Abstract: The apparatus is composed of a flow-through mixer which is followed by a repressing means composed of a cylinder and movable piston downstream in the direction of the conveying stream. In order to avoid cross-sectional constrictions in this apparatus due to sedimentation of reaction resin compounds and/or filler, a flow-through mixer integrated in the piston is provided, the discharge opening of this flow-through mixer discharging directly into the cylinder of the repressing means. The overall apparatus functions in a direct flow-through, i.e. the dwell time of the reactive resin compounds in the apparatus is limited to a minimum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decomposing a sodium aluminate liquor supersaturated with alumina, obtained from alkaline action on bauxite by the Bayer process, is initiated by introduction of alumina trihydrate seed, thereby forming a suspension. The suspension is fed in at the top of a non-agitated reactor described as a "decomposer", and removed from the bottom of the decomposer; the speed at which the suspension moves downwardly is regulated at 1.5 to 10 meters per hour. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical-conical reactor which is fitted with an arrangement for feeding in the suspension at the top, and with an arrangement for taking out the suspension at the bottom. In one embodiment of the apparatus the suspension is taken from the base of the decomposer through an internal tube, with air injected into the bottom of it, is raised to the level of the top of the decomposer and is then sent downstream.

Abstract: Arrangement for the treatment of fluent, thin and highly viscous media, particularly for the fermentation of micro organisms, for mixing, pumping and the dissipation of the medium. The arrangement is based on a novel principle of bladeless mixing and pumping of fluent media of any kind and density. The main part of the arrangement is a hollow rotor with a bottom with at least a single inlet opening in the bottom. The rotor is rotated at a speed at which the treated medium due to centrifugal forces proceeds from one end of the rotor to the other one. The medium is discharged from the rotor through one or more outlet openings in the sides or in the top of the rotor; the medium is either only raised, or is also dissipated below or above the level of the fluent medium.

Abstract: A gas-liquid reactor includes a cylindrical vessel containing a liquid with a head space defined above the liquid surface, a submerged jet nozzle positioned on the vessel axis for injecting liquid and gas upwardly into the vessel, and at least two free jet nozzles positioned at the top of the vessel in the head space for injecting a liquid jet downwardly into the liquid in the vessel such that gas in the head space is entrained into the liquid jet and mixed into the liquid in the vessel. The reactor is provided with a cylindrical guide tube coaxial with the vessel sidewall and terminating below the liquid surface for directing circulation. A baffle system directs reactive gas rising from the liquid surface to the head space for entrainment in the liquid jet and directs reacted gas rising from the liquid surface to a vent. Diffuser tubes extend downwardly from each of the free jet nozzles into the liquid for delivering the gas-liquid mixture into the lower portion of the vessel outside the guide tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of clear sodium silicate solution with an SiO.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O weight ratio of 1-2.8:1 by fusing sand in aqueous sodium hydroxide using a pressure-sealed circulating suspension reactor having an upper portion comprising a partially tapered gravity thickener and a lower portion comprising a cylindrical jet loop mixer. The jet loop mixer has a concentric cylindrical insertion tube suspended therein, and a recirculating power jet nozzle is upwardly directed through the bottom of the jet loop mixer so that its stream is directed into the lower end of the insertion tube, causing a continuous circulation flow.

Abstract: A pulsed flow, balanced double jet precipitation apparatus and process are disclosed in which a silver salt solution and a halide salt solution are mixed in a primary mixing zone defined within a reaction vessel having a gelatin solution therein and in which pulses of a predetermined volume of the silver salt solution and the halide salt solution are alternately introduced at substantially the same point in the primary mixing zone with a predetermined pause between each pulse.

Abstract: Multiphase contacting between gas, solid and liquid phases is effected using a novel apparatus comprising a cylindrical vessel, a draft tube, a conical bottom and a gas-sparger system. Mild and uniform mixing is achieved within the novel apparatus while stagnant zones and zones of high shear within the vessel are eliminated. Gas-liquid mass transfer is achieved at rates comparable to conventional high-shear mechanically-stirred devices while the efficiency of liquid mixing in the vessel is better than conventional low-shear pneumatically-stirred devices. The apparatus is preferably used in fermentation processes.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifying unit is used to convert coal and other combustible organic solids to gaseous end products. Solid feed enters the vertical preheat zone of S-shaped gasifying unit and is mixed with a hot recycle reagent such as clay. The solid material fills the preheating zone of the unit to an elevation sufficient to create a gravitational particle flow which forces the solid particles in the lower end of the zone into the bottom of a vertical gasifying zone and through the remaining sections of the unit. In the gasifying zone, a fluidizing gaseous stream such as carbon dioxide or steam is injected to enhance the flow of the solid particles.Also disclosed is a gas fractionating unit and a relatively high pressure solid fuel gasifying unit which contain a reagent powder having a significant weight difference in reduced form as compared with the weight of the powder in oxidized form and which may be circulated through the unit under gravity flow during oxidation-reduction chemical processing.

Abstract: In a process for improving the gas distribution in air-lift loop reactors, the back-flowing, partially degassed liquid is divided into part streams prior to, during or after entry into the rising part of the loop. In this process, the cross-section of the sum of the part streams is intended to be smaller than the free cross-section of the rising part. The gas is passed into the part streams.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is constituted by an upright vessel, at least one perforated gas distributor for supplying a gaseous medium into a liquid medium within the vessel, a plate-like rotary disintegrator positioned within the vessel and above the gas distributor for disintegrating bubbles of the gaseous medium into fine bubbles, and a drive shaft concentrically extending through the vessel for the support of the rotary disintegrator.

Abstract: Apparatus for the extraction of fruit and vegetable pressings and plant raw materials in a closed system. The extraction is effected by simultaneous mechanical and hydrodynamic effects on the materials, the fruit or plant mass being subjected to several extractions in two cyclically alternating modes of fountain-type and turbulent agitation with different intensities with bladed agitator tip speeds in an over-all range of 3 to 25 m/sec. The apparatus has a closed heat-insulated vessel with internal draining wall, a conical bottom, a cover having a ventilation opening, and an opening for the raw material, with a driving unit mounted on the cover with two driving speeds. The driving unit is a shaft on the lower end of which there is mounted an impeller, the shaft resting on a special bearing supported on a grid of blades rectifying the material flow, an elongated diffuser surrounding the impeller, the impeller together with a suction unit leading to the diffuser being fixed to the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A coherent explosive gas phase in a gas/liquid reactor comprising a tubular body which is closed at the top and into which one or more jets of liquid which are fed from a liquid circulation and are directed downward, emerge from one or more nozzles located at the highest point of the reactor, and entrain a gas phase which is to be dispersed, introduce it into the liquid and finally produce complete dispersion of the gas, is avoided by a method wherein, before start-up of the liquid circulation, the inactive reactor is charged with an amount of liquid reactant such that a gas space corresponding to the subsequent gas hold-up of dispersed bubbles under operating conditions remains at the top of the reactor, this gas space is filled with a gas, at a pressure p.sub.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus comprising a vessel having a centrally disposed vertical draft tube and a centrifugal impeller at the lower end of the draft tube. A plurality of vertical heat exchanger tubes surround the draft tube. Ports are provided for the inlet of raw material and the outlet of product. The impeller draws liquid down through the draft tube, mixes it in an area of turbulence below the impeller and forces it up the heat exchanger tubes. Materials react in the heat exchanger tubes as in a plug flow reactor and elsewhere in the vessel the liquids mix and react as in a back mix reactor.The equipment is usable for continuous as well as batch operations.

Abstract: A soft nonwoven web of entangled fibers or filaments having a pattern of fused bond areas and a stretched, loopy filament configuration outside of the patterned bond areas. The result is a soft web with high bulk that retains to a high degree the original bonded strength properties. In one embodiment, product may be obtained by pattern bonding a meltblown microfiber web under conditions of heat and pressure and then stretching the web under controlled conditions up to preferably about 140% of its original dimension in at least one direction. When relaxed, the stretched filaments bulk and loop except in the fused bond areas where they retain bonding properties. Preferred stretching conditions include room temperature and the use of draw rolls at speed differentials producing the desired stretch. Examples of thermoplastics polymers useful in accordance with the invention include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters and polyamides, as well as copolymers and polymer blends.

Abstract: A fiber aggregate is composed of a multiplicity of substantially spherically intermingled fibres at a needle-processing density. The fiber aggregate has a diameter of at least 3 mm, and the fibers have a length of at least 15 mm, and are free from being felted and intertwined with any other fiber.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor includes an integral flow circulator which eliminates the need for recirculation equipment external to the reactor and permits utilization of multiple distributor modules to provide a wide range of reactor capacities.