Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for the treatment, sampling, and transportation of chemical weapon materiel contained in a small frangible glass, e.g., container. The apparatus, method and system permit the chemical weapon materiel to be easily treated and contained by a technician in the field to produce non-military chemicals suitable for transport and final disposal. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a single-use vessel having a compression section and a treatment portion for holding a bottle of chemical weapon materiel and a volume of treatment chemical. A cover is positioned on the vessel and is used to support a compression jack. A portion of the compression jack is installed between the cover and a compression frame and is extended until the compression section of the vessel is compressed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact apparatus for generating hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact hydrogen generating apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a fuel cell. The compact hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a fuel processor reactor having an integrated pre-reforming zone embedded within a secondary reforming zone.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation system. A source of sodium borohydride is carried on a flexible substrate that moves from a feed roll to a takeup roll. A reaction among sodium borohydride, a catalyst and water evolves hydrogen and forms a by-product that is removed from the reaction area.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: A method of making a high efficiency magnetic sensor for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The method typically includes providing a sensing device with a magnetic sensing element, exposing the sensing device to a fluid test medium suspected of containing an analyte and monitoring the resistance of the magnetic sensing element to detect any change in the electrical resistance of the magnetic sensing element in response to the immobilization of a magnetizable particle. The magnetic sensing element comprises at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material having an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer, a means to immobilize a magnetizable particle at a point along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the layer and passes through the center of the circular magnetic moment, and a means for detecting the change in the electrical resistance of each magnetic sensing element.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator capable of operating in any orientation and having no moving parts includes a catalyst retaining structure. The catalyst retaining structure is disposed in a housing and serves to separate the housing into a fuel holding portion and a hydrogen chamber. The catalyst retaining structure also includes one or more pores, each pore being in communication with the fuel holding and hydrogen chambers. A catalyst, that promotes the generation of hydrogen gas upon contact with the fuel, is disposed within the pores. The fuel enters the pores and thereupon generates hydrogen gas which passes into the hydrogen chamber. Contact of the fuel with the catalyst in the pores may be controlled and the position of the fuel-hydrogen interface within the pore may be moved so as to regulate the generation of hydrogen. The catalyst retaining structure can take different forms, including one or more hollow elongated members or plates, and may further incorporate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic membranes.

Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to create a substantially pure hydrogen product stream before any subsequent purification steps. The apparatus provides a generally enclosed reaction vessel so as to reduce any extraneous exhaust materials from escaping. In addition, the apparatus includes a primary and a secondary reaction chamber which are generally held at equivalent or equal pressures while at substantially different temperatures. In addition, a reaction aid or cooperator is used to increase the production of the hydrogen product stream and to also increase the purity of the hydrogen product stream. The method includes using a two chamber apparatus along with the reaction cooperator to increase the hydrogen production and purity and recycling the reaction cooperator.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor includes at least one furnace section delimited by side walls and a bottom grid, the at least one furnace section provided for containing a bed of fluidized solid particles therein, and a supply for introducing a gas into the at least one furnace section at a level above the bottom grid. The supply includes (i) a gas source chamber, (ii) at least one opening in at least one of the side walls at a level above the bottom grid, and (iii) at least one conduit, having a first end connected to the at least one opening at a first vertical level and a second end connected to the gas source chamber for introducing gas from the gas source chamber to the at least one furnace section. The at least one conduit provides a solid flow preventing element for preventing solid particles from flowing backward from the at least one furnace section into the at least one conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method generate hydrogen through a controlled chemical reaction between water and a chemical hydride. The invention includes a chemical hydride isolated from water by a water-selective membrane. A fluid containing water is brought into contact with the water-selective membrane. The water diffuses through the water-selective membrane and reacts with the chemical hydride. The water diffuses through the membrane at a predetermined rate based on a water concentration gradient across the water-selective membrane. The water-selective membrane is substantially impermeable to elements and molecules other than water. Hydrogen generated within the chemical hydride is collected and used in various applications.

Abstract: Process and reaction unit for isothermal shift conversion of a carbon monoxide containing feed gas, the process comprising the steps of

Abstract: A system of two fuel ampoules that can deliver a reactant by diffusion through one of the ampoule walls to the other, such that when said reactant enters the second ampoule, it reacts with another reactant in said second ampoule, making hydrogen gas as a product. Both ampoules are stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells which need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such hydrogen and alcohols. This fueling system provides a simple safe fuel interactive system for small hydrogen fuel cells that prevents inadvertent hydrogen production by any single ampoule being exposed to water or typical consumer environments.

Abstract: A gas generation system includes a chemical reactor integrated with a liquid/gas separator. The reactor is configured to receive a continuous stream of aqueous solution.

Abstract: A reactor/purifier for generating pure hydrogen in a stack or array of pairs of alternatingly connected high and low pressure reactor chambers wherein a gas-porous turbulence-promoting screen structure washcoated with a steam-reforming catalyst is sandwiched between a planar hydrogen-selective palladium alloy membrane and a planar gas-impermeable heat-conducting metal plate within the high pressure reactor chamber of each high pressure reactor chamber; and wherein the catalyst-coated structure in each high pressure chamber is reacted with steam and hydrocarbon fuel, such as methane or syn/gas, and/or carbon monoxide at an appropriately controlled temperature of between about 200° C. to 650° C.

Abstract: Vapor processor having an aspirator for collecting condensate pooled in the sump region and reintroducing it into a vapor stream being processed.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge in accordance with one of the present inventions includes a fuel reservoir, a reaction chamber, and a passive structure adapted to resist fluid flow from the fuel reservoir to the reaction chamber. A reaction chamber in accordance with one of the present inventions includes an external housing, defining a first reactant inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas outlet, and a substantially gas permeable/substantially liquid impermeable structure that separates the first reactant inlet and the liquid outlet from the gas outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CO2-selective membrane process that is useful for the purification and/or water gas shift reaction of a reformed gas, generated from on-board reforming of a fuel, e.g., hydrocarbon, gasoline, diesel, methanol or natural gas, to hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a composition comprising a hydrophylic polymer and at least one ammonium halide salt, the ammonium halide salt being present in an amount ranging from about 10 to 80 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. The composition is suitable in formation of a membrane useful for separating CO2 from a CO2-containing gas, particularly from an on-board reformed gas for the CO2-selective membrane process.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus (vessel) for providing a heat transfer rate from a reaction chamber through a wall to a heat transfer chamber substantially matching a local heat transfer rate of a catalytic thermal chemical reaction. The key to the invention is a thermal distance defined on a cross sectional plane through the vessel inclusive of a heat transfer chamber, reaction chamber and a wall between the chambers. The cross sectional plane is perpendicular to a bulk flow direction of the reactant stream, and the thermal distance is a distance between a coolest position and a hottest position on the cross sectional plane. The thermal distance is of a length wherein the heat transfer rate from the reaction chamber to the heat transfer chamber substantially matches the local heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fine particles of the invention includes introducing a reactive gas flow containing a fine particle source material into a reactor from one side, growing fine particles in a gas phase by heating the fine particle source material in the reactive gas flow, introducing a diluting gas flow into the reactor from another side being almost counter-flow to the reactive gas flow, equalizing flow rates of the reactive gas flow and the diluting gas flow substantially with respect to a cross section of a flow channel, and then stopping growth of the fine particles by merging the reactive gas flow and the diluting gas flow.

Abstract: This invention is related to an enhanced heat conductive device for supply device of hydrogen source of a fuel cell. The supply device comprises: at least one pressurized bottled filled with metal hydride and having an outer diameter. The enhanced heat conductive device comprises: a metal shell configured to an elongated, cylindrical column having an inner diameter, and at least one expandable rib, longitudinally extended along a length direction of and integrally formed with the metal shell. The outer diameter of the pressurized bottle is slightly greater than the inner diameter of the metal shell, such that when the pressurized bottle is inserted through the metal shell, the pressurized bottle will force expansion of the rib resulting in close contact between the metal shell and the pressurized bottle. This invention further discloses supply device of hydrogen source having such an enhanced heat conductive device.

Abstract: The disclosed synthesis system is based on the idea of designing a synthesis and treatment procedure, substrates and anchor groups which enable biomolecules to be simultaneously produced in an entirely automatic manner. By using a pipetting robot to dispense the reagents, the reaction column can be arranged in a format suitable for subsequent treatment. For a pipetting robot to carry out even water-sensitive or air-sensitive synthesis protocols, certain structural measures must be taken. The operation principle of the automated and the synthesis sequence are described below as an example of a possible solution. The automation can work with conventional substrates and reagents. Handling, however, is simplified by new, specially adapted substrates and anchor groups. A special, simultaneous purification and aliquot portioning process improves product quality and makes the device easier to use.

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for processing whole wafers comprising is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing whole wafers includes a cassette, a plurality of flowcells disposed on the cassette, a fluidics station having at least one pump, at least one fluid source in communication with the pump and a cradle for receiving the cassette when coupled to the fluidic station. The flowcells generally are adapted to retain at least one whole wafer and include an inlet port and an outlet port. The pump of the fluidic station is coupled to one or more inlet ports of the flowcells disposed in the cassette. The apparatus enables multiple whole wafers to be simultaneously processed while providing flexibility of accommodate different configurations of flowcells.

Abstract: An adjustable accumulator for delivering gases, liquids, or solids from a reservoir comprises an inner tube and a outer tube. One tube fits into the other tube to be sealingly engaged and to create a chamber in the interior. The tubes can move relative to each other to vary the space of the interior chamber. Another embodiment of the adjustable accumulator comprises the outer tube having a drum having a plurality of partitions. The drum partitions separate the drum into drum compartments. The drum partitions fit tightly against the inner tube. The drum compartments are in fluid communication with the interior of the inner tube when the inner tube is positioned such that a bottom edge of the upper tube is aligned with any drum partition that is at a higher level than the drum compartment or is between two drum partitions which form the drum compartment. The adjustable accumulator can be used to deliver vaporizable germicides to a sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A system of two fuel ampoules that can deliver a reactant by diffusion through one of the ampoule walls to the other, such that when said reactant enters the second ampoule, it reacts with another reactant in said second ampoule, making hydrogen gas as a product. Both ampoules are stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells which need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such hydrogen and alcohols. This fueling system provides a simple safe fuel interactive system for small hydrogen fuel cells that prevents inadvertent hydrogen production by any single ampoule being exposed to water or typical consumer environments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing element detects the presence of magnetic particles in a binding assay. The magnetic sensing element has at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material that has an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer. The magnetic sensing element has molecules of a first specific binding member attached to it. The device also includes a fluid test medium to which the magnetic sensing element is exposed during the course of a binding assay. The fluid test medium includes magnetizable particles that become immobilized during the assay in relation to the amount of analyte in the test medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving contact between a liquid and a reactant gas by moving the liquid in a serpentine path that moves horizontally and vertically through individual chambers or stations in an elongated tank or reactor and introducing a reactant gas into the liquid in one or more of the stations or chambers as the liquid moves through the tank or reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fluid in a process having a process heat requirement includes a shell, at least one tube having a design temperature inside the shell, a plurality of burners adjacent the inner wall of the shell, and transfer means whereby flue gas flows from a first interior region to a second interior region of the shell. A first portion of the tube is in the first interior region and a second portion of the tube is in the second interior region. The first and second portions of the tube are adapted to contain a flow of the fluid. The burners produce the flue gas in the first interior region and a variable heat flux approximating the process heat requirement and simultaneously maximizing the heat flux to the first portion of the tube while maintaining substantially all of the first portion of the tube at the design temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. the multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A combined removal system for separating carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide gases from furnace flue gases employs a single vessel having two chambers. The chambers are separated by a series of baffles and drains. The lower, primary chamber contains reagent and a delivery system for removing sulfur oxides (SO2 and SO3) from the flue gases. The upper, secondary chamber has a reagent, typically an amine solution, for removing carbon dioxide from the flue gases. The baffles and drains permit the flue gases to rise from the primary chamber into the secondary chamber, while collecting the amine solution which is used to trap the carbon dioxide. Alternatively, the primary and secondary chambers may be separated by a horizontal segment or a combination of horizontal and vertical sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic waste decomposing apparatus which is capable of quickly and efficiently separating from a liquid phase polymer a vapor component produced from the liquid phase polymer so as to suppress generation of carbon following a decomposition reaction, and further capable of performing the decomposition reaction in the state where the temperature of the whole liquid phase polymer is uniform, so as to efficiently recover the vapor component of a desired molecular weight, so that decomposition of plastic waste can be carried out at a reasonable cost.

Abstract: A tubular reactor characterized by having short static mixing elements separated by coalescing zones is used to conduct multiphase liquid/liquid reactions. Small droplets of one of the phases are dispersed into the other phase by the static mixing elements. These droplets coalesce and at least partially phase separate as the mixture passes through the subsequent coalescing zone. The tubular reactor is particularly suitable for nitrating organic compounds while forming low levels of improperly nitrated by-products and low levels of nitrophenolics.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolysable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.

Abstract: Assay methods utilizing the response of a magnetically responsive reagent to the influence of a magnetic field to qualitatively or quantitatively measure binding between specific binding pair members. According to the invention, the presence of an analyte mediates whether or not the magnetically responsive reagent binds to a mobile solid phase reagent. The extent of binding will modulate the response of the magnetically responsive reagent or that of the mobile solid phase reagent, or both, to the influence of a magnetic field. Hence, by measuring the response to the magnetic field of the magnetically responsive reagent, or that of the mobile solid phase reagent, the presence or amount of analyte contained in a test sample can accurately be determined. The invention utilizes various devices to carry out the assay methods described.

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell is structured so that the entirety of a catalytic layer is effectively used, a sufficient shift reaction is made possible, the volume velocity is raised, and the pressure loss is reduced. The reformer includes a container having an inlet for introduction of a vapor of a methanol solution as a raw fuel, an outlet for discharge of a reformed gas and a catalytic layer in the container. It is structured such that the inside of the container is divided into an inlet space communicating with the inlet and an outlet space communicating with the outlet. A passage cross section of the catalytic layer at a side of the outlet space is larger than a passage cross section at a side of the inlet space, preferably by 20% to 250%.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing acidic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride, from flue gases produced by processing operations of the type carried out in utility and industrial plants. The apparatus is generally a gas-liquid contactor whose operation uses an ammonium sulfate-containing scrubbing solution to absorb acidic gases from flue gases, and into which oxygen and ammonia are then injected to react with the absorbed sulfur dioxide to produce ammonium sulfate as a valuable byproduct. The oxygen and ammonia are not introduced together into the scrubbing solution, but instead are introduced sequentially and in a manner so that the oxidation first occurs in a relatively low pH solution as a result of the absorbed acidic gases. The ammonia is then added to the solution in a manner that inhibits or prevents intermixing of the ammonia with the majority of the solution, but is present in the solution when recycled for further absorption of acidic gases.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for indirectly heating reactants in a reaction zone controls the combustion of fuel through the metering of combustion gas from a central channel across perforated plates into outer combustion channels. Controlling the combustion of fuel in channels that supplies heat indirectly to a reaction zone simplifies the operation of the reaction zone and improves reaction zone conversion and/or selectivity. Simplified operation results from the elimination of equipment for the heating of the heat exchange fluid by the controlled combustion of fuel in situ in the reaction zone. Improved conversion and/or selectivity proceeds from reduction in temperature differences between the heating medium and the reactants. Catalyst promotion of fuel combustion may also be varied through other available mechanisms such as variations in residence time, catalyst composition, flow area, and component concentration. Particularly suitable catalysts comprise oxidation promoting catalysts.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the presence, or absence of the presence of at least one target molecule employing a receptacle housing a reaction chamber comprised of at least one compartment containing suitable reagents for the detection of the target molecule are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for treatment of liquid. Liquid is introduced into a reaction vessel (10) and rises inside a first chamber (12) of the reaction vessel (10). The liquid is led out of the first chamber (12) downwardly along an outer surface (40) of the first chamber (12) in a thin film into a second chamber (14). In a third chamber (16) energy for raising the internal energy of the liquid is supplied to the liquid by means of an energy supply device (30). The treated liquid is withdrawn from the reaction vessel (10). The energy supply device includes an ultrasound-emitting transducer in which a piezoceramic disc (82) is supported via an elastic seal (84) between a pot-shaped housing member (78) and a sleeve (80).

Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.