Abstract: The present Invention relates to a hydrothermal process for the preparation of coal-like material from biomass, in which a reaction mixture comprising biomass is heated by contacting with steam, the steam moving counter-currently relative to the reaction mixture, to obtain a reaction mixture comprising activated biomass, and the activated biomass is subsequently polymerized to give a reaction mixture comprising coal-like material. According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a column, preferably a vertically oriented evaporation column, comprising horizontally oriented mass transfer trays, rotor elements mounted on a rotor shaft that is vertically oriented and passes through a rotor shaft opening in the mass transfer trays, and a housing provided with suitable upper and lower inlets and outlets. The column can be used with benefit in the hydrothermal process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides fabrics that have unique mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. The fabrics comprise layers of woven, knit or felted fibers, yarns or tow. Interstitially synthesized nanotubes, such as single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes, enhance the fabric's antiballistic properties. These nanotubes may also insulate, semi-conduct or super-conduct electrical charges, or provide enhanced thermal properties of these fabrics which can be layered to form unique garments or structures.

Abstract: A device is presented for use as a centerpipe in a radial flow reactor, or for a radial flow adsorption bed. The device includes a plurality of stacked slotted cylindrical sections and frustums. The design retains the particles in a solid particulate bed that can be flowing through the reactor. The frustums provide covers to the cylindrical sections to prevent the flow of solid particles back through the slots in the cylindrical sections.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are taught. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as taught herein.

Abstract: With the help of a method and device for nozzle-jetting oxygen into a synthesis reactor, e.g. for oxy-dehydration, with largely axial flow of the gas mixture through a catalyst bed, it is intended to vastly improve the mixing-in and mixing-through of oxygen above the catalyst especially for oxy-dehydration process. This is achieved by feeding the oxygen to a ring distributor system arranged above the catalyst bed in pure form, as air or mixed with inert gas or water vapor and jetting the oxygen onto the catalyst surface through several exit openings in the ring distributor at an inclined angle deviating from the vertical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system that consists of a Hydrogen production device made up of a chamber (1-10) for hydrolyzing a metal hydride, separated by a thin membrane (1-1) superposed on a rigid grid (1-5) from at least one reservoir (1-3) containing a liquid solution for the reaction, with at least one hydride-based nanoscale element. This application is an extension and continuation of an alternate patent application with internal priority claim of a patent application No. 0806821, filed on Dec. 5, 2008; that is itself an extension of patent application No. 0806820 filed on Dec. 5, 2008; that is itself is an extension of patent application No. 0804598, file on Aug. 14, 2008; that is itself is an extension of a first invention patent application No. 0803019, filed on Jun. 2, 2008. The present application is therefore a continuation in part of the patent application No. FR0804598, file on Aug. 1, 2008 (PCT-FR/2009/000999, dated Aug. 12, 2009) that is a continuation in part of a first patent application No.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for carrying out chemical reactions, having a reactor (1), the reaction space of which contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and titanium silicalite (TS-1). The object of the invention is to improve such a plant such that continuous separation and recycling of the active catalyst to the reaction space is possible with a long filter service life. This is achieved in that the reaction space contains a solid silicon source, in that the plant comprises a water takeoff line (3) which is set up for drawing off water in addition to components which are dissolved and/or dispersed therein from the reaction space, in that the water takeoff line (3) leads to a filter (4) which separates off the components which are dissolved and/or dispersed in the water, and in that the plant has a return line (5) which is set up for recirculating to the reaction space components which are separated off by means of the filter (4).

Abstract: A radial flow reactor vessel is disclosed for use in gas purification, separation or reaction processes and most suitably used in prepurification processes. The reactor has internal baskets for confining a bed of active material. The baskets are rigidly supported at both the top and bottom ends of the reactor and have walls that are axially flexible and radially rigid. The vessel has multiple movable support columns designed to facilitate pre-stressing of the baskets to offset axial compressive loads induced from thermal cycling.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with openings disposed within the partitions. The openings are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the openings to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet openings, and the design prevents the loss of particles through the openings during cooldown of the apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas generating apparatus for providing hydrogen gas to a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus includes an expandable reaction chamber containing a solid reactant component and a collapsible receptacle containing a liquid reactant component with a housing. The reaction chamber includes an expandable reactant zone defined by a moveable partition that retains the reactants and reaction products within the reaction chamber. The apparatus also includes a liquid transport control system and a fluid path for transporting the liquid reactant component from the collapsible receptacle to the reactant zone in the reaction chamber, where the liquid and solid reactant components react to generate hydrogen gas. The receptacle collapses with a corresponding expansion of the reaction chamber as liquid reactant component is used, and the reactant zone expands within the reaction chamber in response to pressure from the increasing volume of reaction products on the moveable partition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane, comprising in said order a first electronically conducting layer, an ionically conducting layer, and a second electronically conducting layer, characterized in that the first and second electronically conducting layers are internally short circuited. The present invention further provides a method of producing the above membrane, comprising the steps of: providing a ionically conducting layer; applying at least one layer of electronically conducting material on each side of said ionically conducting layer; sintering the multilayer structure; and impregnating the electronically conducting layers with a catalyst material or catalyst precursor material.

Abstract: The liquid hydrocarbon stream including COS is introduced via line 1 into membrane contactor CM to be placed in contact, through membrane M, with the aqueous alkanolamine solution arriving via line 3. The COS contained in the hydrocarbon stream is absorbed by the aqueous alkanolamine solution. The liquid hydrocarbons from which the COS has been removed are evacuated from CM via line 2. The aqueous solution containing COS is sent via line 4 to zone R to be regenerated. The compounds released during regeneration, particularly COS and COS-derived products, are evacuated from zone R via line 5. The regenerated aqueous alkanolamine solution is recycled via line 3 into membrane contactor CM.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and systems for the processing of chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of polymers.

Abstract: Reactors and methods that generate hydrogen from fuel, such as naturally-occurring or synthesized hydrocarbon fuel. One embodiment of the reactor comprises a CO2/H2 active membrane piston disposed inside a cylinder that provides for highly efficient and scalable hydrogen generation from hydrocarbon fuels. This embodiment may function in a two or four stroke modes. Another embodiment of the reactor comprises a dual piston configuration having CO2 and H2 active membrane pistons inside a single cylinder. Other embodiments of the reactor comprise flexible membranes or diaphragms that operate in a manner similar to pistons with or without regeneration of residual reaction products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pyrolytic destruction of polymer products including whole vehicle vulcanised rubber tyres is disclosed. The apparatus 111 has a reaction chamber 153 into which a tyre can be placed, and immersed for pyrolytic decomposition in a molten alloy of zinc with a minor proportion of aluminium. The apparatus 111 has a heated reservoir 155 in which the alloy is maintained in a molten state, and from where it can be transferred to the reaction chamber 153 to immerse the tyre. Fluid hydrocarbon byproducts are drawn off for condensation and recovery, and solid zinc sulphides are also recovered. Where steel belted tyres are processed, carbon and steel residues are also recovered.

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 a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: A milled plate is presented that is provided for use in a radial flow reactor. The milled plate has narrow slots milled in the plate on the solid particle side and slots of slightly greater width milled on the fluid side of the plate. The plates provide strength to support the pressure from solid particles that currently is not present in wire screen meshes.

Abstract: A hybrid adsorbent-membrane reactor in which the chemical reaction, membrane separation, and product adsorption are coupled. Also disclosed are a dual-reactor apparatus and a process using the reactor or the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for chemically disposing energetic material enclosed in assembled devices includes a porous basket. The porous basket forms an enclosed chamber for receiving the assembled devices. Further, the basket is supported by a rotatable basket arm that is, in turn, connected to a lifting arm. In addition to these structures, the system includes a tank that holds a hydrolysis solution. The tank is positioned to allow the lifting arm to submerge the basket into the solution. After submersion, the basket arm rotates the basket in the solution to flow the hydrolysis solution into contact with the assembled devices therein. As a result, the assembled devices react with the solution so that the solution penetrates the assembled devices, allowing the solution to contact and react with the energetic material to render the energetic material non-energetic.

Abstract: An apparatus is for directing a fluid into a radial reactor is and which maintains a bed of solid particulate material within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a duct for directing fluid into a reactor and has a screenless face for the egress of the fluid, while providing for the retention of solid particles.

Abstract: A secondary containment system is used with a screenless reactor. The secondary containment system includes a screen sized to prevent the passage of catalyst particles, and is affixed to the screenless reactor with supports to hold the screen a desired distance from the reactor.

Abstract: A high-flux membrane, especially a sieving membrane, is used to separate a naphtha feedstock into a retentate fraction having a reduced concentration of normal paraffins for an enhanced reforming feed and a permeate fraction having an increased concentration of normal paraffins for an enhanced cracking feed.

Abstract: A device, system and method of mixing two fluids are described herein. A gaseous first fluid is distributed through a distribution zone to a mixing zone by a bundle of pipes parallel to an axis inside which the first fluid is uniformly distributed. A second fluid is uniformly distributed outside the pipes in the distribution zone. The mixing zone is separated from the distribution zone by a pipe-plate supporting the pipes. The pipe-plate has slits or openings to uniformly discharge the second fluid in an axial flow direction into the mixing zone. The pipes extend beyond the pipe-plate into the mixing zone to partialize an outlet flow of the first fluid. In one aspect, the pipes have different lengths to partialize the outlet flow. In another aspect, a terminal portion of the pipes partializes the outlet flow axially, radially, transversally or a combination thereof in the mixing zone.

Abstract: A pyrolytic hydrogen generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of cardboard receptacles for the thermally decomposable hydrogen generating material and an associated ignition system. Also, a modular pellet tray assembly for use in the generator comprises a plurality of trays having pellet holders and associated igniters and held in a stack by support rods that also provide electrical connectivity to the trays. Also, a pellet tray assembly comprises a plurality of pellet holders, wherein some of more outwardly disposed pellet holders contain only outwardly facing vents and are fired first. Also, the generator has an array of hydrogen generating elements arranged side by side and separated from one another into cells by partitioning provided with directional venting that only permits laterally exiting gases to vent outwardly. Alternatively, the elements can be separated into cells by a baffle system comprising gas confining and gas venting elements, which may be heat conductive.

Abstract: Reactor for a catalytic conversion reaction comprising within a catalyst housing a perforated catalyst support plate supporting a catalyst bed, the perforated catalyst support plate being supported by a plurality of elongated support elements, and catalyst particles in the catalyst bed being placed outside the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being attached to the lower ends of the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being divided into a plurality of perforated catalyst support plate segments, at least one perforated catalyst support plate segment being supported by an elongated support element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchange reactor for carrying out endothermic or exothermic reactions comprising: a housing defining an external reactor wall (1), a plurality of heat transfer tubes (2) arranged within said housing for the supply or removal of heat in catalyst beds (3, 3?) disposed at least outside (3) said heat transfer tubes (2), and built-in elements (4) disposed in the outer periphery of said catalyst bed (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for processing medical waste is provided. The apparatus includes: (i) a drum defining a substantially cylindrical treatment chamber having a closed end and a substantially open end, wherein the drum is rotationally balanced about a rotational axis; (ii) an enclosing body supporting the drum so that the drum can be rotated within the body about the rotational axis of the drum, the body having an opening for accessing the open end of the drum, wherein the opening is located substantially in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum; (iii) a movable barrier for selectively closing the opening for accessing the open end of the drum; (iv) a structure for supporting the enclosing body so that the pitch of the rotational axis of the drum is positioned or can be positioned in at least one position between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees.

Abstract: An oligo peptide synthesis apparatus comprises a stationary apparatus part, which is stationary in relation to the frame and a movable apparatus part. The movable apparatus part comprises an oligo peptide synthesis reaction holder, which comprises a number of receptors for receiving a corresponding number of vessels and the receptors are located on a circle. The movable apparatus part comprises a revolveable holder, which has a disengageable coupling for connecting the revolveable holder to the oligo peptide synthesis reaction holder.

Abstract: Methods of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons to yield unsaturated compounds are described. Reactor configurations useful for dehydrogenation are also described. Hydrocarbons can be dehydrogenated, for relatively long periods of time-on-stream, in a reaction chamber having a dimension of 2 mm or less to produce H2 and an olefin. Techniques have been developed that reduce coke and allow stable, relatively long-term operation in small reactors.

Abstract: A radial flow reactor fluid duct distribution apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a plate of sufficient thickness to impart strength to the fluid flow duct and is milled to have narrow slots allowing fluid to flow through the plate, while preventing the passage of catalyst through the plate.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a cartridge including a reservoir having a first reactant and a reaction chamber, and a receiver that can include a flow control device. The receiver is adapted to receive the cartridge and to transport the first reactant to the reaction chamber after connection with the cartridge. The flow control device is adapted to stop the transport of reactant when the pressure in the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Reaction plates for microreactors for performing gas-liquid reactions, which consist of falling-film plates with a surface which has a randomly distributed, unordered fine structure or microstructure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in radial flow reactors is presented. The apparatus includes a plate of sufficient thickness to impart strength in supporting a solid particle bed, and is milled to have narrow slots allowing the flow of fluid through the plate, while preventing the passage of catalyst through the plate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for preparing sol-gel solutions are provided. Specifically, apparatuses include a vessel optionally containing a stirrer; a pump; a fluidized bed reaction column; and multiple fluid lines. The multiple fluid lines connect the vessel and the pump in a first circulation loop and connect the vessel, the pump and the fluidized bed reaction column in a second circulation loop. Processes for preparing sol-gel solutions using such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to generate hydrogen. A liquid permeable material with one or more cavities contains a solid anhydrous chemical hydride and an anhydrous activating agent. A housing that is heat and pressure resistant houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material. A gas outlet port releases hydrogen gas produced by a reaction comprising the solid anhydrous chemical hydride, the anhydrous activating agent, and the liquid. A hydrogen output regulator controls the amount of hydrogen gas that the gas outlet port releases.

Abstract: A unique reactor configuration especially suitable for interphase mass transfer and mixing of multiple phases, i.e. gas(es), liquid(s), and solid(s) where reaction is catalyzed by a solid catalyst comprises a draught tube reactor wherein the solid catalyst particles are maintained in an annular space between the draught tube of the reactor and an annulus-defining wall by means of filter elements positioned downstream and optionally also upstream from the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus 1 is constructed in which when work 3 is close to a supply hole 7, a strut 22 is pushed to open the supply hole 7, and when erosion of the work 3 progresses to cause the strut 22 to protrude, the supply hole 7 is closed with a seal member 24, so that products do not stay on the work 3, a reaction solution 12 is not fed to portions other than the work 3, and even if the attitude of the apparatus is changed, a hydrogen production reaction can be controlled appropriately.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with apertures disposed within the partitions. The apertures are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the apertures to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet apertures. And the apparatus includes baffles to inhibit erosion of the particles by redirecting the inlet gas flow.

Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane type reactor including a catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction, a selectively permeable membrane which selectively allows a specific component to pass therethrough, and a carrier for disposing the catalyst and the selectively permeable membrane the carrier being a tubular body having two or more gas passage cells partitioned and formed by a partition wall formed of a porous body, the catalyst being individually disposed in some of the cells of the carrier, the selectively permeable membrane being individually disposed in the remainder of the cells, and the cell in which the catalyst is disposed and the cell in which the selectively permeable membrane is disposed being adjacently disposed with the partition wall positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator generates hydrogen gas by mixing two reactants. The generator has a reaction chamber for receiving a solid reactant. The chamber has a reaction product separator impermeable to the solid reactant and a biasing means for biasing reactant products against the separator. The generator also has a liquid reactant dispenser for storing a liquid reactant and is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber, such that dispensed liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant in the reaction chamber to produce hydrogen gas and a waste product that are substantially permeable through the separator. The generator also has a product collector coupled to the reaction chamber for collecting hydrogen gas and waste product that have passed through the separator.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a reaction tank (1) for immersing an electrode material of a lithium secondary battery into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction of the electrode material with the metal lithium; a movable perforated processing vessel (10) configured to be immersed into the molten salt in the reaction tank (1) together with the electrode material contained therein; and vessel carrying means for immersing the perforated processing vessel (10) containing the electrode material therein into the molten salt of lithium chloride in the reaction tank (1) and pulling up the vessel (10) from the reaction tank (1) after a process has been performed.

Abstract: A thermal waste recycling system and method and to the application thereof in the treatment of high-water-content waste includes: a column for thermal waste pyrolysis, a thermal pyrolysis gas combustion chamber, a thermal purification and molecular cracking device, a heat exchange device comprising a condensation device and an element-concentration device, a device for the condensation of carbonic gas CO2, a device for cooling the hot parts of the system, and a cogeneration installation.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluorine gas of the invention comprises a step (1) of generating a fluorine gas by sectioning the interior of a fluorine gas generation container equipped with a heating means, by the use of a structure having gas permeability, then filling each section with a high-valence metal fluoride and heating the high-valence metal fluoride. The process may comprise a step (2) of allowing the high-valence metal fluoride, from which a fluorine gas has been generated in the step (1), to occlude a fluorine gas. According to the process of the invention, a high-purity fluorine gas that is employable as an etching gas or a cleaning gas in the process for manufacturing semiconductors or liquid crystals can be produced inexpensively on a mass scale.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalyzed liquid reactions in which the catalyst is present as a dispersion in the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one inlet and outlet, with all starting materials being fed in via the inlet and all products being discharged via the outlet. The inlet and outlet can be switched so that an exit previously serving as the outlet is utilized as an entrance serving as the inlet and at the same time an entrance previously serving as the inlet is utilized as an exit serving as the outlet. The inlet and outlet each include a filter element that keeps the catalyst in the reactor. The reactor also includes a device that ensures homogeneous distribution of the catalyst and the starting materials in the reactor. This reactor can carry out reactions at a high solids content without the catalyst having to be separated off from a product stream in an extra process step and without regular cleaning and thus shutdown of the process being necessary.

Abstract: A support system for catalyst gauzes in an ammonia oxidation burner and a method of reducing movement of particulate ceramic material due to thermal dilatation includes the catalyst gauzes (1) and possibly support screens (2) being supported by ceramic fillings contained in a burner basket with metal walls and a perforated bottom plate. A “wave breaker” (9, 11) is fixed to the metal wall (4) and/or the outer part/periphery of the bottom plate (5).

Abstract: Ion transport membrane oxidation system comprising an enclosure having an interior and an interior surface, inlet piping having an internal surface and adapted to introduce a heated feed gas into the interior of the enclosure, and outlet piping adapted to withdraw a product gas from the interior of the enclosure; one or more planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the enclosure, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide material; and a preheater adapted to heat a feed gas to provide the heated feed gas to the inlet piping, wherein the preheater comprises an interior surface. Any of the interior surfaces of the enclosure, the inlet piping, and the preheater may be lined with a copper-containing metal lining. Alternatively, any of the interior surfaces of the inlet piping and the preheater may be lined with a copper-containing metal lining and the enclosure may comprise copper.