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: A fixed bed membrane reactor is disclosed. The reactor has a housing including an inlet for receiving reactants and an outlet for discharging retentate streams of reaction products. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with a reaction zone in which the reactants may passe downstream from the inlet to the outlet with the reactants reacting to produce reaction products including water. The reactor further includes a membrane assembly disposed in fluid communication with the reaction zone. The membrane assembly includes at least one porous support with a water permselective membrane affixed thereto. The membrane allows water produced in the reaction zone to be selectively removed from the reaction zone as a permeate stream while allowing retentate reaction products to remain in the reaction zone and be discharged as a retentate stream.

Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane reactor includes a reaction tube including a supply port as an inlet port for a raw material gas and a discharge port as an outlet port for an unseparated gas, and a separation tube inserted into the reaction tube. The separation tube includes a selectively permeable membrane exhibiting selective permeability for a specific component on a surface facing the internal space of the reaction tube, and a process port as an outlet port for a separated gas which has passed through the selectively permeable membrane, and a catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction is provided in the reaction tube excluding the separation tube. A catalyst is carried by a foamed body having porous structure to form a foam-molded product and suppresses physical and chemical deterioration in the selectively permeable membrane and allows a mixed gas produced by a catalytic reaction to be efficiently separated.

Abstract: Reactors and methods for reducing the carbon monoxide concentration in a reactant stream are provided. The reactors are generally configured such that a reactant from a second reactant stream may be continuously introduced along at least a portion of the length of a first reactant stream. A membrane may separate a first reactant stream and a second reactant stream.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus is disclosed for the removal of metals from jet fuel at high flow rates and limited pressure drops. The filter comprises a monolayer of immobilized chelating agent on packed silica gel. The filtration apparatus is particularly useful for the removal of copper from jet fuel.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a fuel container, a spent fuel container, a catalyst system and a control system for generating hydrogen in a manner which provides for a compact and efficient construction while producing hydrogen from a reaction involving a hydride solution such as sodium borohydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite ceramic membranes for use in chemical processes such as the separation of molecules, sometimes referred to as molecular sieving, preferably in combination with chemical conversion of molecules selected from a composition of different molecules, e.g. the selective partial or full oxidation. The composite membrane of the invention offers a combination of molecular sieving and oxygen transport that makes the composite membrane suitable for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons from a feed comprising a mixture hydrocarbons. The composite membrane of the invention comprises a first layer containing an oxygen transporting material (OTM), e.g. perovskite, and, in association with the first layer, a second layer, containing a molecular sieve layer, e.g. a zeolite.

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 fluidized bed reactor configured for reduced backflow of fluid is provided. The fluidized bed reactor comprises a vessel configured to contain a level of fluid, a feed conduit positioned to deliver feed into the vessel from an elevation above the level of fluid and a vacuum relief valve coupled to said feed conduit to introduce gas into the feed conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing continuous flow chemical reactions such as oxidation, oxidative dehydrogenation and partial oxidation processes involving a reactor design characterized by controlled/optimized addition of a reactant with the objective of: (i) avoiding the explosion regime of the reactant mixture (e.g., hydrocarbon/oxidant mixture); (ii) maximizing the selectivity of the reaction to the desired product; (iii) limiting the reactor temperature gradient and therefore the threat of reaction runaway; and (iv) controlling the operating temperature of the reaction zone so that desirable temperature range is maintained over the entire zone.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge for a hydrogen generating system having a cartridge containing a substantially anhydrous chemical hydride reactant. A plurality of liquid conduits extends into the cartridge and each of the liquid conduits has a length and a plurality of liquid distribution apertures formed along the length. The liquid distribution apertures have a diameter of less than approximately 1 mm. The chemical hydride reactant forms a bed and the liquid conduits extend along at least half of a length of the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing particles of a defined size and morphology, using a reaction of reactants, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of rotational forces and wherein the reactants are separated from each other by means of a contactor. The present method is suitable for preparing articles having a particle size from 10-2000 nm.

Abstract: A cassette-based hydrogen fuel distribution and recovery method and system is disclosed.

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: An improved oxidizer for liquid reduction-oxidation desulphurization processes uses a hollow fiber membrane contactor. A pressurized, oxygen containing gas stream is introduced into the interior of the hollow fiber membrane while a liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution contacts the exterior of the membrane. Oxygen diffuses through the membrane into the liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution whereby the solution is oxidized and can be recycled for further us in a desulphurization process.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a process and an apparatus for hydrogenating hydrocarbon fuels. A receptacle is partly filled an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide. A hydrocarbon fuel is then introduced inside the receptacle atop the aqueous solution. Aluminum is introduced in the aqueous solution, thereby producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is bubbled through the hydrocarbon fuel for hydrogenating the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are 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 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: 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 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 man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a gaseous and/or liquid feed fluid to gaseous and/or liquid products using a solid catalyst comprises a reactor, a liquid phase disposed within the reactor volume, a fixed catalyst at least partially disposed in the liquid phase, a cooling system having a cooling element in thermal contact with the liquid phase, a feed inlet positioned to feed the feed fluid into the reactor volume, and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the liquid phase. The catalyst is contained in a catalyst container and the container may be adjacent to said cooling element, extend through said cooling element, or may surround the catalyst container. The catalyst may be a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.

Abstract: A method for use in two-components electrostatic image developers is disclosed, in which secure separation of a carrier coating resinous materials from a core magnetic material is achieved without affecting the properties of the core materials through process steps benign to the environment in super- or sub-critical water compositions under the conditions of a temperature of 300° C. or more and a pressure of 20 MPa. The core magnetic material is subsequently recycled for forming carrier. This method may also be useful for processing waste including magnetic materials with silicone resin coating.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing protons or hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at dissociation temperatures the hydrogen from the dissociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the dissociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is thereafter reacted with methane to produce syngas which optimally may be reacted in a water gas shift reaction to produce CO2 and H2.

Abstract: A steam reforming furnace has a plurality of substantially vertical reformer tubes. Each reformer tube has a feed inlet at its lower end, an outlet at its upper end, and a catalyst containment zone disposed intermediate its upper and lower ends and contains a charge of a particulate steam reforming catalyst which is insufficient to fill completely the catalyst containment zone. An upper retainer means is mounted at the upper end of the catalyst containment zone and is permeable to gas or vapor but retains particles of the catalyst in the catalyst containment zone. A follower means is movably mounted in the catalyst containment zone beneath the charge catalyst for movement upwardly from a lower end of the containment zone upon upward flow of gas through the catalyst containment zone at a rate beyond a threshold rate.

Abstract: An appliance for the gasification of carbon- and ash-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent at temperatures above the melting point of the inorganic fractions, in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between atmospheric pressure and 80 bar, preferably between atmospheric pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooled reactor wall. The cooled reactor wall having the following structure, from the outside inward: a pressure shell, a cooling wall, a water-cooled gap between the pressure shell and the cooling wall, a ceramic protection for the cooling wall, and a layer of slag. The pressure and temperature of the cooling gap between the pressure shell and the cooling wall is controlled in such a way that it can be operated above and below the boiling point of the cooling water. The pressure in the cooling gap is higher than the pressure in the gasification chamber.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank has an outer cylinder and a cylindrical hydrogen storage module within the outer cylinder spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder to provide a hydrogen passage therebetween. The cylindrical hydrogen storage module includes a lamination having a plurality of hydrogen storage units filled with powdery hydrogen absorption material and a hydrogen absorption and desorption surface on an entire outer peripheral surface, while interposing a heating/cooling element between ones of adjacent units. First and second main passages penetrate the lamination in a lamination direction of the units, and permit heating fluid and cooling fluid to flow therethrough. Sub passages branch from the main passages and extend over within each of the heating/cooling elements.

Abstract: An ammonia synthesis process and apparatus are provided which are energy efficient and minimize greenhouse-gas-emission during the processing of natural gas and air. In the process a stream of natural gas is divided into two streams, one of which is mixed with air and ignited to provide heat for the thermal decomposition of natural gas into hydrogen and carbon and also to provide deoxygenated nitrogen for an ammonia synthesis process. The process essentially prepares hydrogen and nitrogen on a low average temperature side of a chemical reactor and then feeds both gases to the high average temperature side of the chemical reactor where they react to form ammonia. The formation of ammonia is exothermic, whereas the thermal decomposition of methane is endothermic and the combustion of methane to remove oxygen is also exothermic; the sum of the heats absorbed and released in these reactions is positive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sulfur tolerant, dynamic, compact, lightweight fuel process and system that is capable of converting sulfur bearing carbonaceous fuels to hydrogen rich gases suitable for fuel cells or chemical processing applications. The process and system is based on the AHR and WGS reactions, followed by cleanup of byproduct sulfur-containing gases and carbon oxides that would otherwise poison the fuel cell electrocatalyst. Advantageously, this is accomplished via an ASMS and a methanator or an AWMR. The process and system preferably uses a special sulfur tolerant catalysts and hardware designs that enable the conversion in an energy efficient manner while maintaining desirable performance characteristics such as rapid start-stop and fast response to load change capabilities.

Abstract: A reforming catalyst is composed of a plurality of catalyst layers arranged in series, and when started from a low temperature, preheated air is supplied in parallel to a point upstream of each catalyst layer, thereby the catalyst in each layer is self-heated simultaneously so that the catalyst is heated. After the catalyst is heated, feed of air is temporarily stopped, and supply of fuel gas is started. Next, air is supplied while controlling its flow rate so that temperatures in the catalyst do not exceed the temperature that the catalyst can withstand. Thus, no other special equipment is needed, and the catalyst can be started quickly (cold start). The catalyst can be made compact enough to install it in a electric vehicle.

Abstract: A chemical microreactor suitable for generation of hydrogen fuel from liquid sources such as ammonia, methanol, and butane through steam reforming processes when mixed with an appropriate amount of water contains capillary microchannels with integrated resistive heaters to facilitate the occurrence of catalytic steam reforming reactions. One such microreactor employs a packed catalyst capillary microchannel and at least one porous membrane. Another employs a porous membrane with a large surface area or a porous membrane support structure containing a plurality of porous membranes having a large surface area in the aggregate, i.e., greater than about 1 m2/cm3. The packed catalyst capillary microchannels, porous membranes and porous membrane support structures may be formed by a variety of methods.

Abstract: A miniature fuel reformer utilizes a metal thin film and includes a plurality of unit modules connected together.

Abstract: Countercurrent stripping pipe for removing volatile organic constituents from reaction products, having a column pipe (201) composed of a plurality of pipe sections (201a-d), in which trays (202) are arranged, connections (205, 208) for supplying and removing the reaction products and connections (206, 207) for supplying and removing at least one stripping agent in countercurrent to the reaction products. In accordance with the invention, a plurality of successive trays (202) in each case are joined to one another and form at least two inserts (211a-c) which can be removed from the column pipe (201).

Abstract: An apparatus for reactions between different gases, includes a hollow body having a first feeding section that receives a first gas and is made of a porous material having through-pores, and a second feeding section that receives a second gas and surrounds the first feeding section. The first gas diffuses toward the second feeding section from the through-pores to give rise to a contact reaction between the first gas and the second gas through the through-pores. The end openings of the through pores have an sufficient total area to match the amount of the second reactive gas received, and each end opening has a sufficient area to provide a linear velocity of diffusion of the first reactive gas that is larger than the linear velocity of diffusion of the second reactive gas at the through-pore end openings in the direction opposing the diffusion direction of the first gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing dimethylether from methanol using a membrane reactor, more particularly to a method for preparing dimethylether from methanol using a membrane capable of carrying out a reaction and a separation at the same time while preparing dimethylether from methanol. Because water vapor generated by dehydration of methanol can be selectively removed from the catalytic reaction zone, decrease in catalytic activity can be prevented and thus life span of a catalyst can be extended. Further, reaction efficiency can be improved even at a temperature milder than the conventional one for dimethylether preparation, and also additional steps of separation and purification after completion of the reaction is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for holding a sample includes a shaft; a generally circular chuck member, the shaft extending from a first surface of the chuck member; and a sample holder associated with a second surface of the chuck member. The second surface is opposite the first surface. A sample receiving assembly holds the sample on the sample holder so that the sample remains fixed to the sample holder when the shaft rotates and causes the chuck member and the sample holder to rotate with the shaft. The chuck assembly may be used in a reactor assembly including a reactor chamber for receiving the chuck assembly; a spindle assembly for receiving an end of the shaft distal from the chuck member; and a motor for rotating the spindle assembly and the shaft so that fluid in the chamber flows generally along the shaft in a first direction and through the openings in the chuck member, around the sample holder, and then along a wall of the chamber in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A batch process for carrying out a hydrogenation reaction comprises mixing a pyrophoric catalyst with reactants and solvents to form a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel. Hydrogen is added to the reaction vessel. After hydrogenation, the desired hydrogenation product is removed from the reaction vessel and the pyrophoric catalyst-rich material from the reaction vessel is delivered to a pressure filter. Water is added to the pyrophoric catalyst-rich material in the filter and the spent pyrophoric material is removed from the pressure filter in a water wet form.

Abstract: The invention provides a preservative gas generating device which has a carrier sheet (6); a layer of a matrix forming material having a preservative gas generating compound dispersed therein (8), the layer of matrix forming material being adapted to permit the generation of a preservative gas by the preservative gas generating compound and to permit the gas to permeate out of the matrix formed by the material, the matrix forming material being adhered to the carrier sheet (6) in the form of a layer covering an area of the carrier sheet so as to form at least one discrete zone (8) with a peripheral area of the carrier sheet surrounding the discrete zone(s) being substantially free of the matrix forming material; and a cover sheet (10) secured to said peripheral area to enclose the layer of matrix forming material between the carrier sheet and the cover sheet; and wherein at least one of the carrier sheet and the cover sheet are permeable to said preservative gas.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. A gas purification system extracts energy from the waste gases to heat the membrane reactor.

Abstract: An arrangement for a fluid distributor-contactor-type reactor uses perforated plates to circulate two reactants in alternate channels defined by spaces between parallel stacked plates to perform controlled distribution and mixing simultaneously with optional indirect heat transfer. One reactant enters one set of channels that serve as reaction channels. A set of second channels interleaved with the reaction channels serve as distribution channels that also provide a heat exchange function. Finely dispersed openings in the perforated plates distribute the reactant at low concentration from the distribution channels into the reaction channels. Dispersal of the reactant through the perforations will enhance the turbulence that is primarily introduced by the corrugated plates to insure good mixing of the reactants in the reaction channels.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.

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, 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: When a nitride film is formed on a substrate containing at least metallic aluminum, a fluctuation in forming a nitride film can be prevented, or the formation of the nitride film can be accelerated. A substrate containing at least metallic aluminum is subjected to a heating treatment in vacuum of 10−3 torrs or less, and subsequently it is subjected to a heating/nitriding treatment in an atmosphere (5) containing at least nitrogen. During the heating/nitriding treatment, porous bodies (3) and (4) through which nitrogen atoms-containing gases (A) and (B) can flow are contacted with the atmosphere (5).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the calcination of materials using low temperature heating and indirect heating for calcination. Also disclosed are a variety of processes for calcination of materials which have-reduced emissions of pollutants compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: A multiple parallel processing assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing material, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent chambers; and (4) a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the chambers.

Abstract: An axial conveyor is described, in particular for conveying gas/liquid dispersions, wherein the conveying elements comprise a wall-sweeping edge pointing in the direction of the pressure side of the conveying elements. The axial conveyor is particularly suitable as a circulating member in loop reactors. A process comprising conveying gas/liquid dispersions as well as a process for carrying out chemical reactions directly reacting gas with gases not completely dissolved in a liquid medium, or optionally in the presence of finely divided solids, through the use of an axial conveyor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for radial flow reactor and methods of using the reactor for catalytic hydrocarbon processing. The reactor, of annular shaped housing, contains a core region with a heat exchange means. The core region is surrounded by a catalyst bed held by inner and outer walls. The core region and radial catalyst bed are further surrounded by an annular zone containing heat exchange means.

Abstract: A converter for a device for supplying ammonia (NH3) into the exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine comprising a pressure-tight reaction vessel 2 for generating NH3 by heating a substance thermolytically separating NH3 under the effect of heat, and a heating unit 10 for heating the reaction vessel 2 to the operating temperature for generating the NH3, is defined thereby that the reaction vessel 2 usefully comprises in the region of its bottom an outlet 4 provided with connection means and an inlet 3, spaced apart from the outlet 4, also provided with connection means, with which connection means the interior of the reaction vessel 2 is connectable to a filling and withdrawal unit 13 for drawing off a carrier medium disposed in the reaction vessel 2, and for filling the reaction vessel 2 with new substance thermolytically separating NH3 transported by the carrier medium.