Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating an hydroalcoholic feedstock comprising ethanol and butanol in order to produce an ethanol-rich effluent, a water-rich effluent and a butanol-rich effluent, comprising a) a water-ethanol separation step comprising a distillation column fed with said hydroalcoholic feedstock and comprising at least 14 theoretical plates, a molar reflux ratio of less than or equal to 1.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe pre-catalysts comprising including one or more of indium oxide, indium hydroxide, indium oxyhydroxide, an active oxide, and a refractory oxide. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe method of making pre-catalysts based on one or more of impregnation, precipitation or co-precipitation, ball milling, and metal-organic framework (MOF)-mediated synthesis. Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe methods of activating pre-catalysts and synthesizing one or more of methanol and olefins using catalysts obtained from the pre-catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst composition containing cobalt manganese oxide which is modified with silicon in the form of a hydrophilic silica, the catalyst also containing at least one of lanthanum, phosphorus, Fe, Zr, and Zn, and optionally one or more basic elements selected from the group of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and transition metals. Also, methods for preparing and using the catalyst composition for producing aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons using the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Provided is a group of rare-earth regenerator material particles having an average particle size of 0.01 to 3 mm, wherein the proportion of particles having a ratio of a long diameter to a short diameter of 2 or less is 90% or more by number, and the proportion of particles having a depressed portion having a length of 1/10 to ½ of a circumferential length on a particle surface is 30% or more by number. By forming the depressed portion on the surface of the regenerator material particles, it is possible to increase permeability of an operating medium gas and a contact surface area with the operating medium gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for removing heat from an exothermic reaction. In particular, the present invention provides a process wherein heat can be removed from multiple reaction trains using a common coolant system.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing a diaryl ether compound through the dehydration of an aromatic alcohol compound in the presence of a dehydration catalyst. The dehydration catalyst is an oxide of a medium rare earth element, wherein the medium rare earth element is samarium, europium, gadolinium, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of separating a secondary alcohol compound from a primary alcohol compound using selective acylation is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of surface-functionalised metal oxide, metal sulphide, metal selenide or metal telluride nanoparticles, a process for the preparation of a composite material comprising such nanoparticles, nanoparticles and a composite material produced thereby, the use of such nanoparticles in catalysis and a catalyst comprising such nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for recycling a noble metal from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products. The method includes: 1) filtering a reaction product in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor by an inner filter; discharging a filtered reaction product to a first filtration buffer tank; separating a gas phase product or a part of a liquid phase product from the reaction product; introducing the liquid-solid two-phase product to a refining filter for product refining; 2) introducing a liquid phase product containing a catalyst slurry to a dynamic filter, collecting the filtered liquid phase product including a waste catalyst and noble metal ions; introducing the liquid phase product to a second filtration buffer tank; and introducing the filtered liquid phase product to the refining filter; and 3) forming a clay filter cake on a filter disk; and refining the products introduced into the refining filter in 1) and 2).

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified catalyst support comprising: (a) treating a bare catalyst support material with an aqueous solution or dispersion of one or more titanium metal sources and one or more carboxylic acids; and (b) drying the treated support, and (c) optionally calcining the treated support. Also provided are catalyst support materials obtainable by the methods, and catalysts prepared from such supports.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction in a three phase slurry system providing a horizontal reaction vessel with a cross sectional area which is dependent on the vessel length, vessel diameter, and axial position. The vessel has a gas inlet at or near the bottom of the reaction vessel and a gas distributor. The gas product exits the vessel by conduit means at or near the top of the reaction vessel. The vessel includes a plurality of horizontal cooling coils to provide a cooling medium to the slurry. In the reaction vessel, the synthesis gas has an average linear velocity which is a function of the vessel cross sectional area.

Abstract: A process for recovering heat uses a product stream from a Fischer Tropsch synthesis reactor as the coolant in the same Fischer Tropsch reactor. This stream is then used as the working fluid in an associated organic Rankine cycle. In this manner, the waste heat from the Fischer Tropsch reactor can be efficiently converted into shaft work within the Fischer Tropsch plant. The Fischer Tropsch fluid can then be recycled into the plant product stream.

Abstract: Provided is a method for synthesizing liquid hydrocarbon compounds wherein synthesizing liquid hydrocarbon compounds from a synthesis gas by a Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction. The method includes a first absorption step of absorbing a carbon dioxide gas, which is contained in gaseous by-products generated in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction, with an absorbent, and a second absorption step of absorbing a carbon dioxide gas, which is contained in the synthesis gas, with the absorbent which is passed through the first absorption step.

Abstract: A system for separating particulate from a fluid stream having an inlet solids content, the system comprising: a magnetic dynamic settling vessel comprising at least one magnetic field inside the vessel and/or one magnetized component; at least one inlet for introduction of the fluid stream having a starting solids content; at least one exit for a stream comprising a solids content not greater than the inlet solids content; at least one exit for a fluid stream comprising a solids content not less than the inlet solids content; and a vertical feed conduit extending at least 70% of the distance from the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one exit for a fluid stream comprising a solids content not less than the inlet solids content. A method for separating particulate from a fluid stream having an inlet solids content is also provided.

Abstract: A method of adapting an axial flow reaction vessel having opposed ports to an opposed axial flow reaction vessel includes installing a process fluid collection system within the body of the vessel in fluid communication with one or more of the ports; providing the vessel with a bed of particulate catalyst or sorbent containing a layer of inert particulate material around the process fluid collection system; and adapting the feed to the vessel through one or more of the ports such that a process fluid fed to the vessel is passed axially and in the opposite direction through the fixed bed of catalyst or sorbent and is collected by the process fluid collection system disposed centrally within the bed and in fluid communication with one or more of the ports.

Abstract: There is provided a method for recovering hydrocarbon compounds from a gaseous by-products generated in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction, the method comprising a pressurizing step in which the gaseous by-products are pressurized, a cooling step in which the pressurized gaseous by-products are pressurized to liquefy hydrocarbon compounds in the gaseous by-products, and a separating step in which the hydrocarbon compounds liquefied in the cooling step are separated from the remaining gaseous by-products.

Abstract: There is provided a method for recovering hydrocarbon compounds from gaseous by-products generated in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction. The method includes absorbing light hydrocarbon compounds and a carbon dioxide gas from the gaseous by-products using an absorption solvent including liquid hydrocarbon compounds and a carbon dioxide gas absorbent, separating the absorption solvent which has absorbed the light hydrocarbon compounds and the carbon dioxide gas into the liquid hydrocarbon compounds and the carbon dioxide gas absorbent, heating the separated liquid hydrocarbon compounds to recover the light hydrocarbon compounds from the separated liquid hydrocarbon compounds, heating the separated carbon dioxide gas absorbent to strip the carbon dioxide gas from the separated carbon dioxide gas absorbent, and reusing the gaseous by-products from which the light hydrocarbon compounds and the carbon dioxide gas are absorbed as a feedstock gas for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction.

Abstract: In a process for producing hydrocarbons according to the present invention, estimated production rates for a light hydrocarbon oil and a heavy hydrocarbon oil are respectively determined based on a set reaction temperature used when the hydrocarbons are synthesized by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, and the discharge flow rates of the light hydrocarbon oil and the heavy hydrocarbon oil from temporary storage buffer tanks (91, 92) during supply to a fractionator (40) are respectively controlled so as to be equal to the respective estimated production rates.

Abstract: A start-up method of a fractionator which fractionally distills FT synthesized hydrocarbons produced by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, the method includes: discharging light FT synthesized hydrocarbons which exist in a gaseous state in an FT reactor performing the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction from the FT reactor to the outside; cooling down the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons discharged from the FT reactor for liquefaction; supplying the liquefied light FT synthesized hydrocarbons to the fractionator; and heating the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons and circulating the light FT synthesized hydrocarbons to the fractionator.

Abstract: A process for improving the hydrogen content of a synthesis gas stream to a synthesis loop, comprising the steps of: (a)removing a purge stream comprising hydrogen and hydrocarbons from a synthesis loop; (b)separating hydrogen from the purge stream; (c)passing the purge stream to a reformer and reacting with steam and oxygen to produce a stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (d)subjecting the reformed reaction product stream to a shift reaction to produce a stream comprising carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (e)subjecting the product stream from the shift reaction to separation to separate hydrogen from carbon dioxide; (f)supplying the separated hydrogen to the synthesis loop; and (g)removing the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst comprising a porous support, palladium, at least one metal selected from the group constituted by alkalis and alkaline-earths, in which: the specific surface area of the porous support is in the range 50 to 210 m2/g; the palladium content in the catalyst is in the range 0.05% to 2% by weight; at least 80% by weight of the palladium is distributed in a crust at the periphery of the support, the thickness of said crust being in the range 20 to 200 ?m; the metallic dispersion D is in the range 25% to 70%; the density of the palladium particles in the crust is in the range 1500 to 4100 particles of palladium per ?m2; and said alkali and/or alkaline-earth metal is distributed homogeneously across the support. The invention also concerns the preparation of the catalyst and its use in selective hydrogenation.

Abstract: Process for obtaining formic acid by thermal separation of a stream comprising formic acid and a tertiary amine (I), in which a liquid stream comprising formic acid and tertiary amine (I) is produced by combining tertiary amine (I) and a formic acid source, secondary components comprised therein are separated off, formic acid is removed by distillation from the resulting liquid stream in a distillation apparatus, where the bottom output from the distillation apparatus is separated into two liquid phases, and the upper liquid phase is recirculated to the formic acid source and the lower liquid phase is recirculated to the separation of the secondary components and/or to the distillation apparatus, wherein low boilers are removed by distillation from the upper liquid phase and recirculated to the depleted stream.

Abstract: Techniques, methods and systems for preparation liquid fuels from hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide are disclosed. The present invention can transform hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide generated from organic feed stocks or other industrial emissions into renewable engineered liquid fuels and store them in a cost-efficient way. The method of the present invention includes: supplying hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide to a heated area of a reaction chamber in controlled volumes; forming carbon monoxide by the energy provided by the heated area; transporting carbon monoxide and hydrogen to an reactor in controlled volumes; supplying additional hydrogen to the reactor; regulating the pressure in the reactor by adjusting the controlled volumes in order to achieve a predetermined object; forming the liquid fuel in the reactor according to the predetermined object; and, storing the liquid fuel in a storage device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a spray dried catalyst by combining spray dried catalyst particles with wax so the spray dried catalyst particles are coated with wax, yielding wax coated catalyst particles, and shaping the wax coated catalyst to provide shaped wax coated catalyst. A method of activating Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles containing oxides by contacting the catalyst particles with a reducing gas in an activation vessel to produce an activated catalyst, wherein contacting is performed in the absence of a liquid medium under activation conditions. A system for activating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst containing an activation reactor configured to introduce an activation gas to a fixed or fluidized bed of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in the absence of a liquid medium and at least one separation device configured to separate a gas stream comprising entrained catalyst fines having an average particle size below a desired cutoff size from the activation reactor.

Abstract: Conversion of synthesis gas to propylene is enhanced via a stepped process wherein a Fischer-Tropsch reaction is first carried out, followed by recovery of propylene produced thereby and then use of product ethylene and unreacted syngas in a hydroformylation reaction to produce propanol, which is then dehydrated to form additional propylene. The process enables significant enhancement of propylene yield that is efficient and makes use of ethylene that is a byproduct of Fischer-Tropsch processes that are employed primarily for production of higher olefms, such as hexene and octene. Thus, it can be carried out in conjunction with already on-line Fischer-Tropsch facilities.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous stream from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction that includes feeding the aqueous stream to a system that includes a distillation column equipped with a partial condenser and a total condenser, at least partially condensing the vaporized stream leaving the head of the distillation column and collecting a first distillate in which in heavier by-products, totally condensing the remaining portion of the vaporized stream leaving the partial condenser and collecting a liquid stream which is returned to the distillation column as a reflux and removing a purified aqueous stream from the bottom of the distillation column.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalyst using an additive layer method includes: (i) forming a layer of a powdered catalyst or catalyst support material, (ii) binding or fusing the powder in said layer according to a predetermined pattern, (iii) repeating (i) and (ii) layer upon layer to form a shaped unit, and (iv) optionally applying a catalytic material to said shaped unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts containing at least one Fischer-Tropsch component and at least one acidic component deposited on a monolith catalyst support for use in synthesis gas conversion processes and methods for preparing the catalysts. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which the hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts are contacted with synthesis gas to produce a hydrocarbon product containing at least 50 wt % C5+ hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which at least one layer of Fischer-Tropsch component deposited onto a monolith support is alternated with at least one layer of acidic component in a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: A method of producing an aluminium oxide supported catalyst for use in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, which comprises: spray-drying a slurry of ?-alumina and a source of a spinel forming metal to form a solid precursor material; calcining the precursor material to form a modified support material including a metal aluminate spinel; impregnating the modified alumina support material with a source of cobalt; calcining the impregnated support material, and activating the catalyst.

Abstract: In order to avoid fouling (precipitation of solid matter on cold surfaces) in heat-exchangers down-stream of the gas outlet of a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, the reactor gas stream containing hydrocarbon products that are solid at lower temperatures is fed into a liquid wash tank. Condensation of heavy oil in the liquid wash tank is effected by feeding an evaporable light oil into the liquid wash tank. Heavy oil is recovered as a bottom product from the liquid wash tank while a gaseous product is taken out of the liquid wash tank as the top product. The light oil is obtained from the wash tank top product.

Abstract: A method of preparing an FT derived diesel composition wherein the FT derived diesel composition has a good response to CFPP improving additives, which good response is achieved by addition of one or more of a FT recycle stream, a crude-oil derived diesel fuel, and a HGO (Heavy Gas Oil) to an FT derived diesel thereby to improve the CFPP improving additive response thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.

Abstract: In a process for producing hydrocarbons according to the present invention, estimated production rates for a light hydrocarbon oil and a heavy hydrocarbon oil are respectively determined based on a set reaction temperature used when the hydrocarbons are synthesized by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, and the discharge flow rates of the light hydrocarbon oil and the heavy hydrocarbon oil from temporary storage buffer tanks (91, 92) during supply to a fractionator (40) are respectively controlled so as to be equal to the respective estimated production rates.

Abstract: A process for producing an activated catalyst for a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction that includes a step of subjecting a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction catalyst prepared by loading an active metal on an inorganic support to a reduction treatment by a gas containing hydrogen gas. This reduction treatment is performed in any reactor among a reactor (10) that conducts a hydrodesulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock used for producing the synthesis gas that functions as the feedstock for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, a reactor (30) that conducts the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, and reactors (50, 52, 54) that conduct hydroprocessing of a synthetic oil that has been synthesized by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction.

Abstract: A process for performing a Fischer Tropsch reaction comprising (a) providing syngas to a reactor, said reactor comprising catalyst particles that have been produced by extruding a paste using a die comprising a plurality of channels extending from an inlet to an outlet, wherein from the inlet to the outlet each channel comprises a first section with a helical bore with a non-circular cross-section, and a second section with a cylindrical bore which has a diameter equal or greater than that of the first section, wherein the second section is at least twice as long as a diameter of the first section; (b) providing the following process conditions in the reactor: a temperature from 125 to 350° C., and a pressure from 5 to 150 bar absolute, and a gaseous hourly space velocity from 500 to 10000 Nl/l/h; and (c) removing Fischer Tropsch product from the reactor.

Abstract: It is avoided that the sulfur compounds originating from the castable is mixed into produced synthesis gas, the mixed sulfur compounds are separated and collected with carbon dioxide, the collected carbon dioxide is recycled as raw material gas and then the sulfur compounds is directly supplied to the reformer to consequently degrade the reforming catalyst in the reformer by sulfur poisoning. The carbon dioxide separated and collected in the carbon dioxide removal step is introduced into the desulfurization apparatus of the desulfurization step or the sulfur compounds adsorption apparatus before being recycled to the reformer to remove the sulfur compounds.

Abstract: An exemplary method for producing a catalyst is provided where the catalyst includes a catalyst support on which a metallic compound is loaded. An impurity content of the catalyst can be in a range of approximately 0.01 mass % to 0.15 mass %. In particular, the exemplary method can include pre-treating the catalyst support to lower an impurity concentration of the catalyst support, and loading the metallic compound on the catalyst support after the pretreatment procedure.

Abstract: A catalyst carrier for insertion in a radial tube reactor, said catalyst carrier comprising: an annular container for holding catalyst in use, said container having a perforated inner wall defining a tube, a perforated outer wall, a top surface closing the annular container and a bottom surface closing the annular container; a surface closing the bottom of said tube formed by the inner wall of the annular container; a skirt extending upwardly from the perforated outer wall of the annular container from a position at or near the bottom surface of said container to a position below the location of a seal; and a seal located at or near the top surface and extending from the container by a distance which extends beyond an outer surface of the skirt.

Abstract: There are provided a catalyst composition for producing hydrocarbons and a method for producing hydrocarbons which exhibit a high CO conversion rate, generates minimal amount of gaseous components, and is also capable of efficiently obtaining, from a syngas, a gasoline fraction which is selective for and rich in the components having a high octane number, such as aromatic, naphthenic, olefinic and branched paraffinic hydrocarbons, by using a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst that contains at least one type of metal exhibiting activity in Fischer-Tropsch reaction and manganese carbonate and a zeolite serving as a solid acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulphided multi-metallic catalyst, the process for obtaining it by sulphidation of a multi-metallic solid and use thereof in a process for producing higher alcohols (C2+), mainly ethanol, through the catalytic conversion of synthesis gas.

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.

Abstract: The invention describes methods of welding onto laminated devices using a low temperature welding process. Also described are laminated devices with welds that do not disrupt a brazed core block of sheets in the laminated devices. Novel laminated devices with welded features for servicing the devices are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing carbon nanofibres and/or carbon nanotubes, which process comprises pyrolysing a particulate cellulosic and/or carbohydrate substrate that has been impregnated with a compound of an element or elements, the metal or alloy, respectively, of which is capable of forming carbides, in a substantially oxygen free, volatile silicon compound containing atmosphere, optionally in the presence of a carbon compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a metal material selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, carbon steel or stainless steel and having deposited on the metal surfaces that will come in contact with the coldbox overhead gas stream an inert coating selected from the group consisting of silicon based materials, zinc based materials, tin based materials, chromium based materials, polymers, ceramics and mixtures thereof for heating up gas streams having a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit.

Abstract: A novel catalytic reactor suitable for use in chemical and petrochemical processes. The reactor is of a pillow panel that has superior heat transfer properties. This invention also relates to a chemical process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process performed with use of the novel pillow panel reactor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst comprising (i) preparing a calcined shaped calcium aluminate catalyst support, (ii) treating the calcined shaped calcium aluminate support with water, and then drying the support, (iii) impregnating the dried support with a solution containing one or more metal compounds and drying the impregnated support, (iv) calcining the dried impregnated support, to form metal oxide on the surface of the support and (v) optionally repeating steps (ii), (iii) and (iv) on the metal oxide coated support. The method provides an eggshell catalyst in which the metal oxide is concentrated in an outer layer on the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst support and of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. A silica comprising support is subjected to hydrothermal treatment. The hydrothermal treatment results in catalysts having improved C5+ selectivity as compared with catalysts prepared with a non-treated silica comprising support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins from syngas, wherein the process comprises the step of contacting syngas with a catalyst under the conditions for converting the syngas into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins, characterized in that, the catalyst contains an amorphous alloy consisting of a first component Al and a second component, said second component being one or more elements or oxides thereof selected from Group IA, IIIA, IVA, VA, IB, IIB, IVB, VB, VIIB, VIIB, VIII, and Lanthanide series of the Periodic Table of Elements, and said second component being different from the first component Al. According to the present process, the syngas can be converted into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins in a high CO conversion, a high selectivity of the target product, and high carbon availability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a material selected from the group consisting of chromium containing alloys and carbon steel for heating up gas streams having a carbon monoxide partial pressure greater than one bar obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a material selected from the group consisting of chromium containing alloys and carbon steel for heating up gas streams having a carbon monoxide partial pressure of less than or equal to one bar and obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit.