Abstract: A method and distributor device for effecting the uniform distribution of a mixed-phase vapor/liquid reactant stream across the upper surface of a fixed-bed of catalyst particles. Mixed-phase reactants or components are first separated into a principally vapor-phase and a principally liquid-phase. These separated phases are then re-mixed in a manner which creates a vapor/liquid froth; the latter being re-distributed to the upper surface of the bed of catalyst particles. Briefly, the distributor comprises three annular-form, catalyst-free volumes which are defined by the interior surface of said chamber and three cylindrical walls in concentric relationship therewith.

Abstract: Control of temperature increase (delta-T) through a reaction zone, in which both exothermic and endothermic reactions are effected, is achieved by sensing the inlet temperature of the charge stock, an intermediate temperature within the reaction zone and the outlet temperature of the effluent from the reaction zone. The inlet temperature sensor co-acts with a temperature recorder controller (TRC) having an adjustable set point, to produce a representative signal which is transmitted to flow-regulating means which adjusts the quantity of charge stock bypassing the feed heater. The difference between the inlet and intermediate temperatures, and that between the intermediate and outlet temperatures are determined to produce two delta-T signals which are transmitted to a double differential temperature recorder controller (DdTRC) which develops a signal representing the difference between the two delta-T signals, compared to a preset difference.

Abstract: Control of temperature increases (delta-T) through a reaction zone, in which both exothermic and endothermic reactions are effected, is achieved by sensing the inlet temperature of the charge stock, a highest temperature from a plurality of intermediate loci within the reaction zone and the outlet temperature of the effluent from the reaction zone. The inlet temperature sensor co-acts with a Temperature Recorder Controller (TRC), having an adjustable set point (control point), to produce a representative signal which is transmitted to flow-regulating means which adjusts the quantity of charge stock bypassing the feed heater. The difference between the inlet and intermediate temperatures, and that between the intermediate and outlet temperatures are determined to produce two delta-T signals which are transmitted to a Double differential Temperature Recorder Controller (DdTRC) which develops a signal representing the difference between the two delta-T signals compared to a preset difference.

Abstract: A mixture of cymene isomers, containing paracymene is subjected to adsorption-separation in contact with a crystalline aluminosilicate adsorbent which selectively retains para-cymene. Raffinate therefrom, being a para-cymene deficient mixture of cymene isomers, is isomerized to form additional para-cymene. Isomerization conditions employed to produce para-cymene, also effect formation of olefinic material. To prevent the adverse effect which olefins exhibit toward the efficiency and capacity of the zeolitic adsorbent, the isomerization effluent is subjected to hydrotreating at conditions which provide a liquid-phase operation and saturate olefins without saturation of the cymene isomers.

Abstract: A mixture of a hydrocarbon-selective solvent -- e.g. isobutane -- and deasphalted oil is separated in a two-stage hot-separator system at progressively higher temperatures and substantially the same pressure. Resulting vaporous phases are subjected to a cold-flash separation at a lower pressure and a considerably lower temperature. The initial hot separation, in the two-stage system, is effected at a temperature from about 1.0.degree. F. to about 25.degree. F. above the critical temperature of the solvent; the second is conducted at a temperature about 30.degree. F. to about 130.degree. F. above that in the initial hot-separation. This technique is especially advantageous when integrated into a catalytic slurry process for the conversion of metal- and asphaltene-containing hydrocarbonaceous black oils.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea water. Salinous water, from a locus which is proximate to the surface thereof and at a relatively high temperature -- e.g. about 85.degree. F. -- is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a vaporous phase, derived from the surface water at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The preheated salinous water is exposed to radiant solar energy, in a solar radiation heat sink, to further increase the temperature thereof. Thus-heated salinous water is introduced into a first flash separation zone, maintained at subatmospheric pressure, to provide a first substantially non-salinous vaporous phase and a first salinous liquid phase. The first vaporous phase is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.

Abstract: A buoyant, solar radiation-transparent covering for a water-containing, solar energy collecting pond. The pond is intended for utilization in the generation of power and/or the recovery of potable water from salinous, or otherwise brackish water. An enclosed, unitary chamber, containing a fibrous, solar radiation-transparent substance constitutes the pond covering.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock and hydrogen flow serially through a plurality of catalytic reaction zones in each of which the catalyst particles are movable via gravity-flow. The flow of the product effluent from at least one reaction zone is restricted. This technique increases the pressure drop within the entire reactor circuit, and serves to alleviate the problems associated with the occurrence of stagnant catalyst areas as a result of catalyst particles being "pinned" within the reaction zone and thus unable to assume a downward gravity-flow pattern. Flow restriction may be effected either before, or after the inter-reaction zone heaters, preferably the former.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock and hydrogen flow serially through a plurality of catalytic reaction zones in each of which the catalyst particles are downwardly movable via gravity-flow. The flow of the product effluent from at least one reaction zone is restricted, as is the flow of the hydrogen-rich vaporous phase separated from the effluent from the last reaction zone and recycled to the first reaction zone. This technique increases the density of the reaction zone feed and the pressure drop within the entire reactor circuit, and thus serves to alleviate the problems associated with the occurrence of stagnant catalyst areas as a result of catalyst particles being "pinned" within the reaction zone and thus unable to assume a downward, gravity-flow pattern. Flow restriction may be effected either before, or after the inter-reaction zone heaters, preferably the former.

Abstract: A C.sub.8 -aromatic hydrocarbon mixture containing para-xylene is subjected to adsorption-separation in contact with a crystalline aluminosilicate adsorbent which selectively retains para-xylene. Raffinate therefrom, being a para-xylene deficient C.sub.8 -aromatic concentrate, is isomerized in contact with a catalytic composite containing a Group VIII noble metal component to form additional para-xylene. Isomerization conditions employed to produce the para-xylene, also effect the formation of olefinic material. To prevent the adverse effect which olefins exhibit toward the efficiency and capacity of the zeolitic adsorbent, the isomerization effluent is subjected to hydrotreating at conditions which provide a liquid-phase operation and saturate olefins without saturation of the C.sub.8 -aromatics. The hydrotreating is effected in contact with a substantially non-acidic catalytic composite comprising a Group VIII noble metal component.

Abstract: A water-containing pond for collecting solar energy for utilization in a process for recovering potable water from non-potable water and/or for the generation of power. The solar pond is designed to increase the quantity and efficiency of water evaporation, from heated pond water, into a heated flowing air stream. Construction in such that there is afforded an increase in the absorptivity/emissivity (a/e) ratio with respect to the incidence of solar radiation.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock and hydrogen flow serially through a plurality of catalytic reaction zones in each of which the catalyst particles are movable via gravity-flow. The reaction product effluent from each zone, in admixture with added hydrogen is heated prior to the introduction thereof into the succeeding reaction zone. The proportions of added hydrogen (portions of a recycled hydrogen-rich phase) are such that (i) vapor density decreases, and, (ii) lateral pressure drop across the catalyst bed increases in the direction of reactant stream flow through the plurality of reaction zones. The disclosed technique alleviates problems associated with the occurrence of stagnant catalyst areas as a result of catalyst particles being "pinned" within the reaction zone and thus unable to assume a downward gravity-flow pattern. In addition, the technique allows utilization of excess heater capacities before and between reaction zones.

Abstract: The integration of a petroleum refinery, or a petrochemical complex, with an off-site power facility in which the latter provides a vaporizable coolant for vaporization in the former. Vaporization is effected through indirect contact with one or more waste heat streams; the resulting vapors are expanded through a turbine, to a lower pressure, from the resulting motion of which power is generated. In most instances, the process generates more power than its connected load. Preferably, the coolant is indirectly contacted, at elevated pressure, with a plurality of refinery process streams in series and in the order of increasing temperature. Resulting vaporized coolant phases are passed through individual turbines, or through different stages of a multiple-stage turbine.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water-- e.g. ocean and/or sea water. A first portion of salinous water, from the surface of the source, or from a colder, deeper depth, is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a plurality of non-salinous vaporous phases (i) derived from the salinous water and, (ii) obtained therefrom at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The warmed salinous water is further increased in temperature by being maintained in a solar radiation heat sink and exposed therein to radiant solar energy to increase its temperature to a level within the range of about 135.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F. Heated salinous water is introduced into a plurality of vacuum flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower absolute pressure. At least one of the resulting vaporous phases is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, non-clogging seed-planting valve which functions in an alternating cycle of applied vacuum and atmospheric pressure. The valve is formed from an elongated housing, having a hollow core, and to the lower end of which a nozzle is attached. The nozzle has an upper internal diameter less than that of the hollow core, and a reduced lower internal diameter which provides a flat valve-seating surface. A center shaft, coaxially-disposed and vertically movable within the hollow core, has a reduced cross section at its lower end which terminates as a cleaning wire capable of extending into and through the nozzle. A flat gasket valve slidably engages the cleaning wire and contacts the valve-seating surface as the center shaft moves downwardly through the hollow core. The seed planter constitutes a box-like vacuum chamber to the lower surface of which a plurality of the seed-planting valves are connected in spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock and hydrogen flow serially through a plurality of catalytic reaction zones, in each of which the catalyst particles are downwardly movable via gravity-flow. At least three reaction zones are utilized, with the fresh feed and hydrogen reactant stream being split between the first and second. The flow of that portion introduced into the second zone is restricted. Effluent flow from the first reaction zone is also restricted and combined with the effluent from the second reaction zone; the mixture is introduced into a third reaction zone. Where the catalytic conversion system consists of four reaction zones, the flow of effluent from the third is restricted prior to the introduction thereof into the fourth reaction zone.

Abstract: A continuous method for regenerating deactivated catalyst particles in a regeneration zone through which the particles are downwardly movable by way of gravity-flow. Particles are initially introduced into an upper carbon-burning/halogenation zone wherein they are contacted, in a first section, with a first air stream and a first mixture of steam and a halogen, or halogen-containing compound. Partially regenerated/reconditioned particles are then contacted, in a lower second section, with a second air stream and second mixture of steam and halogen. From this two-sectioned, carbon-burning/halogenation zone, the catalyst particles flow via gravity into a drying zone wherein they are contacted by a substantially dry air stream.

Abstract: A continuous method for regenerating deactivated catalyst particles in a regeneration zone through which the particles are downwardly movable by way of gravity-flow. Particles are initially introduced into an upper carbon-burning/halogenation section wherein they are contacted by a first air stream and a halogen, or halogen-containing compound. Therefrom, the catalyst particles flow into a lower drying section, wherein they are contacted with a dry second air stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the solvent deasphalting of petroleum stocks. An asphaltene containing feedstock enters an intermediate point of a vertical trayed column and passes downward countercurrent to a rising solvent stream. The resulting extract stream rises through more trays and then through two adjacent U-tube heat exchange bundles stabbed into the column from opposite sides. Asphaltene containing substances are precipitated by this heating. The extract is then admixed by a horizontal shroud and a pair of horizontal baffles above the heat exchangers and retained in a quiescent settling zone before being removed from the column.

Abstract: The amount of heat input required for the sequential fractionation of a crude oil in a crude column and a vacuum column is reduced by an improved heat exchange method wherein the desalted crude oil is flashed and the flash zone liquid is split into two streams. One of the streams is first heat exchanged against an atmospheric gas oil stream from the crude column and then against a first asphalt stream from the vacuum column. The other stream is first heat exchanged against a heavy vacuum gas oil stream from the vacuum column and then against a second asphalt stream from the vacuum column. The two streams are then recombined, heated and passed into the crude column.