Abstract: An improved treadle for use in a compact, portable weighing scale comprising a load-bearing, pressure-developing displacement treadle connected to a volume-reacting, weight-indicating readout means. The treadle contains a first sealed collapsible chamber sealed at one end and communicating with the readout means at the other, and a second, fully sealed collapsible chamber not communicating with the readout means. The second sealed chamber improves the compression characteristics of the collapsible chamber. At least one collapsible chamber is preferably formed from flexible tubing which is reinforced with braiding. A treadle comprising two treadle plates, and a means of compacting same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase is introduced into a stripping column through two separated loci; the bottoms from the stripping column, a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of the solvent recovery column. Polar hydrocarbons in concentrated form are recovered as an overhead stream, a lean solvent stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled in part to the extraction zone, and admixed in part with that portion of the extract phase introduced into the upper of the two separated loci. An internally prepared vaporous stripping medium is introduced into the lower portion of the solvent recovery column.

Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea and/or ocean water. Certain modifications afford the simultaneous generation of power. A portion of salinous water and an air stream are introduced into a solar radiation heat sink, with the air stream flowing over the salinous water. Heated, water-containing air is withdrawn from the heat sink and reduced in temperature to condense potable water. The heated salinous water, from the heat sink, is at least in part recycled thereto, while the remainder is introduced into a plurality of flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower subatmospheric pressure than the preceding, and through which the liquid phase passes in series. In order to afford a 24-hour continuous process, the hourly rate of heated salinous water withdrawal, including evaporated water, is less than the rate of salinous water introduction to the heat sink.

Abstract: A process for recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea and/or ocean water. Certain modifications afford the simultaneous generation of power. A portion of salinous water and an air stream are introduced into a solar radiation heat sink, with the air stream flowing over the salinous water. Heated, water-containing air is withdrawn from the heat sink and reduced in temperature to recover potable water. The heated salinous water, from the heat sink, may be recycled thereto, or at least in part introduced into a flash separation zone, maintained at a subatmospheric pressure to provide a non-salinous vaporous phase which is passed through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated. The exiting turbine vapors are cooled and/or condensed via indirect contact with a second portion of salinous water to recover additional potable water.

Abstract: A process for the separation of specific C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbons from a gaseous feed stream containing C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 -plus hydrocarbons. The feed stream enters an absorber and is first contacted by a primary lean liquid which is a portion of the bottoms product of the stripping column to which the rich absorber liquid is charged. The primary lean liquid contains the specific hydrocarbons which it is desired to separate from the feed stream. The feed stream is then contacted by a secondary lean liquid which does not contain these hydrocarbons and which is produced by fractionating a second portion of the stripper bottoms.

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 exposed to radiant solar energy to increase significantly the temperature thereof -- e.g. to a level of at least about 135.degree. F. The heated water is introduced into a plurality of flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower subatmospheric pressure than the preceding zone, to provide substantially non-salinous vaporous phases. The salinous liquid phase is introduced in series through the plurality of flash zones. The vapor phases are passed through separate, individual turbines, or are introduced into different stages of a multi-stage turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.

Abstract: High pressure raw natural gas is prepared for liquefaction by first removing water and acid gases and then expanding the gas from the wellhead pressure to remove shaft horsepower. The expanded gas is scrubbed with a C.sub.4 rich liquid previously separated from the gas to remove heavy hydrocarbons and then further dried and passed to the liquefaction zone.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbon charge stock is countercurrently reacted in a plurality of catalytic reaction zones, in all of which the catalyst particles are downwardly movable via gravity-flow. The charge stock, in the absence of added, or recycled hydrogen, is reacted serially in the reaction zones in the order of increasing catalyst loading, the product ultimately being recovered from the effluent emanating from that reaction zone (1) into which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced and, (2) which contains the greatest quantity of catalyst particles. Catalyst particles are transferred from one reaction zone to another in the order of decreasing catalyst loading, ultimately being withdrawn from the system through the reaction zone containing the least amount of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock is reacted in a plurality of catalytic reaction zones, through all of which the catalyst particles flow downwardly via gravity-flow. The charge stock, in the absence of added, or recycled hydrogen, is reacted in the last reaction zone, from which deactivated catalyst particles are withdrawn for regeneration. The reaction product effluent emanating therefrom is further reacted in an intermediate reaction zone. Additional reaction of the product effluent, from the intermediate zone, is effected in the first reaction zone, through which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced into the system. The effluent from the first reaction zone is separated to recover the intended product. The system may comprise three or more reaction zones in side-by-side relationship, with the catalyst particles being transported from the lower end of one zone to the upper end of the next succeeding reaction zone.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock is reacted in a plurality of stacked catalytic reaction zones through which catalyst particles flow downwardly via gravity-flow. The charge stock, in the absence of added, or recycle hydrogen, is reacted first in the lowermost reaction zone, from which deactivated catalyst particles are withdrawn from the system. Resulting reaction zone effluent is further reacted in the uppermost reaction zone, through which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced into the system, and serially in one or more subsequent, lower reaction zones. Product effluent from the reaction zone immediately above the lowermost zone is separated to recover the desired normally liquid product.

Abstract: A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock is reacted in a plurality of catalytic reaction zones, through all of which the catalyst particles flow downwardly via gravity-flow. The charge stock, in the absence of added, or recycle hydrogen, is reacted in a first reaction zone (1) into which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced and, (2) from which deactivated catalyst particles are withdrawn for regeneration. The reaction product effluent emanating from the first reaction zone is further reacted in a multiple-zone stacked reaction system (1) into the uppermost zone of which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced and (2) from the lowermost zone of which deactivated catalyst particles are withdrawn for regeneration. The product effluent from the lowermost reaction zone in the stacked system is separated to recover the intended product.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase from the extraction zone is introduced into a stripping column. The stripper bottoms, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, first solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A second solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled to the extraction zone, while a hydrocarbon-containing, side-cut third solvent-rich phase is withdrawn, and a portion introduced into the stripping column in admixture with the extract phase. Of the total recovery column solvent-rich streams, the amount commingled with the fresh hydrocarbon feed and introduced therewith into the extraction zone, is from about 5.0% to about 25.0% of the total solvent introduced thereto.

Abstract: A process for the dealkylation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons wherein a hydrogen-rich gas stream passed through the reaction zone on a once-through basis is obtained by passing a hydrogen-containing feed gas stream into an absorber to remove light paraffins, and the gas separated from the reaction zone effluent by partial condensation is passed into a stripper as the stripping media used to remove these same light paraffins from the liquid used in the absorber. Processes for removing and hydrotreating are also described.

Abstract: An article-holding, double-sling kit comprising four strips of thin, flexible material. Each one of a longer pair of strips contains a plurality of apertures along its entire length and through which hanging line is interlaced. One of these longer strips contains at least two parallel slots, proximate its center, through which the second is interwoven in crossed configuration. These strips are flexible in one direction and substantially rigid in the 90.degree.-opposite direction. Of the second pair of strips, shorter than the first pair, each containing a plurality of apertures, a first is foldable upon itself and serves as a slide to gather the double-sling hanging lines proximate to the article; the second shorter strip functions as a cleat through the apertures of which the four ends of line are reversibly interlaced to form a hanging loop.

Abstract: A process for fractionating hydrocarbons wherein the overhead vapors of two fractionation columns are admixed and then condensed in a single overhead condenser. The overhead liquid is divided into two portions, one of which is used to supply reflux to the column receiving the process feed stream and the other as feed to the second column. Also disclosed is a control system for use on the process.

Abstract: A sieve-type fractionation tray which has been adjusted for operation at a reduced vapor flow rate. Adjustment is achieved by placing an imperforate plate across the vapor passageways in a manner which selectively seals the passageways located nearest the outlet downcomer. Also a sieve-type fractionation tray having vapor passageways only on the liquid receiving lateral half of the tray.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase is introduced into a stripping column, the bottoms from which, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A first vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A portion of the solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, withdrawn as a bottoms product, is introduced into a solvent regeneration zone, the remainder being recycled to the extraction zone. A second vaporous stripping medium is introduced into the solvent regeneration zone, recovered with regenerated solvent and introduced into the solvent recovery column as at least a portion of the first vaporous stripping medium.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the hydrogen fluoride-catalyzed alkylation of hydrocarbonaceous species, utilizing multiple reaction zones, in which the inventories and strengths of catalysts within the several reaction zones are controlled. A portion of the catalyst from a reaction zone over-abundant in either acid strength or acid inventory is educted from that zone and passed to a reaction zone deficient in either acid strength or acid inventory. The apparatus includes catalyst recycle conduits within each reaction-settling zone and conduit means for interconnecting the individual recycle conduits to provide alternative flow paths to move catalyst from one recycle conduit to another recycle conduit or vice-versa.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for separating polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons. The solvent-rich extract phase from the extraction zone is introduced into a stripping column. The stripper bottoms, being a polar hydrocarbon-containing, solvent-rich stream, is introduced into an upper portion of a solvent recovery column. A first vaporous stripping medium is introduced into a lower portion of the solvent recovery column. A first solvent-rich stream, virtually free from hydrocarbons, is withdrawn as a bottoms product and recycled to the extraction zone, while a hydrocarbon-containing, side-cut second solvent-rich phase is withdrawn and introduced into the stripping column in admixture with the extract phase. At least a portion of one of the first and second solvent-rich streams is commingled with the fresh feed for introduction therewith into said extraction zone.

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 of the source and at a relatively high temperature -- e.g. about 85.degree. F. -- is exposed to radiant solar energy to increase significantly the temperature thereof -- e.g. to a level of at least about 135.degree. F. The heated water is introduced into a plurality of flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower subatomospheric pressure than the preceding zone, to provide substantially non-salinous vapor phases. The salinous liquid phase is introduced in series through the plurality of flash zones. The vapor phases are utilized to vaporize hydrocarbons, in separate vaporizers, and the hydrocarbon vapors are passed through separate, individual turbines, or are introduced into different stages of a multi-stage turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.