Abstract: A process for the production of ammonium sulfate in a multistage contactor (or column) inclusive of liquid cyclone recycle. A gas, or gases, which contains sulfur dioxide, e.g., a flue gas, is contacted with ammonia in an oxygen and water environment in a column comprised of three sections (zones). Sulfur dioxide is contacted in vapor phase in a central section of the contactor with a stoichiometric excess of ammonia in the presence of oxygen and water vapor to produce ammonium sulfate. A scrubbing section for the removal of ammonia from the effluent gas by countercurrent contact with water or acid solution is provided in the upper section of the contactor. Liquid cyclones are utilized in the lower section of the contactor where product ammonium sulfate is removed as a slurry, crystalline ammonium sulfate is removed from the slurry, and liquid is returned as recycle to the contactor.

Abstract: Well equipment such as packers, check valves, gas lift valves, sliding sleeves, side pocket mandrels, retrievable plugs and the like located anywhere in a well are protected from particles of solid debris by forming a column of a protective liquid having a density of at least about 3.0 grams per milliliter in contact with and extending above the equipment. The protective liquid serves as a barrier to prevent particles of debris having a density less than that of the liquid from settling on or around the equipment and working their way into small clearances where they may cause operational and other problems.

Abstract: Tertiary alcohols and Type III olefins are hydrohalogenated in the presence of an amine which acts as a reaction promoter. The amine speeds up the reaction between the hydrogen chloride and tertiary alcohol or olefin without unduly increasing the amount of polymer (sludge) formation.Triethylamine and tributylamine have been found to be effective, particularly in promoting the hydrochlorination of tertiary alcohols.