Abstract: A vertically disposed centrifugal pressure filter for suspensions has a closed casing containing a sectional hollow rotary shaft, the long section of which is equipped with filter disks within the casing. A relatively short shaft section has a plug-in connection with the lower end of the long shaft section and has bearing in an outside bearing casing detachably connected to the filter casing. Dynamic sealing means is provided between the short shaft section and the bearing casing, so that when the bearing casing and short shaft section are disconnected from the filter casing and long shaft section, the seal for the short shaft section is not disturbed. The filtrate passes through the shaft sections and to the outside through the bearing casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fermentative conversion of a nutrient mixture by means of microorganisms in the presence of a gas containing oxygen. The nutrient mixture and gas are mixed to yield a phase state with a relative density of less than 0.3 referred to water. The process is carried out in a closed reaction vessel having inlet and outlet pipes for the nutrient mixture, its components and the product. The vessel is also provided with inlet and outlet pipes for the oxygen-bearing gas. A paddle wheel within the vessel provides the distribution device.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas in which the enriched condensate obtained from the production of a hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas mixture is collected and subjected to a direct exchange of isotopes with the feedsteam admitted to the process. Such condensate can be brought into direct exchange of isotopes with the gas water vapor mixture within the process, viz. ahead of the CO conversion section. The exchange of isotopes may be performed according to the counter-current principle. If it is intended to maintain in the hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas a certain definite content of water vapor whose phase condition is superior to the condition achieved when using normal cooling water, this gas, at least 0.6 kg/m.sup.3 of gas, is subjected to an exchange of isotopes with the water fed additionally into the process.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for heating by helium under pressure comprising an upright container provided with an upper part and with a lower part constituting a heating space. In the lower container part are vertically spaced inlet and outlet openings for heated helium under pressure. The upper container part has spaced walls providing a space therebetween and two covers. The upper end of the lower container part is closed and catalyst-filled reaction tubes pass through such closure into the heating space. Inlet and outlet pipes for the reaction tubes extend in coaxial manner from the reaction tubes head through the inner wall of the upper reactor part below the cover of such inner wall, and thence through the space between the inner and outer walls and finally to the outside through the outer wall of the upper part below the cover for the outer wall. The length of the inlet and outlet pipes inside the space is more than the distance of the walls, and the coaxial pipes may be disposed in serpentine fashion.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for incinerating contaminated salt-bearing solutions in a fluidized bed to which streams of solution, of fuel required for incineration and of combustion air are injected and the quantities of these streams and the quantity of the fluidized bed material are adjusted to safeguard incomplete combustion in the fluidized bed, to maintain the temperature of the bed below the fusion temperature of the salt and to achieve a post-combustion temperature of 800.degree. C and more of the gas emanating from the fluidized bed and reaching the free space above the bed, i.e. the afterburner.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the temperature of the fluidized bed in a thermal reaction furnace. An igniting flame is directed horizontally and radially at the fuel within the bed in the lower third of the bed above the grate. The ignition burner and fuel pipeline are arranged closely together and enter the furnace through a common fitting or flange. In operation, the ignition flame is ignited before fuel is fed to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a nuclear reactor of the cavern type comprises a double walled vessel disposed within a steel liner. The vessel contains a large number of reaction tubes provided with a catalyst through which the material to be reformed flows. The outlet pipes of the reaction tubes act as a heat exchanger in the outer space of the vessel, which is filled with water. The vessel rests upon a bracket on the lower part of the liner, and the space between the liner and vessel in the region of the bracket is sealed by a double flange structure. At the top of the vessel, seal is effected by a cover, membrane ring, and a double flange arrangement. The annular space between the liner and vessel is sealed by a packing against the recycle gas nozzle leading from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for holding a substantially constant pressure level in the medium pressure steam system of an integrated plant, despite any sudden shutdown of a high pressure steam turbine. A combination quick-opening and a control valve is provided with a hold-down operator and positioning actuator with a spring drive, the hold-down operator being connected through a changeover valve with a working pressure system. The positioning actuator is connected to an additional change-over valve and to the outlet of the pressure controller, such additional change-over valve being provided with a connecting line to the outlet of the pressure controller and to the outlet of a multiplier relay. The two change-over valves are actuated through the turbine trip system. The combination quick-opening and control valve has an operating lever mounted on a fixed fulcrum pivoted on the piston rod of another pneumatic drive.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas in which the enriched condensate obtained from the production of a hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas mixture is collected and subjected to a direct exchange of isotopes with the feedsteam admitted to the process. Such condensate can be brought into direct exchange of isotopes with the gas water vapour mixture within the process, viz. ahead of the CO conversion section. The exchange of isotopes may be performed according to the counter-current principle. If it is intended to maintain in the hydrogen/deuterium-containing gas a certain definite content of water vapour whose phase condition is superior to the condition achieved when using normal cooling water, this gas, at least 0.6 kg/m.sup.3 of gas, is subjected to an exchange of isotopes with the water fed additionally into the process.

Abstract: A method for the production of a homogenous gas mixture from two gas streams of different parameters in which an open or free equalizing space downstream of a superimposed catalyst layer is provided. Within such open space is a mixing assembly imposing a little deflection upon the reaction gas stream causing a low pressure drop in the stream with a consequent reduced loss of energy. Quench gas is admitted through a two stage pressure reduction. It is first expanded from a duct surrounding the mixing assembly through a plurality of openings where the gas velocities are reduced and equalized. The second pressure reduction takes place across openings in the mixing assembly. Quench gas and reaction gas are then thoroughly mixed in the mixing assembly and the gas mixture is consequently passed to the entrance of a second catalyst layer downstream.

Abstract: A method for the reprocessing of cell liquor from diaphragm cell electrolysis plants that operate on potassium chloride brine. The cell liquor is contacted with an SO.sub.2 -bearing gas, and the effluent solution is oxidized with an oxygen-bearing gas, then a definite quantity of KCl is added to said oxidized solution, and this solution is subjected to a filtration and precipitation step, and finally it is then recycled as make-up brine to the electrolysis cell plant.

Abstract: A bipolar multiple electrolytic cell having an alkali-chlorine diaphragm cell for obtaining caustic solution, chlorine and hydrogen in which the titanium metal electrodes act on one side as the anode and on the other as the cathode, the anode side being coated with a metal or metal oxide for activation purposes, and the cathode side having a dense coating of metal alloy of nickel and elements of the Group III or V of the periodic system, which is applied chemically, preferably by employing the so-called "Kanigen" process.

Abstract: A device for performing catalytic endothermic reactions which comprises a vessel having a heat exchanger provided with cooling tubes which extend through an outer tubesheet of the heat exchanger. These tubes are sealed against the outer tubesheet of the heat exchanger, and are connected rigidly to the inner tubesheet. Reaction tubes are provided with catalyst support grids, and the sections of these tubes below the grids are of a length that is at least equal to the diameter of the respective tubes. Downstream of the support grids, the process gas discharge tubes extend centrally through the catalyst-free portions of the reaction tubes and are spaced from the inner walls of the cooling tubes. The spaces between the process gas discharge tubes and the reaction tubes are filled with insulating material. The process gas discharge tubes, which are disposed within the cooling tubes, may extend to or beyond the outer tubesheets of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A novel circuit of electrolytic cells comprising novel electrolytic cells, novel jumper switches and novel arrangement of the jumper switches referring to the electrolytic cells which enable the novel circuit to be designed to operate at high current capacities upward to about 500,000 amperes while maintaining high operating efficiencies. These high current capacities provide for high production capacities which result in high production rates for given cell room floor areas and reduce capital investment and operating costs.