Abstract: Complex process prediction and optimization are performed utilizing an orthogonal transform to represent time-varying continuous signals as discrete values, which are then subjected to a nonlinear regression analysis to relate between the discrete values and process metrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for more efficient separation and recovery of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene from a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The new process invention for recovering olefins from a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons from a fluid catalytic cracker comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons including methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, butylene, butane and heavier hydrocarbons such as naphtha produced in a fluid catalytic cracker; (b) separating said mixture into (i) a first stream comprising substantially all of said ethane, ethylene, and methane and a major portion of said propane and propylene and (ii) a second stream comprising a portion of said butylene and butane, and a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbons; and (c) processing said first stream to recover the ethylene and propylene therefrom, and the details of such process described herein.

Abstract: A process for pretreating a oily/water stream for closed loop dilution steam production within an ethylene plant using countercurrent multi-stage extraction to remove both free and dissolved organic solutes from in-situ (net) quench water with an organic solvent to yield an aqueous raffinate containing only residual amounts of organic solute. The raffinate is steam stripped to remove the residual organic solutes, yielding a pretreated quench water stream substantially free of organic material. The pretreated quench water is suitable for reuse to generate dilution steam (without fouling). The (solvent) extract from extraction is regenerated in a solvent regenerator having an overhead stream for purging light ends, a bottom stream for purging heavy ends, and a heart-cut side stream for recycling solvent to the extractor.

Abstract: The present invention is a system 100 for removing particulate matter and aerosols from a gas stream generated by gasification prior to the gas stream being used as fuel in an internal combustion device or as synthesis gas for subsequent processing. The present invention consists of removing excess ash by passing the gas stream through a high temperature cyclone separator 102, cooling the gas stream, oil scrubbing the gas to further cool it and to remove particulates and some tars, passing the gas stream through one or more vortex chambers 28 to remove additional tars, passing the gas stream through a heat exchanger 104 to cool the gas, and finally passing the gas stream through a demister 106 to remove aerosols from the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a furnace and process that relies on a multiplicity of radiant heating tubes, each in the form of a U-shaped coil, that are mounted within a furnace firebox such that an inlet leg of any one of the plural tubes is immediately adjacent and spaced apart from an outlet leg of another one of the plural tubes within the firebox of a thermal cracking furnace. This spacial pairing of an inlet leg of one tube with an outlet leg of another tube of the plural radiant heating tubes of the cracking furnace maximizes utilization of the available radiant heat within the firebox of a thermal cracking furnace while reducing the likelihood of localized hot spotting that could produce coke-tar plugging of a tube.

Abstract: A catalytic cracking unit is disclosed which provides for separation and quenching of the effluent with a total kinetic residence time of from 0.1 to 0.6 seconds.

Abstract: Magnetically enhanced glow discharge devices are disclosed for the purpose of PECVD, etching or treating a substrate in a vacuum chamber. Two cathode surfaces are separated by a gap. A mirror magnetic field emanates from the cathode surfaces and passes through the gap. An anode structure forms diverging electric fields from each cathode to the anode, where the electric fields pass through the magnetic field 360 degrees around the dipole magnetic field. A closed loop electron trap is formed by the diverging electric fields and the expanding magnetic field in the gap. With a chamber pressure in the range of 0.1 to 100 mTorr and an applied voltage between the cathode and anode surfaces, a plasma is formed in the electron trap and in the plane of the trap. By shaping the plasma poles and exposing the sides of the cathode surfaces to the substrate, the created Hall current of the plasma can be brought into direct contact with the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering high purity olefins from cracked gas effluents or other paraffin/olefin gaseous mixtures by use of a chemical absorption process.

Abstract: A method for separating gold and/or silver from copper or other contaminant metals is provided in which a suitable filter membrane (64), particularly a nanofilter, is used to form a retentate (134) containing most of the multivalent metal cyanide complexes and a permeate (135) containing most of the precious metal cyanide complexes. The process is particularly applicable to the recovery of gold and/or silver from ores containing these metals and one or more contaminant metals. The precious metal can thereafter be recovered from the permeate (135) and the metal in the multivalent metal cyanide complex from the retentate (134).

Abstract: A solid-liquid/liquid-liquid separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The chamber communicates with an inlet port and an outlet port. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. Disposed within the chamber are a plurality of fins. Each of the fins radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis in substantially parallel alignment with the rotational axis. The fins interact with the peripheral wall to form a plurality of discrete flow channels that longitudinally extend through the vessel. An exit tube is disposed along a portion of the rotational axis of the vessel. The exit tube has a first end disposed within the chamber and an opposing second end in fluid communication with the exterior of vessel. A plurality of extraction tubes radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for removing particulate matter and aerosols from a gas stream generated by gasification prior to the gas stream being used as fuel in an internal combustion device or as synthesis gas for subsequent processing. The present invention consists of first cooling the gas stream, then oil scrubbing it to further cool it and to remove particulates and some tars, and finally passing the gas stream through one or more vortex chambers to remove additional tars. Each vortex chamber employs a high-speed fan that forces the tar droplets against the interior wall of the vortex chamber where the tar coalesces and is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for deep selective hydrogenation for use in recovering high purity olefins from cracked gas effluents or other paraffin/olefin gaseous mixtures by use of a chemical absorption process.

Abstract: A method for removing solid wastes from an organic extractant-based SX/EW copper processing system. A lixivant is initially applied to copper ore, followed by mixing of the copper-containing lixivant product with an organic extractant. The organic extractant (which contains extracted copper ions) is then contacted with an electrolyte solution. At least part of the remaining organic fraction after electrolyte contact is passed through a filtration membrane (either an ultrafiltration or microfiltration membrane) to remove solid wastes. The filtered organic fraction is then reused within the system, followed by electrowinning of the copper-containing electrolyte to recover purified copper. Alternatively, the organic extractant may be membrane-filtered after initial contact with the copper-containing lixivant product to remove solid wastes from the organic extractant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for removing various contaminants (e.g., organic collectors, contaminant metals or spectator ions, and/or suspended and colloidal solids) from process streams in leaching processes. The contaminant removal is performed by one or more membrane filtration systems (e.g., nanofilters, ultrafilters, and/or microfilters) treating process streams including, the pregnant leaching solution, the barren raffinate, and the lean and rich electrolytes.

Abstract: A rubber-processing additive for use in bridging rubber grind and virgin rubber. The rubber-processing additive consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, and a starch. The compound binds the rubber grind to the virgin rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. The compound does not significantly affect the physical properties of the virgin rubber. A method for using a rubber-processing additive to bind rubber grind to virgin rubber is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to a mixture of rubber grind and virgin rubber.

Abstract: An organo-metallic compound for use as a chemical aid in using scrap plastics in rubber formulations. The organo-metallic compound includes a zeolite, a starch, and a high molecular weight fatty acid soap. The compounds are in powder form and mixed together by a high-speed blender. The inventive compound creates a bridge between the scrap plastic and the rubber formulation allowing a blend between the two compounds. The compound accomplishes this while using a non-toxic substance. A method for using scrap plastics in rubber formulations is also provided. The method includes the step of adding the inventive compound to the scrap plastic and the virgin rubber.

Abstract: A method suitable for treating used oil to remove ash and metal contaminants therefrom with minimum oxidation of the oil, the metal including at least one of the components of iron, lead, copper, zinc, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, to provide a highly purified oil product having less than 10 ppm of at least one of the contaminants and less than 0.15 wt. % of ash content. The method comprises providing a body of oil to be purified and chemically treating the oil to condition ash and metals contained therein to facilitate removal of ash and metal during membrane purification of the oil.

Abstract: A polymer modifying agent for use in increasing the shelf life of natural rubber. The polymer modifying agent consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, a starch, a catalyst, and rubber processing oil and aliphatic resin. The compound bonds with the rubber, particularly the polymer chains of the rubber being encapsulated by the zeolite, preventing the aging effect caused by oxidation and light. The compound also acts to disperse the silica evenly throughout the rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. A method of blocking the effects of premature curing of rubber is also provided. The method includes a step of adding the inventive compound to the rubber.

Abstract: Oxidizable contaminants in water are destroyed rapidly and efficiently by exposing the water to oxidizing conditions under pressure. Specifically, a single dose of hydrogen peroxide may be injected into the water, followed by the repeated injection and mixing of low doses of ozone. In each such high intensity mixing/reaction stage, ozone is injected at a pressure, velocity, and direction approximately matching that of the contaminated water flow. High intensity mixing under pressure facilitates rapid and complete oxidation of the contaminants with minimal stripping of volatile contaminants and waste of undissolved ozone. Residual ozone levels after high intensity mixing may be carefully monitored and minimized by adjusting the injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone in order to suppress the formation of bromate. Additional contaminants may be removed by passing the treated water through activated carbon beds.

Abstract: A method of forming a sidewall for a reactor for oxidizing volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, the sidewall being reactive with gaseous oxidation products produced by the oxidation of the volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, includes, i) providing a dry mixture of material comprising by weight: from about 23% to 35% cement; from about 30% to 45% added CaO; from about 6% to 20% added Ca(OH).sub.2 ; and from about 10% to 25 % added CaSO.sub.4 ; ii) combining the dry mixture of material with water and forming a slurry therefrom; iii) forming the slurry into a desired reactor sidewall shape; and iv) hardening the shaped slurry into a hardened cement reactor sidewall.