Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for generating fuel gas and decoking particulate solids used as the source of heat to effect chemical reactions in a TRC system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus provide enhanced recovery of ethylene, hydrogen and methane from the effluent produced by cracking olefins. A cracked gas is fractionally condensed in several stages. The overhead vapor from the last stage is refluxed in a rectifier tower to enable recovery of residual light hydrocarbons such as ethylene in the cracked gas and for improving the purity and yield of hydrogen. The refrigeration for producing the reflux is obtained by expanding a portion of the overhead vapor from the rectifier tower. Preferably, the fractional condensates of the cracked gas and the ethylene rich bottoms product from the rectifier tower are directed to a demethanizer. The overhead vapor from the demethanizer can be directed to the rectifier tower for recovery of ethylene contained therein.

Abstract: The invention is a method for cracking heavy oils to olefins. In parallel streams, the heavy stream and a steam diluent are heated to the point of partial thermal cracking while in the other stream a lighter oil and steam are cracked to produce olefins. The hot, olefinic light stream is then mixed with the heated heavy stream and further cracked. The hot, olefinic stream acts as both a diluent and a heat source for cracking the heavy oil to an olefin containing product.

Abstract: An apparatus to serve as a valve to regulate the flow of particulate solids, from an upstream to a downstream location. The valve relies on pressure differential rather than moving mechanical parts. A plenum adjacent a chamber designed to accommodate a slumped mass of particulate solids receives fluid pressure and transmits the pressure to the slumped mass to move the particulate solids through an opening to a downstream location.

Abstract: An automatic pressure sensitive regulation assembly and process is provided for use with a non-mechanical particulate solids flow apparatus. The automatic pressure sensitive regulation assembly comprises first and second pressurized fluid distributors. The first pressurized fluid distributor provides incipient fluidization of the particulate solids in the vicinity of the automatic pressure sensitive regulation assembly and an attendant hydrostatic pressure. The second pressurized fluid distributor senses variations in the hydrostatic pressure as a function of the particulate solids level, and in response thereto directly varies the flow of pressurized fluids to the downstream end of the particulate solids flow apparatus to change the rate of flow of particulate solids at the same rate as received.

Abstract: A process for quenching and cooling the reactor effluent in a thermal regenerative cracking (TRC) system is disclosed. The process for quenching the reactor effluent includes the steps of introducing particulate solids into the reactor effluent stream, passing the composite stream of reactor effluent and particulate solids in indirect heat exchange relationship with a coolant, separating the solids and quenched effluent and returning the separated solids to quench effluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.

Abstract: An improved process for producing ethane from aromatic hydrocarbons is described. Hydrogen and the hydrocarbons are introduced into a catalytically inert reactor zone and are reacted under closely controlled conditions which provide an enhanced yield of ethane.

Abstract: Apparatus for quenching and cooling the reactor effluent in a thermal regenerative cracking (TRC) system. The quench apparatus includes a section for introducing relatively cool particulate solids into a hot effluent stream to effect initial quenching and a section to further cool the composite of quenched effluent and solids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing hydrogen sulfide from fluid, particularly geothermal steam. Carbonic acid is sprayed into a condenser to inhibit dissolution of hydrogen sulfide into the condensate and maintain the hydrogen sulfide in gaseous form.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing hydrogen sulfide from fluid, particularly geothermal steam. Condensate rich in hydrogen sulfide is passed countercurrently with vapor rich in carbon dioxide to strip the condensate of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: An improved Thermal Regenerative Cracking (TRC) apparatus and process includes: (10) an improved low residence time solid-gas separation device and system; and (2) an improved solids feeding device and system; as well as an improved sequential thermal cracking process; an improved solids quench boiler and process; an improved preheat vaporization system; and an improved fuel gas generation system for solids heated. One or more of the improvements may be incorporated in a conventional TRC system.

Abstract: Apparatus for quenching and cooling the reactor effluent in a thermal regenerative cracking (TRC) system. The quench apparatus includes a section for introducing relatively cool particulate solids into a hot effluent stream to effect initial quenching and a section to further cool the composite of quenched effluent and solids.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for quenching and cooling reactor effluent. The apparatus includes a section for introducing relatively cool particulate solids into a hot effluent stream to effect initial quenching and a section to further cool the composite quenched effluent and solids. The process employs relatively cool particulate solids to quench hot effluent and indirect heat exchange between water and the quenched effluent-solids mix to generate high pressure steam and further cool the mix.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method embodied in a TRC system for rapidly separating particulate solids from a mixed phase solids-gas stream which may be at velocities up to 150 ft./sec. and at high temperature. Specifically, the device is designed for incorporation at the discharge of solid-gas reacting TRC systems having low residence time requirements and carried out in tubular type reactors. Separation is effected by projecting solids by centrifugal force against a bed of solids as the gas phase makes a 180.degree. directional change, said solids changing direction only 90.degree. relative to the incoming stream.

Abstract: An improved Thermal Regenerative Cracking (TRC) apparatus and process includes: (1) an improved low residence time solid-gas separation device and system; and (2) an improved solids feeding device and system; as well as an improved sequential thermal cracking process; an improved solids quench boiler and process; an improved preheat vaporization system; and an improved fuel gas generation system for solids heated. One or more of the improvements may be incorporated in a conventional TRC system.

Abstract: A process and system for vaporizing heavy oil prior to thermal cracking in a TRC system having low residence time on the order of 0.05 to 2 seconds, and at a temperature between 1300.degree. and 2500.degree. F.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating cable. A split ring carrying a plurality of nozzles which ring is adapted for releasible attachment to the entry end of an electric conduit and a centrally disposed lubricating device which travels with the leading end of a cable bundle are combined or used separately to lubricate cable being pulled through conduit.

Abstract: A process and system for vaporizing heavy oil prior to thermal cracking to olefins, by flashing with steam in first mixer, superheating the vapor, and flashing in second mixer the liquid from first mixer.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a gas distributor system for installation beneath a fluidized bed, said distributor system containing a sift trap chamber for accumulating solids filtering through the distributor plate gas inlet means. The apparatus contains no internal parts in direct contact with the fluidized bed, and thereby limits erosion of the distributor thus reducing greatly the cost of fabrication and maintenance.