Abstract: A process for the thermal treatment of carbon-containing substances, in particular of sludges which, after mechanical indirect pre-drying, are subjected to direct drying by means of drying gas is disclosed. Object of the invention is to simplify the elimination of the noxious matter contained in the sewage sludge, to allow for energy recovery, and to improve the efficiency of the entire process. The problem is solved by the fact that the drying gas used for direct sludge drying is recovered by partial oxidation of the sludge subjected to direct drying.

Abstract: Referring to method and plant for the condensation of excess steam obtained from steam-producing and steam-consuming facilities it is intended to provide a solution which avoids the release of steam into the atmosphere and the absorption of oxygen by the condensate. The problem is solved by indirect heat-exchange in a condenser that is filled with an oxygen-free fluid which is displaced by the excess steam into a receiver, the fluid being returned to the condenser in the absence of an excess steam flow. Referring to the plant, the problem is solved in that a condensate receiver (5) with gas dome is arranged downstream of the condensate header (4) of condenser (2), a line (11) for condensate discharge being provided between condensate header (4) and condensate receiver (5) while a line (10) for the inert gas is connected to the gas dome (9).

Abstract: Referring to a process for the reconditioning of quench water or scrubbing water obtained as effluent from plants for the pressure gasification of solid or liquid fuels it is intended to provide for a method which eliminates the need of cooling and expanding large volumes of quench water for the purpose of solids separation. This is achieved by pressurizing the solids-laden quench water withdrawn from the quench chamber and admitting it to a high-pressure solids separator at a temperature substantially equal to the quench chamber temperature.

Abstract: Referring to process and equipment for the indirect drying of sludge, especially for the drying of wastewater sludge, which may undergo previous mechanical dehydration and/or preheating, it is intended to provide a method that permits utilizing low-value energy for drying purposes while avoiding environmental nuisance. With reference to the process, the problem is solved by drying the sludge under vacuum which is produced by withdrawing the water vapor by means of an injection condenser, the equipment provided for solving the problem comprising a barometric condensor associated with a mechanical sludge dehydrator and at least one sludge drier for indirect drying with an hermetically closed sludge space, the gas dome of the sludge space being connected to the injection condenser through a line for withdrawal of the water vapor.

Abstract: A vessel for the generation of synthesis gas at a high pressure, using hydrocarbons, includes a catalytic endothermic reforming section with a plurality of reformer tubes heated externally and filled with a catalyst, and a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam entering the reformer tubes which are positioned by a common plate. The reforming gas generated in the tubes flows from the tubed section into a partial oxidation section which has a larger diameter than the tubed section and the shape of a pressure vessel closed at one end, the free ends of the reformer tubes penetrating into the partial oxidation section, and in which inlet gas such as additional hydrocarbons and oxygen or oxygen-rich gas are mixed with the reforming gas. A plurality of inlet devices for the inlet gas are positioned in the cylindrical shell of the partial oxidation section with the axes of the gas flow streams being inclined away from the radial.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a product gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxide from a feedgas mixture comprised substantiallty of hydrocarbon, includes a vessel partitioned by a tubesheet into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Reformer tubes are mounted on and extend through the tubesheet from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. Each reformer tube is laterally enclosed over at least a portion of its axial length downwardly from the tubesheet by a jacket spaced outwardly therefrom forming an annular space extending along each said tube for establishing communication between the upper the lower chambers, allowing the product gas to be withdrawn from the upper chamber. The tubesheet forms a distribution chamber for directing the feedgas mixture into the reformer tubes. The tubesheet is formed of an inner hollow body mounted within an outer hollow body, with the two hollow bodies being in flow communication.

Abstract: An agitator of impeller shape includes an agitator hub with a plurality of radially extending arms for attachment to a drive shaft for the mixing of substances in vessels, such as substances that tend to material build-up, incrustation and/or incipient polymerization. The hub is totally closed by welding a cap over the end of the hub. At least one of the agitator arms is formed of two components, a shorter stub arm attached to the hub and longer main arm. Both components are formed of a pair of parallel, spaced apart tubes connected by a pair of webs. Each tube includes a bushing for retaining a centering bolt to attach the main portion to the stub portion. The two components are then welded together and polished to remove any gaps and sharp edges.

Abstract: A gas-tight crossflow heat exchanger consisting of a metal casing with two gas inlet nozzles and two gas outlet nozzles, at least one installation cover on the top of the casing, a block consisting of a number of ceramic heat-exchange elements mounted completely accurately in cuboid form with gas ducts arranged in layers one above the other and running at right angles to each other, four side surfaces having gas-duct openings, and the bottom and top surfaces being free of openings, the heat exchanger further consisting of thermal insulation between the metal casing and the block of ceramic heat-exchange elements.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for the production of chlorine from an aqueous alkaline halide solution includes a plurality of electrolysis cells each having a housing of two half-shells. The bottom side of each of the half-shells is in a plane parallel to a plane of an adjacent anode or cathode, the space between the bottom side and the anode or the cathode being provided with framework-pattern metallic reinforcements. Each bottom side has one or more contact strips attached to its outer surface which are arranged in a congruent position to the contact strips on the bottom side of the adjacent electrolysis cell, and extend over the length or width of the cell. The contact strips are aligned with and connected by electrically conducting means to part of the framework-pattern reinforcements and the unperforated sections of the adjacent anode or cathode. The two half-shells and a membrane partition wall are assembled to form an electrolysis cell sealed by two gaskets.

Abstract: A method for generation of cavitation within a flowing liquid, wherein expenditure for equipment for purposeful generation of cavitation and control of the cavitated liquid portion can be achieved by passing the liquid from a high-level reservoir through a downwardly flowing path which includes an outlet nozzle, at least one pipe bend connected to the outlet nozzle and a drop-pipe with a control valve in the vicinity of the lower end of the drop pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for generation of cavitation within a flowing liquid, wherein expenditure for equipment for purposeful generation of cavitation and control of the cavitated liquid portion can be achieved by passing the liquid from a high-level reservoir through a downwardly flowing path which includes an outlet nozzle, at least one pipe bend connected to the outlet nozzle and a drop-pipe with a control valve in the vicinity of the lower end of the drop-pipe.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the NO.sub.x content of waste gases by a catalytic reduction of the NO.sub.x gases using a washable catalyst, a solution is to be provided, with which, while retaining the advantages of the procedure known from the German Offenlegungsschrift No. 3,107,117, this danger is avoided and which is suitable for use with a large range of waste gases, that is, which in particular is not restricted to nitric acid plants. This is accomplished owing to the fact that the reduction is carried out using unsaturated hydrocarbons at a temperature equal to or less than 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A reaction tube system of a steam reformer, more generally referred to as tubular cracking furnace, for the indirect heating of cracking feedstock, such as the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, includes a plurality of reaction tubes and headers, the reaction tubes penetrating through the bottom of the steam reformer and being extended to the associated header by low-alloy tube sections attached to the tubes by circumferential welds. The reaction tubes are surrounded in the area of the weld(s) by a coaxial protective tube having one open end and defining a free annular space around the reaction tube. The protective tube prevents deterioration by corrosion of the weld(s) joining the tube sections of high-alloy steel with low-alloy extension sections with unalloyed steel extension section.

Abstract: It is intended to simplify and make easier cavitation treatment in a process and equipment for treatment of liquid/solids mixtures, in particular for conditioning of suspended solids by means of cavitation. In the process, this is achieved by means of the fact that the material mixture to be treated is withdrawn from a high-level reservoir, passed through at least one pipe bend and then to a drop-pipe in such a way that a cavitation zone forms in the flow at least in areas upstream, within and downstream of the pipe bend and in terms of equipment by means of the fact that the equipment consists of a high-level reservoir (1), an outlet nozzle (2) preferably in a horizontal position, at least one pipe bend (3) connected to the outlet nozzle (2), and a drop-pipe (4) and a control valve (5) in the vicinity of the end of the drop-pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of grade AA methanol by distilling raw methanol in several distillation stages, for separating grade AA methanol, tail gas, and fusel oil from the raw methanol and further processing the fusel oil to produce additional methanol of grade AA quality at a return ratio of 5:1 or higher.

Abstract: In reheating and conveying a granular heat carrier, such as sand, which is transportable by a gas and is used for desorption by heating a charged lumpy adsorber, such as activated carbon pellets, the sand is passed upwardly in a cylindrically shaped pipe element in the form of a fluidized bed. The sand is heated during its upward passage through the fluidized bed. Air introduced into the lower part of the pipe element is used as the fluidizing medium and also as combustion air. Further, fuel is supplied into the lower part of the pipe element. From the upper end of the pipe element, the heated sand flows downwardly by gravity to a sand separator, where it is separated from flue gas, into a desorber where it is contacted by the absorbent and then into a device for separating the sand and the adsorbent so that the sand can be returned into the lower end of the pipe element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the desorption of spent solid adsorbent through heating the latter to desorption temperature by means of a hot granular heat carrier medium; particularly of activated coal or activated coke used for flue gas purification by adsorption in power plants, for example.

Abstract: A pipe joint is made up of a female pipe end with a conically shaped engagement surface and a male pipe end with a corresponding conically shaped engagement surface engageable with the engagement surface of the female pipe end. The combination of the female and male pipe ends form a sealed chamber. By maintaining a vacuum within the chamber the pipe ends can be placed in tightly fitting contact and by introducing a pressurized medium within the chamber the contact between the pipe ends can be broken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure vessel with inner closure suitable for frequent load changes due to charging and discharging, comprising a forged cylindrical shell with bulbed ends and at least one cover with a frustum-shaped top surface, the cover being centered by supporting elements of the same shape and inclination and being tightened by the prevailing inner pressure. Further features of this high-pressure vessel are the cover bottom sealing which is locally separated from the supporting segments and is radially movable by means of a retaining ring as well as a thin-walled liner with welded-on wearing ring. In view of the frequent opening and closing actions, it is advisable to provide the vessel cover with a small feed-hold cover which is tightened by the prevailing inner pressure and which may be used whenever permitted by the process material characteristics.

Abstract: In reheating and conveying a granular heat carrier, such as sand, using a carrier gas, where the heat carrier may be utilized for desorption by heating a charged lumpy adsorbent, the heat carrier is circulated through a vertically arranged cycle loop. Initially the heat carrier is conveyed from a carrier gas inlet at the lowermost part of the loop to a separator at the uppermost point. After separation, the heat carrier flows downwardly under the effect of gravity through the loop passing, in turn, through a heater, a desorber where it is mixed with the adsorbent, and another separator where it is separated from the adsorbent, before the carrier returns to the carrier gas inlet for repeating the cycle. If sand is used as the heat carrier it can be conveyed upwardly through the loop by compressed air.