Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method for restarting a synthesis gas conversion process which has stopped. The synthesis gas conversion process may be conducted in a conventional reactor or a microchannel reactor. The synthesis gas conversion process may comprise a process for converting synthesis gas to methane, methanol or dimethyl ether. The synthesis gas conversion process may be a Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: The invention providing methods of loading and unloading particulate from micorchannels in apparatus that contains multiple microchannels, typically apparatus that is designed to operate with hundreds or thousands of particulate-containing microchannels. Aligning a sonicating head at one end of a set of microchannels provides a particularly effective mode for densifying particulate in microchannels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for removing heat from an exothermic reaction. In particular, the present invention provides a process wherein heat can be removed from multiple reaction trains using a common coolant system.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method for restarting a synthesis gas conversion process which has stopped. The synthesis gas conversion process may be conducted in a conventional reactor or a microchannel reactor. The synthesis gas conversion process may comprise a process for converting synthesis gas to methane, methanol or dimethyl ether. The synthesis gas conversion process may be a Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method for restarting a synthesis gas conversion process which has stopped. The synthesis gas conversion process may be conducted in a conventional reactor or a microchannel reactor. The synthesis gas conversion process may comprise a process for converting synthesis gas to methane, methanol or dimethyl ether. The synthesis gas conversion process may be a Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: The invention providing methods of loading and unloading particulate from microchannels in apparatus that contains multiple microchannels, typically apparatus that is designed to operate with hundreds or thousands of particulate-containing microchannels. Aligning a sonicating head at one end of a set of microchannels provides a particularly effective mode for densifying particulate in microchannels.

Abstract: The invention describes methods of welding onto laminated devices using a low temperature welding process. Also described are laminated devices with welds that do not disrupt a brazed core block of sheets in the laminated devices. Novel laminated devices with welded features for servicing the devices are also described.

Abstract: The invention describes methods of welding onto laminated devices using a low temperature welding process. Also described are laminated devices with welds that do not disrupt a brazed core block of sheets in the laminated devices. Novel laminated devices with welded features for servicing the devices are also described.

Abstract: A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.

Abstract: A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process can be controlled to create water that has desirable characteristics for use in secondary processes such as fracking or irrigation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising methane, methanol and/or dimethyl ether, the process comprising: gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700° C. to form synthesis gas; and flowing the synthesis gas through two or more reaction zones in a microchannel reactor to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.

Abstract: A new electroless plating approach to generate a porous metallic coating is described in which a metal is electrolessly deposited on a surface. Microparticles in the metal are removed to leave pores in the metal coating. Another method of forming electroless coatings is described in which a blocking ligand is attached to the surface, followed by a second coating step. The invention includes coatings and coated apparatus formed by methods of the invention. The invention also includes catalyst structures comprising a dense substrate and a porous metal adhered to the dense substrate, which is further characterized by one or more of the specified features.

Abstract: The invention describes features that can be used to control flow to an array of microchannels. The invention also describes methods in which a process stream is distributed to plural microchannels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.