Abstract: A NOx reduction composition and process of using the composition to reduce the content of NOx emissions and gas phase reduced nitrogen species released from the regeneration zone during fluid catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock into lower molecular weight components is disclosed. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock during a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process wherein a regeneration zone of an fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is operated in a partial or incomplete combustion mode under FCC conditions, with a circulating inventory of an FCC cracking catalyst and a particulate NOx reduction composition. The NOx reduction composition has a mean particle size of greater than 45 ?m and comprises (1) a zeolite component having (i) a pore size of form 2-7 A Angstroms and (ii) a SiO2 to Al2O3 molar ratio of less than 500, and (2) at least one noble metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, ruthenium, rhenium and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An exemplary surface active agent admixture composition of the invention comprises (1) a first surface active agent comprising a betaine, an alkyl or aryl or alkylaryl sulfonate, or mixture thereof; and (2) a second surface active agent comprising a nonionic oxyalkylene-containing polymer surfactant. The present invention therefore provides a system for ensuring the presence in a hydratable cementitious composition (when hardened) a sufficient air volume and sufficient air void fineness and consistency. Further exemplary admixture compositions may comprise one or more plasticizers and one or more clay activity-modifying agents. Cementitious compositions and methods for modifying cementitious compositions, which incorporate the above-mentioned surface active agent combination, are also described. The invention provides the ability to adjust and stabilize air void systems in hydratable cementitious compositions, while allowing conventional air entraining agent (AEA) dosage practices to be followed.

Abstract: Shaped waterproofing membranes having three-dimensional contours are useful for the “reverse tanking” waterproofing of detail areas such as those presented by “tiebacks,” pipes, pile caps, and other irregularities that occur on concrete formworks and other civil construction or building surfaces. A preferred method for making such membranes is to thermoform a membrane laminate, having a carrier support sheet, waterproofing adhesive, and optionally a protective coating layer, as a single unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for dispensing fluids, such as chemical concrete admixtures, using an air-operated pump and load cell for supporting and measuring at least substantially 100% of the weight of the pump and fluid dispensed through the pump. A double-action, dual piston design of the air-operated pump allows positive air pressure to be used during both fluid-filling and fluid-expelling phases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving the use of nitrogen-containing coordinated metal compounds for stabilizing chromium VI reducing metal cations. Exemplary uses include processes for making cement, and exemplary compositions include cement additives, concrete admixtures, as well as hydratable cement and cementitous compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: Compositions for reduction of NOx generated during a catalytic cracking process, preferably, a fluid catalytic cracking process, are disclosed. The compositions comprise a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst composition, preferably containing a Y-type zeolite, and a NOx reducing zeolite having a pore size ranging from about 2 to about 7.2 Angstroms and a SiO2 to Al2O3 molar ratio of less than about 500 and being stabilized with a metal or metal ion selected from the group consisting of zinc, iron and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the NOx reducing zeolite particles are bound with an inorganic binder to form a particulate composition. In the alternative, the NOx reducing zeolite particles are incorporated into the cracking catalyst as an integral component of the catalyst.

Abstract: Reduced emissions of gas phase reduced nitrogen species in the off gas of an FCC regenerator operated in a partial or incomplete mode of combustion is achieved by contacting the off gas with an oxidative catalyst/additive composition having the ability to reduce gas phase nitrogen species to molecular nitrogen and to oxidize CO under catalytic cracking conditions. The oxidative catalyst/additive composition is used in an amount less than the amount necessary to prevent afterburn. Fluidizable particles of the oxidative catalyst/additives are circulated throughout the partial or incomplete burn FCC unit along with the FCC catalyst inventory. The flue gas having a reduced content of gas phase reduced nitrogen species and NOx is passed to a downstream CO boiler, preferably a low NOx CO boiler. In the CO boiler, as CO is oxidized to CO2, a reduced amount of gas phase reduced nitrogen species is oxidized to NOx, thereby providing an increase in the overall reduction of NOx emitted into the environment.

Abstract: Reduced emissions of gas phase reduced nitrogen species in the off gas of an FCC regenerator operated in a partial or incomplete mode of combustion is achieved by contacting the off gas with an oxidative catalyst/additive composition having the ability to reduce gas phase nitrogen species to molecular nitrogen and to oxidize CO under catalytic cracking conditions. The oxidative catalyst/additive composition is used in an amount less than the amount necessary to prevent afterburn. Fluidizable particles of the oxidative catalyst/additives are circulated throughout the partial or incomplete burn FCC unit along with the FCC catalyst inventory. The flue gas having a reduced content of gas phase reduced nitrogen species and NOx is passed to a downstream CO boiler, preferably a low NOx CO boiler. In the CO boiler, as CO is oxidized to CO2, a reduced amount of gas phase reduced nitrogen species is oxidized to NOx, thereby providing an increase in the overall reduction of NOx emitted into the environment.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: The invention is a composition that is suitable for reducing sulfur species from products produced by petroleum refining processes, especially gasoline products produced by fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) processes. The composition comprises zeolite, yttrium, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium and manganese, wherein the yttrium and element are present as cations. The yttrium and zinc are preferably present as cations that have been exchanged onto the zeolite. The zeolite is preferably a zeolite Y.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: A flow controller for use with a liquid chromatography detector. The flow controller includes a flow channel comprising an inlet portion, a control channel portion in communication with the inlet portion, and an outlet portion in communication with said control channel portion. The control channel portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of a drift tube of the liquid chromatography detector for channeling the flow of droplets through the smaller cross-sectional area. The flow controller is shaped and sized to reduce pressure fluctuations and turbulence in the droplet stream of the liquid chromatography detector.

Abstract: An exemplary erucamide-free composition for making container closures or closure sealants includes a matrix polymer, a silicone lubricant such as poly(dimethyl)siloxane, and a slip aid comprising a saturated amide, oxidized polyethylene, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: An exemplary composition for enhancing water repellency in cementitious material comprises a hydrophobic material solute that is dissolved in a glycol ether solvent. Thus, the composition is provided in the form of a non-aqueous solution or emulsion wherein water is in a noncontinuous phase. The use of such compositions to modify cementitious compositions and the cementitious materials obtained thereby are also described.

Abstract: Method and device for ensuring high yields during spraying of a settable slurry composition. The slurry is conveyed through a length of hose to a nozzle spray-orifice, and a set accelerator is introduced into the slurry at a distance “D” from the nozzle spray-orifice. The level of accelerator is monitored using a sensor located in the slurry path at a point after the set accelerator is injected. A preferred sensor comprises two pairs of conductivity sensors each having an annular body with a bore corresponding to the diameter of the hose or nozzle bore. Voltage of the slurry can be correlated to yields obtained when a salt-based accelerator fluid is injected into the slurry, such that levels of accelerator can be finely adjusted, and consistently high yields of spray coatings can be achieved.

Abstract: An inorganic oxide coating produced by preparing a coating composition comprising inorganic oxide particles and a polymer, applying the composition on a substrate to form a coating, and heating the substrate to remove the polymeric component, wherein the resulting coating is transparent.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling or monitoring the injection of one or more solids in a system, process, unit or apparatus by mathematically modeling the independent injection of the solids to maintain a determined or pre-determined ratio, percentage, fraction or relative amounts of total solids injected. The model uses historical process data, current process data and/or data from an external source to adjust set points in the master controller to maintain a predetermined amount of solids to be injected within a given period of time. In accordance with the process of the invention, new set-points are generated in the master controller using variables other than a unit or system response variable as input into the model.

Abstract: The sulfur content of liquid cracking products, especially the cracked gasoline, of the catalytic cracking process is reduced by the use of a sulfur reduction catalyst composition comprising a porous molecular sieve which contains a metal in an oxidation state above zero within the interior of the pore structure of the sieve as well as a cerium component which enhances the stability and sulfur reduction activity of the catalyst. The molecular sieve is normally a faujasite such as USY. The primary sulfur reduction component is normally a metal of Period 3 of the Periodic Table, preferably vanadium. The sulfur reduction catalyst may be used in the form of a separate particle additive or as a component of an integrated cracking/sulfur reduction catalyst.