Abstract: Mulitube falling-film reactor for the continuous sulfonation and sulfation of fluid-state organic substances by reaction with gaseous sulphuric anhydride (SO.sub.3), has each tubular element non-permanently fixed to the plates and has a nozzle (10) fitted in a sleeve (20) integral with a reaction tube (23). The nozzle (10) can slide within the sleeve (20) and may be placed at different heights with respect to the latter, forming with the end-piece (14) a cylindrical crown opening (18) of fixed width and variable height. Such arrangement permits to control the delivery of the fluid to be sulfonated. The opposite end of each tube (23) fits into a double-plate seal system.

Abstract: An improved converter having electrically heatable strips connected in an electrical circuit, and intertwined with non-electricvally heated thin metal strips, having an electrical connection, or anchor, from the electrically heatable thin metal strips to the non-electrically heated thin metal strips, whereby the potential difference between the electrically heatable strips non-electrically heatable thin metal strips is reduced.

Abstract: A surface of a 3-D object is digitized automatically and stored in a memory. Based on the signal representation of the 3-D object areas of the surface are defined for color and boundaries. Coatings application paths are defined within each area and various parameters for applying coatings for each point in each path are also defined including spray pattern, amount of coatings to be applied, speed of application along the path, among others; for each area, the points of the selected path are correlated with the angle of attack, spray pattern, amount of coatings and speed. A set of programmed instructions are compiled for execution in a general purpose computer. An assembly line of objects to be painted may then be set up and the retrieved instructions executed.

Abstract: A compact fixed-bed catalytic reactor containing a plurality of staggered partitioning plates inside a reactor vessel to form a folded reaction path. The reactor is substantially rectangular in shape and each of the partitioning plates is held inside the reactor by a frictional force between the partitioning plate and the inner wall of the reactor vessel while one side thereof, being shorter than the width of a corrsponding inner side the reactor, forms an opening allowing the passage of reactant therethrough. The partitioning plates contain a plurality of fingers to further secure the same in place and prevent horizontal movement thereof. The present invention allows a box-like catalytic reactor to provide the advantages of a fixed-bed tubular reactor, while maintaining a desirable spacial compactness and lowering the construction cost.

Abstract: A sterilization container for an arrangement for sterilizing medical instruments, implants and the like with steam is disclosed. The arrangement has a steam generator fed by a dispensing pump and has a control device for the sterilizing process. The sterilization container is arranged in such a way that it can be pushed into a holding device in a working connection with the steam generator. The walls of the sterilization container, which is closed on all sides during the sterilizing process so as to be tight against pressure, are formed at least in part by portions of the holding device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for treating, for purposes of sterilization, a continuous material web (16) by bringing the entire web or parts thereof intended for sterilization into contact with liquefied hydrogen peroxide and thereafter drying the web with the aid of a hot gaseous fluid.In order to improve the degree of destruction of micro-organisms present on the material web, the material web is dried, after contact with the liquefied hydrogen peroxide, with air which has been intentionally supplied with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: High temperature gas emissions from industrial power plant or environmental clean-up processes are subjected to an acoustic waveform having second harmonic content and appropriate second harmonic phase shift to impart a net acoustic Oseen force on particulate matter contained in the gas for removal of said matter. Particulate matter of 1 micron radius is positively excluded, while smaller particles are agglomerated by the sound wave. The acoustic waveform further enhances both sorption of injected sorbent particles for removal of sulfur oxides, and the efficiency of an in-line catalytic converter for removal of nitrogen oxides. The invention improves overall removal efficiency, can operate at very high temperatures, and does not produce any secondary waste, such as filters.

Abstract: A noise attenuating air cleaner assembly for an internal combustion engines or the like operating in a dusty environment. The air cleaner assembly having a silencer assembly arranged concentric inside an air filter cartridge assembly and a noise attenuating end wall assembly closing an end of the air filter cartridge assembly attenuating air cleaner assembly to provide a source of clean air to the engine and to reduce transmitted induction noise.

Abstract: A composition analyzer and a method of use for determination of the masses of individual components in a multiphase multicomponent fluid system containing a gas. Data and relationships not measured by the analyzer during operation but required by the method are predetermined or researched and stored, and other required data is instantaneously obtained from the composition analyzer during process operation. All these data are used in an iteration process to accurately determine the mass composition of each fluid component. The preferred means for adding energy to the fluid mixture in the test apparatus is comprised of an electrically conductive conduit through which the fluid mixture flows and which heats the fluid mixture when electrically energized.

Abstract: A fluidized bed scrubber for use in gas cleaning systems, comprising means for introducing a quantity of polluted gas into a first chamber; means for removing a portion of the pollutants from the polluted gas in the first chamber; means for introducing the polluted gas into a second chamber; and means for removing additional pollutants from the polluted gas in the second chamber. The invention also provides a method for cleaning polluted gas, comprising the steps of passing the polluted gas from a combustion source through a fluidized bed scrubber, removing a plurality of pollutants within the fluidized bed scrubber, passing the fluidized gas through a reactor, passing the fluidized gas through a filter in order to remove further quantities of pollutants, and emitting the now-clean gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An alternating-flow heat exchanger and method of forming is disclosed, in which a substrate is provided having open-ended, straight passageways therethrough, and at least one end cap for diverting flow in said passageways into primary and secondary flow paths. The ceramic substrate is coated with a desirable coating. The end cap is then applied to the substrate to direct flow from the passages in first and second flow paths.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizer and method employ essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of a gas mixture to sterilize articles. The gas mixture includes oxidizing and/or reducing agents and is ionized into a plasma having ionization products that include highly destructive components in the form of charged particles and ultra-violet radiation. A plasma distribution device blocks the ultra-violet radiation and facilitates the recombination of the charged particles such that essentially uncharged, highly reactive free radicals, atoms and excited molecules of the gas mixture are delivered to the articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the conductance of heated structures used to initiate faster light-off in emission control systems such as used for automotive catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and industrial stacks and other applications in which the exhaust gas stream temperature is too low to initiate fast light-off. The invention also relates to a method for minimizing the amount of conductive material used for making such structures.

Abstract: An isothermal reactor design uses interleaved layers of plate heat exchange elements to improve heat transfer in a radial flow arrangement that offers a simple and compact design for fluid flow and catalyst transfer.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid.

Abstract: Improved emission control apparatus for use with a diesel engine which may include an enclosed cylindrical housing having an inlet and an outlet. A particulate trap is disposed in the housing between the inlet and outlet for collection and removal of particulates from the engine exhaust. The particulate trap includes an upstream section of reduced diameter and a downstream section of a diameter greater than the cylindrical housing to form an annular pocket therearound. The upstream section is provided with peripheral walls in which are provided uniformly spaced, longitudinally disposed, slotted apertures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing limulus amoebocyte lysate substantially free from factor G which comprises bringing limulus amoebocyte lysate into contact with an insoluble carrier on which a (1.fwdarw.3)-.beta.-D-glucoside structural portion represented by the following formula [I] produced by depolymerizing and/or fractionating a carbohydrate chain is immobilized: ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of 2 to 370.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating elemental sulfur and re-usable metal oxide from spent metal-sulfur compound. Spent metal-sulfur compound is regenerated to re-usable metal oxide by moving a bed of spent metal-sulfur compound progressively through a single regeneration vessel having a first and second regeneration stage and a third cooling and purging stage. The regeneration is carried out and elemental sulfur is generated in the first stage by introducing a first gas of sulfur dioxide which contains oxygen at a concentration less than the stoichiometric amount required for complete oxidation of the spent metal-sulfur compound. A second gas containing sulfur dioxide and excess oxygen at a concentration sufficient for complete oxidation of the partially spent metal-sulfur compound, is introduced into the second regeneration stage. Gaseous sulfur formed in the first regeneration stage is removed prior to introducing the second gas into the second regeneration stage.

Abstract: Convection towers which are capable of cleaning the pollution from large quantities of air, of generating electricity, and of producing fresh water utilize the evaporation of water sprayed into the towers to create strong airflows and to remove pollution from the air. Turbines in tunnels at the skirt section of the towers generate electricity, and condensers produce fresh water.

Abstract: A paint system for an automotive plant circulates various colors of paint, primers and seal coats in individual circulation loops to the many paint booths in an automotive finishing facility. A plate type heat exchanger is used for each circulation loop and the heat exchangers are connected in parallel in a single water circulation loop. The water is delivered to the plate type heat exchangers at a predetermined set point temperature and the plate type heat exchangers are sized to bring the paint to within 2.degree. F. or less of the set point temperature by the close temperature approach of heat exchange.