Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating gases having different partial pressures at a given temperature includes introducing a multi-component gas mixture into a chamber, reducing the temperature therein to solidify and liquefy all components. At least one component remains liquid which is evaporated, thereby separating such component from the solidified components which may then be liquefied and recovered. The process is especially useful in recovering radioactive krypton and xenon from the off gas streams of nuclear processes such as nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for generating snow from liquid carbon dioxide comprising a flexible frustoconical member having an open upper end and an open lower end and defining a separation chamber. Injection nozzles having orifices for injecting liquid carbon dioxide located in the upper end of the separation chamber. Each injection nozzle is radially spaced inwardly from the frustoconical member and the orifice of each nozzle is directed outwardly toward the frustoconical member so that liquid carbon dioxide injected into the separation chamber forms a mixture of snow and vapor which is discharged from the open lower end of the frustoconical member. A mechanical impactor mounted at the lower end of the frustoconical member to contact the frustoconical member and loosen snow which builds up in the separation chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing LNG using a mixed heat medium for performing a Rankine cycle to gasify the LNG. The medium is prepared by batch distillation using only LNG. The method comprises the steps of condensing an upflow vapor in a single distillation column employing part of the LNG in an LNG batch distillation cycle, venting one fraction having low boiling point components mainly containing methane, and accumulating the other fractions containing ethane and components heavier than ethane. The supply of LNG to be distilled in the column is halted. A total condensing operation is performed in which the other fractions are sequentially condensed by part of the LNG at the condenser to sequentially recover and mix each component with the other fractions. LNG is added as the methane component to the recovered mixture of components to prepare a mixed heat medium consisting of components selected from hydrocarbons having 1-6 carbon atoms, or hydrocarbons having 1-6 carbon atoms and nitrogen.

Abstract: A diamond-anvil, high-pressure cell having an apertured steel gasket interposed between the opposed diamonds is lowered into a liquified hydrogen bath at cryogenic temperatures. After the liquid hydrogen permeates the cell through the viewing apertures an initial sealing pressure is applied to the cell by a remotely operated threaded arrangement sufficient to prohibit escape of the liquified hydrogen from the aperture in the steel plate which is closed by the opposed diamonds. The cell is then typically removed from the liquified hydrogen bath and introduced into a lever type pressure applicator to further increase the pressure on the hydrogen at room temperature for the observation of its effects through suitable apertures in the cell and to convert the same to solid form.

Abstract: A process for producing krypton and xenon in which relation to the air separation plant is restricted to receipt of liquid oxygen as raw material of krypton and xenon and return of liquid oxygen produced by the process. Heat which is necessary for rectification is provided by an argon recycle system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for regenerating an absorbent solution, for example an aqueous solution of an alkanolamine, containing acid compounds such as CO.sub.2 and/or H.sub.2 S, in which said compounds are released by heating and/or stripped away. The regenerated absorbent solution, drawn off from the regeneration zone, is subject to a plurality of successive expansions with formation of a vapor in the course of each expansion, and the vapor thus formed is gradually compressed to form a compressed vapor, which is introduced into the regeneration zone. Such a process of regeneration with expansion of the regenerated solution is used in the regenerative processes for scrubbing gases containing acid compounds and renders possible an appreciable overall saving of energy.

Abstract: An improvement in a Ryan/Holmes separation of methane from carbon dioxide is disclosed wherein the upper portion of a distillation column is operated at temperatures above the triple point of carbon dioxide, i.e., -70.degree. F., while still effectuating a separation of methane from carbon dioxide. This is achieved by increasing the amount of non-polar liquid agent added to the condenser of the column to an amount sufficient to maintain the condenser and all portions of the column at such temperatures.

Abstract: In the concentration of radioactive combustible waste comprising evaporating and drying a radioactive combustible waste slurry by a thin film drier, the radioactive combustible wastes and an incombustible material, such as sodium sulfate, etc. obtained from a nuclear reactor effluent are mixed together in an amount of not more than 70% by weight, preferably 43 to 70% by weight, of radioactive combustible waste on the basis of a mixture on dry basis, and the mixture is fed to the thin film drier and evaporated and dried therein. A risk of powder explosion and fire is prevented in the drying step thereby.

Abstract: A device for detecting combustion products and effects resulting from combustion is made by preparing a composition of metallo-phthalocyanine in amorphous or crystaline form selected from the group of Fe.sub.II Pc, Fe.sub.III Pc, Ni.sub.II Pc, Cu.sub.II Pc, CuPc-CCl.sub.4 where Pc represents phthalocyanine, mixing the metallo-phthalocyanine in powder form with a carbon-containing solvent and allowing it to remain in the solvent for a period of time to modify its initial phthalocyanine molecule, stirring the mixture to provide a suspension of the modified composition in the solvent, applying a thin uniform coating of such suspension in a selected pattern on an insulating substrate and drying the coating to form a resistance element having a resistance between 10.sup.6 ohms and 10.sup.10 ohms.

Abstract: In a process for the recovery of hydrogen from compressed purge gas withdrawn from a recyling gas stream of an ammonia synthesis wherein the hydrogen is separated from the purge gas by partial condensation at cryogenic temperatures, refrigeration is provided by expanding and evaporating the condensate so formed, and the partial pressure of the expanded condensate is lowered by withdrawing a bleed stream from said uncondensed gas, expanding said bleed stream and injecting it into said expanded condensate, condensation of nitrogen employed to purge the cold box for the cryogenic process is avoided by either injecting into the bleed stream a warmer gas provided from the uncondensed gas and/or the purge gas or expanding the condensate and bleed stream in stages with separate expansion thereof in an initial stage and injection of the bleed stream into the condensate prior to the final stage.

Abstract: In a spray dryer apparatus (20) wherein a slurry (30) is contacted with a hot drying gas (12), a spray head assembly comprising an annular swirler vane assembly (42) disposed about the gas inlet in the roof of the spray dryer (20), an atomizing spray head housing (44) disposed coaxially within the center of the swirler vane assembly, an elongated guide tube (46) extending upwardly from the spray head housing (44), an atomizing spray head (58) disposed in the spray head housing with its spray tip (60) extending into the spray dryer (20), an elongated seal sleeve (72) extending downwardly from the guide tube into the spray head housing, and a support tube (70) extending upwardly from the spray head (58) into the seal sleeve (72). The support tube (70) is slidably translatable with the seal sleeve (70) and the guide tube (46) so that the spray head (58) attached to the support tube may be withdrawn upwardly through the guide tube for removal for inspection and maintenance.

Abstract: A multistage evaporator plant having combined vapor compressor and heat pump for recovery of the heat contained in the vapors. The evaporator section comprises several stages and a heat input, a condensate output and a vapor output. The vapor compressor can comprise a steam jet injector connected to a source of booster steam for providing steam power and connected to the heat input of the evaporator section, a distributor valve connected to an input of the steam jet injector.

Abstract: The distillative freezing process disclosed is useful in separating a mixture containing at least two volatile components, denoted respectively as A-component and B-component, by simultaneously vaporizing the two components from the mixture under a sufficiently reduced pressure to simultaneously crystallize B-component. The vapor mixture obtained is brought to a condensed state either by a simple condensation operation or a condensation-desublimation operation without being substantially pressurized. The process may be continued to completely eliminate the liquid phase and bring the mixture into the two phase solid-vapor region. Then, the solid phase is no longer contaminated by the adhering liquid phase and gives a high purity B-component on melting. The process is particularly useful in separating mixtures containing close boiling components, such as styrene-ethyl benzene mixtures, p-xylene-m-xylene mixtures and ethylene-ethane mixtures.

Abstract: Use of reverse flotation for phosphate rock ore treatment, wherein starch is added first to depress phosphate rock particles, followed by addition of cationic reagent, e.g., amine to float the silica. Phosphate rock is recovered as sink concentrate and silica is recovered as float tailings.

Abstract: A method for separating the exinite group macerals from the total coal by froth flotation in the presence of at least one short chain alcohol frothing agent and at least one methyl polyglycol type frothing agent in a first froth flotation zone to produce an exinite and other coal maceral-rich stream which is thereafter subjected to froth flotation in a second froth flotation zone in the presence of a short chain alcohol frothing agent to produce an exinite group maceral-rich stream and a stream rich in other coal macerals with the exinite-rich stream thereafter being mixed with an additional quantity of a short chain alcohol frothing agent and passed to a third froth flotation zone to produce an exinite group maceral group concentrate stream which is thereafter processed to produce a particulate exinite maceral group concentrate.

Abstract: Zinc and lead are separated together out of dust derived from a gas-cleaning installation in iron or steel making by a flotation-separation treatment. In order economically to provide a good separation of these metals and to leave a residue which is re-usable in an ore-preparation process in the iron and steel industry, the flotation-separation treatment is at a pH of 7 to 9 and is effective to achieve a separation, according to size of the dust particles, of a floated component in which the zinc and lead are concentrated and a non-floated component which is suitable for re-use.

Abstract: A process and a system for drying a solution, a slurry or a solid suspension of a material non-sensitive to heat is disclosed. A spray of finely divided particles is formed in a chamber and a plasma of superheated steam is used as the heat source for drying the particles as they pass through the chamber. The resulting product is removed from the chamber in the form of a suspension of dry particles in superheated steam.

Abstract: Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen are produced from the separation of air in an installation of reduced size wherein the refrigeration necessary for the operation of the air separation unit is produced from the use of a single compander and a freon refrigeration unit affixed to a split-out stream of the main heat exchanger with appropriate recycling and heat exchange. The process for such an installation is also set forth.

Abstract: A vacuum evaporator is provided with an integral cyclonic-type entrainment separator at the top of the evaporator vapor body which comprises a helical spin plate for imparting a centrifugal action to the vapor and entrained liquid rising from the boiling liquid in the flash chamber. Liquid entrainment is deposited on the vertical wall of the evaporator and flows downward countercurrent to vapor flow into a collecting trough, from which it is discharged into a pipe that returns it to the boiling liquid.

Abstract: Process for the purification of phosphorus pentasulphide by means of distillation under vacuum at a residual pressure of about 6 mmHg and carried out according to a "thermal profile" comprising, immediately before and immediately after the liquid-vapor-liquid double passage of state, two stationary stages wherein said pentasulphide is maintained in the liquid state at a temperature very close to the boiling temperature of the pentasulphide itself.