Abstract: The heat required for the steam reforming reaction is generated by flameless catalytic combustion. The heat thus-generated is passed to a steam reforming reactor zone by means of heat pipes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow stripping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: A steam reformer is disclosed having an annular steam reforming catalyst bed formed by concentric cylinders and having a catalytic combustor located at the center of the innermost cylinder. Fuel is fed into the interior of the catalytic combustor and air is directed at the top of the combustor, creating a catalytic reaction which provides sufficient heat so as to maintain the catalytic reaction in the steam reforming catalyst bed. Alternatively, air is fed into the interior of the catalytic combustor and a fuel mixture is directed at the top. The catalytic combustor provides enhanced radiant and convective heat transfer to the reformer catalyst bed.

Abstract: A low pressure gas storage system comprising an annular anchor ring, a granular bed within the ring, a flexible membrane of gas storage chamber positioned above the bed, and a flexible membrane of air chamber encompassing the gas storage chamber and exerting pressure thereon; and a plurality of flexible, radially-extending restraining means positioned against and over the air chamber to exert a predetermined pressure thereon.

Abstract: A method of carrying out a gas combustion process with recovery of the heat from the combustion gases, which comprises passing said gases during the stationary condition of the process through a recuperator in which a part of the heat released is used for heating the air required for the combustion, and then passing the gases through a reformer in which a part of the residual heat is used for converting fresh gas to be burned with steam, in which method at least during the non-stationary conditions of the process a cooling medium is supplied to the combustion gases before introducing them into the reforming reactor.

Abstract: A thermal cracking apparatus for cracking organic or inorganic gases is described. More particularly, the thermal cracker cracks inorganic gases such as arsine and phosphine for use in the growth of III-V compound semiconductor layers. The design of the apparatus minimizes the uptake of contaminants into the cracked gas stream.

Abstract: Fouling or plugging of surfaces in the heat exchange zone following a coal gasification reaction zone caused by deposition of flyslag is inhibited by addition of an amount of graphite to the synthesis gas at a suitable locus or loci.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing textured meat and fish products includes comminuting muscle flesh to subcellular particle sizes, mixing the comminuted muscle flesh with a texturing agent and texture regulator, freezing the mixture, heating the mixture to pasteurize or sterilize it, crimping the mixture to form a crinkled sheet of dough, folding the crinkled sheet of dough into laminated layers and freezing the folded laminated layers along a predetermined direction to form a desired fibrous structure. The texturing agent is a polyanionic complexing agent, preferably a pectin having a particular degree of esterification, and the texture regulator is one or a mixture of protein-rich products, starch-rich products, fats, and salts of polyvalent cations.

Abstract: A system of processing baled secondary fibre furnish is provided. The system includes the steps of breaking the baled furnish, dry screening the furnish to remove abrasive contaminants, and then repulping the dry screened furnish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the pressure differential across a diaphragm seal located within an annulus formed by a pressurized vessel and a gasifier contained therewithin.

Abstract: The use of pressure regulating values and tanks on compressor outlets and expander inlets of cyclic solid with gas reaction plants is described, together with the use of separate changeable gas flow passages and connection places into the reaction chambers from separate compressor and expander.With thee pressure regulating values and tanks the net rate of work of a cyclic solid with gas reaction plant need not fluctuate and can be held steady.With these separate gas flow passages the flow of reactant gas into the solid reactant during compression will be different in place from the flow of reacted gas out of the solid reactant during expansion. These differences of gas flow place can be useful for securing complete reaction of the solid reactant and for preventing carryover of soaid materials into the expander.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the reactivity of lime produced in a lime cycle process that includes the steps of forming burnt lime in a kiln, washing and filtering of lime sludge, and causticizing of green liquor, which lime cycle process steps are carried out under variable operating conditions. At least one mechanical property of the burnt lime is measured, and at least one operating condition of the time cycle process is adjusted, based on the measured mechanical property of the burnt lime, so as to thereby control the reactivity of lime produced in the lime cycle process.

Abstract: Process for the partial oxidation of a liquid or solid and/or a gaseous fuel using a multi-orifice burner comprising a central channel and four concentric channels encircling the central channel. Liquid or solid fuel is supplied through the second concentric channel and the oxidizer is supplied through the first concentric channel and the third concentric channel. Hydrocarbon gas and/or moderator is supplied through the central channel and the fourth concentric channel. The mass ratio of liquid or solid fuel to hydrocarbon gas ranges from 0 to 1.

Abstract: For starting a gasifier for the gasification of carbonaceous fuel with an oxygen-bearing gasification agent in a fluidized bed, the gasifier is filled with an inert gaseous medium and put under an increased pressure. After sealing integrity has been established, a combustible gas mixture is ignited in a combustion chamber connected to the lower part of the gasifier, by means of an ignition device which operates under pressure. The gas mixture is thus burnt, while the increased pressure in the gasifier is maintained, at least until the temperature within the gasifier corresponds to the gasification temperature. The arrangement for carrying the method into effect includes a pressure-resistant combustion chamber for combustion of the combustible gas mixture by means of the ignition device. The combustion chamber is connected at least at times to the lower part of the gasifier, by way of an openable slide member.

Abstract: A gas flow rate is measured and therefrom "consumption state" defined by combination of maximum flow rate, increase of total amount and a consumption time of the gas is detected, and then, the consumption state is compared with a "reference consumption condition" representing a predetermined consumption state; and when the "consumption state" exceeds the "reference consumption condition", a gas control means interrupt supply of the gas; and thereafter, after restoration of the gas control means to gas supply state, the actual gas consumption state is measured for a predetermined time counted by timer when the gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: The disclosed process provides for the treatment of edible cooking oils with a closed packet containing hydrated filtering material to absorb unwanted constituents.

Abstract: The hot process gas stream from the partial oxidation of sulfur-containing heavy liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel and/or sulfur-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising gaseous mixtures of H.sub.2 +CO, sulfur-containing gases, entrained particulate carbon, and molten slag is passed through the unobstructed central passage of a radiant cooler where the temperature is reduced to a temperature in the range of about 1800.degree. F. to 1200.degree. F. From about 0 to 95 wt. % of the molten slag and/or entrained material may be removed from the hot process gas stream prior to the radiant cooler with substantially no reduction in temperature of the process gas stream. In the radiant cooler, after substantially all of the molten slag has solidified, the sulfur-containing gases are contacted with a calcium-containing material to produce calcium sulfide.

Abstract: In a gasification reactor having a shell, a combustion chamber in the shell, and a burner positioned to direct a carbonaceous fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. A quench chamber within the shell holds a cooling bath into which the hot effluent resulting from the combustion is cooled. A throat communicating the combustion chamber with the quench chamber guides the hot effluent stream toward the bath. A quench ring positioned beneath the throat supports a water jacketed dip tube which guides the hot effluent into contact with the bath liquid. Liquid coolant passed through the jacket cools the dip tube and thereafter wets the dip tube effluent guide passage.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for reacting a powder with a gas comprising a shroud consisting of a first section having a peripheral cylindrical wall with inner surface and outer surface. Inner surface defines a cavity which serves as reaction chamber in which powder and gas react. First section is detatchably mounted at top end to exit nozzle of high temperature source. First section has powder inlet opening(s) extending through peripheral wall from outer surface to inner surface, thereby connecting the outside with reaction chamber through which powder enters the chamber. Powder inlet opening(s) are positioned sufficiently close to exit nozzle to allow powder to melt and react with gas in the molten state. Second section forms cylindrical jacket skirting lower part of first section at a point below powder inlet openings. Jacket has outer peripheral wall, inner wall one and same with peripheral wall of first section, and top and bottom ring plates forming top and bottom walls respectively of second section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping and depressurizing fine particulates mixed with gas discharged from a vessel operated at elevated temperature and pressure conditions to a low pressure vessel using a purge gas injected into a conduit designed for significant frictional pressure loss per unit length of conduit while maintaining a substantially constant velocity of the mixture conveyed.