Abstract: A compact, mobile fuel converter for producing molecular hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels, such as automotive gasoline, or other fuels such as methanol and ethanol has a steam reformer for producing molecular hydrogen from a pressurized and desulfurized fuel and water vapor preheated by flue gases from the fuel processor. The fuel processor is fed with the desulfurized fuel and water mix and a burner is provided to combust off-gas from the fuel processor reaction. Uncombusted off-gas is depressurized and mixed with auxiliary fuel used in the burner. Hydrogen produced in the fuel processor by the steam reforming process is separated from other reformate products using membrane filtration.

Abstract: The present invention is to clear the difficulty in determining the progress of the decomposition reaction of PCBs carried out by a conventional device for decomposing PCBs, and to provide a system for treating PCBs to render them harmless, capable of continuously determining the progress of the decomposition reaction of PCBs at real time by using a predetermined amount of a reaction solution taken out while the decomposition reaction of the PCBs is proceeding.

Abstract: A reforming reactor has three serially arranged reactors stages, each of which is charged with a catalyst material. A heating device is assigned only to the center reactor stage, and the inlet-side reactor stage has a heat exchange connection with the outlet-side reactor stage.

Abstract: An applicator tip for dispensing a polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material which is porous, absorbent or adsorbent and includes a polymerization or cross-linking initiator. The initiator initiates polymerization or cross-linking when the polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material is dispensed through the applicator tip. The polymerizable and/or cross-linkable material may be applied to a variety of substrates.

Abstract: A method, and a reactor, for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream through multistage moving catalyst beds contained within a single onstream reactor vessel, with separate catalyst addition and withdrawal systems for each of the multistages of moving catalyst beds. The reactor contains two or more different and distinct moving catalyst beds for any hydroprocessing application. The method includes serially passing, without leaving the reactor vessel, at least a partially treated hydrocarbon stream from one hydroconversion reaction zone containing a moving catalyst bed with a first set of catalytic characteristics to another hydroconversion reaction zone containing a moving catalyst bed with a second set of catalytic characteristics that differ in catalytic abilities from the first set of catalytic characteristics.

Abstract: A carburetor (2) to supply a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air to a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The carburetor has a venturi (4) and a throttle (10) including a throttle valve (24). A tear-drop shaped obstruction (36) is mounted in the venturi throat (18) on diametrically opposed radial arms (66). The narrowest part of the tubular gap (46) between the walls of venturi (4) and the obstruction (36) is at gap (48). A continuous slot (50) in the throat wall (18) encircles the obstruction and opens into gap (48). Another continuous slot (70) encircling the obstruction (36) is formed therein and also opens into the gap (48). Fuel gas is supplied to the slots (50 and 70) through passages (52, 74 and 72).

Abstract: The ammonia content of fuel gas in an IGCC power generation system is reduced through ammonia decomposition, thereby reducing the NO.sub.x emissions from the plant. The power generation system includes a gasifier, a gas turbine and at least one catalytic reactor arranged between the gasifier and the gas turbine. The catalytic reactor may be either a three stage or two stage device. The three stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift, a second catalyst which promotes CO methanation, and a third catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The two stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift and CO methanation and a second catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The plural catalytic stages may be disposed in a single vessel or successively disposed in individual vessels, and the catalysts may be in a pelletized form or coated on honeycomb structures. Alternatively, fluidized bed reactors may be used.

Abstract: Multitube falling film reactor (MTR) for continuous manufacturing of sulfonated and/or sulfated products using gaseous, diluted sulfur trioxide, (SO.sub.3(dil)) to produce surface active agents or simply surfactants, useful in the cosmetic and detergent industry. Each individual nozzle-set comprises a male part (19) and the other half (45) on the male part (10). The male part (10) forms together with the female part (19), an annular slot (21) with a constant and under all operational conditions well defined length (47), which together with a fixed opening/width determines the individual pressure drop of the said slot and thereby the individual organic flow. With this arrangement, completely homogenous distribution of organic feed is achieved without the necessity of calibration.

Abstract: A mixing chamber for a multi-bed, down-flow catalytic reactor includes two top openings through which liquid and/or gaseous reactant streams pass into the mixing chamber. Inside the mixing chamber, the two reactant streams collide with each other to achieve mixing. The mixing is particularly enhanced by chevron flow dividers positioned in two rows in a staggered arrangement and located in a central mixing zone. The chevrons improve mixing by increasing turbulence in the colliding reactant streams. The fully mixed reactant streams exit the mixing chamber through side openings to a distributor plate which distributes the reactant stream across the catalyst.

Abstract: In a method for the depolymerization and reprocessing of material which consists of polyamide 6 waste and/or oligomer-containing polyamide 6 waste and/or oligomer-containing lactam residues and/or oligomer-containing lactam by hydrolysis in a pressure reactor with the addition of water, the material is melted and the melt is conducted continuously at predetermined temperature through the pressure reactor the inside pressure of which is controlled by the dosaged feeding of water or steam.

Abstract: A hydrogen production plant includes an electrochemical autothermal reformer (EATR) that provides hydrogen to an electrochemical hydrogen compressor. The EATR includes an autothermal reformer region, a mixed ion conductor, and an anode supply region. The mixed ion conductor separates the autothermal reformer region from the anode supply region. An anode gas loop between the anode supply region of the EATR and anode section of the electrochemical hydrogen compressor cell circulates a mixture of hydrogen and a carrier gas therebetween. The carrier gas ensures proper partial pressures of hydrogen in the two regions. A difference in operating temperature between the EATR and the electrochemical hydrogen compressor is exploited by heat exchangers which efficiently enable certain heating and cooling functions within the combined system.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus (10) is provided for the on-site production of phosphine fumigant gas so as to permit selective delivery over time of essentially constant concentration phosphine gas, thereby assuring complete fumigation of a grain silo or other enclosure. The apparatus (10) includes a mobile frame 12 supporting a reactor assembly (14); the latter includes an elongated stirred reactor (16) with metal phosphide and reactant gas (carbon dioxide and water) inlets (18,20) and a phosphine gas output (22).

Abstract: An improved waste rubber processing system which pyrolyzes waste rubber to produce pyrolysis oil and carbon black and then purifies and refines these end products to broaden their commercial applications and to increase their market value. The pyrolysis oil purification system of this invention produces a high quality oil which is clear and colorless and which is marketable as a plasticizer or extender oil for rubber and plastic compounding applications. The carbon black purification system mills the carbon black to a fine grade and removes oversized contaminants such as fiberglass and ferrous particles to produce a low structure furnace black. The plasticizer/extender oil is many times more valuable than the end product of conventional pyrolysis systems which is a low quality fuel oil. Similarly, the low structure furnace black is of much greater value than the low grade carbon black produced by conventional pyrolysis systems.

Abstract: In a method of modernizing a heterogeneous exothermic synthesis reactor (1) of the type comprising an external shell (2), in which at least one catalytic bed (15, 16, 17) is supported, the catalytic bed (15, 16, 17) is connected to an external boiler (21), for generating high pressure steam, by means of a reacted gas outlet nozzle (4) and a conduit (29) extending in said nozzle (4) thereby forming an annular airspace (30). Advantageously, the airspace (30) defines an outlet flowpath of the gases cooled in the boiler (21) which avoids overheating of the nozzle (4).

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is provided having a grid baffle structure to provide increased theoretical stages within the reactor to enable the reactor to be used for time/temperature dependent reactions requiring a number of mixing stages and/or an increased particle residence time. The preferred baffle structure comprises a plurality of staggered first and second vertical members extending partly across the reactor from opposed sides of the reactor which form a path for the feed to travel therethrough from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor with the vertical members having vertical cross-members, preferably shorter than the vertical members, extending completely between adjacent vertical members and/or partly in the space between the members to form reaction stage sections whereby feed entering the reactor moves in a serpentine path and/or a sequential underflow and/or overflow path through the reaction stage sections of the baffle from the inlet of the reactor to the reactor outlet.

Abstract: A chemical mixing system for mixing ingredients at desired concentrations concentration within a qualification range. Batches of the mixed chemical are mixed in a relatively small mix vessel and transferred to a relatively large mix drum. The concentration of the chemical within the mix drum is measured by a concentration monitor. If the measured concentration of the chemical in the mix drum is within the qualification range, the batches of chemical in the mix vessel are mixed to the desired concentration. If the measured concentration of the chemical in the mix drum is below the qualification range, the batches of chemical in the mix vessel are mixed to a high concentration which is greater than the desired concentration. If the measured concentration of the chemical in the mix drum is above the qualification range, the batches of chemical in the mix vessel are mixed to a low concentration which is less than the desired concentration.

Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing objects in which a quantity of liquid and one or more objects to be sterilized are introduced into a pouch formed of flexible sheet material at least partially transparent to microwave radiation whereupon the pouch is sealed to form a gas-tight assembly. The gas-tight assembly is situated in an inner rigid cavity of an enclosure which is at least partially formed of material that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation. The enclosure is irradiated with microwave radiation which passes into the cavity and then into the gas-tight pouch assembly situated therein to vaporize the liquid to produce an atmosphere of hot vapor under pressure in the pouch. The pouch expands under pressure until the sheet material of which it is formed presses against the rigid inner surfaces of the enclosure cavity.

Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing process fermentation vessels with a concentrated alcohol and water mixture integrated in a fuel alcohol or other alcohol production facility. Hot, concentrated alcohol is drawn from a distillation or other purification stage and sprayed into the empty fermentation vessels. This sterilizing alcohol/water mixture should be of a sufficient concentration, preferably higher than 12% alcohol by volume, to be toxic to undesirable microorganisms. Following sterilization, this sterilizing alcohol/water mixture can be recovered back into the same distillation or other purification stage from which it was withdrawn. The process of this invention has its best application in, but is not limited to, batch fermentation processes, wherein the fermentation vessels must be emptied, cleaned, and sterilized following completion of each batch fermentation process.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which separates and strips catalyst particles suspended in gaseous hydrocarbons after the suspension of gaseous hydrocarbons and catalyst particles have traversed a gas/solids conduit means. A substantially can-shaped open-ended cyclone is placed in a disengager shell such that an inlet of the open-ended cyclone is in communication with the gas/solids conduit means. The disengager shell has a zone for containing a fluidized catalyst and the open end of the open-ended cyclone projects into the zone. A hollow closed cyclone may be placed in communication with the open-ended cyclone via an exhaust conduit means.