Abstract: A method for producing toluene diisocyanate is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising phosgene gas bubbles dispersed in toluene diamine liquid phase, wherein said gas bubbles have a mean diameter less than 1 micron; and subjecting the dispersion to phosgenation reaction conditions, whereby at least a portion of the toluene diamine is phosgenated to form toluene diisocyanate. A system for carrying out the phosgenation of toluene diamine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing value-added product from refinery-related gas, the method comprising: providing a refinery-related gas comprising at least one selected from C1-C8 compounds; intimately mixing the refinery-related gas with a liquid carrier in a high shear device to form a dispersion of gas in the liquid carrier, wherein the gas bubbles in the dispersion have a mean diameter of less than or equal to about 5 ?m; and extracting value-added product comprising at least one component selected from higher hydrocarbons, olefins and alcohols. A system for producing value-added product from refinery-related gas comprising: at least one high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator; apparatus for the production of a refinery-related gas comprising one or more of C1-C8 compounds; and a pump configured for delivering a liquid stream comprising the liquid carrier to the high shear device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of phthalic acid diesters are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of a phthalic acid derivative with alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.

Abstract: A method for producing a product comprising at least one selected from C2+ hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and combinations thereof from light gas comprising one or more of carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and methanol by forming a dispersion of light gas in a liquid feed, wherein the dispersion is formed at least in part with high shear forces and wherein at least one of the liquid feed and the light gas is a hydrogen source. A system for carrying out the method is also presented.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method, comprising: forming a dispersion under high shear comprising gas bubbles of an oxidant dispersed in a liquid phase, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than 1.5 micron; and contacting the dispersion with an oxidation catalyst to produce a product stream, wherein the product stream comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acid, benzoic acid, 2-methylbenzoic acid, 3-methylbenzoic acid, 4-methylbenzoic acid, and phthalic anhydride. In some cases, forming the dispersion under high shear comprises introducing the oxidant and the liquid phase into a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator. Herein also disclosed is a system for producing a substance selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acid, benzoic acid, 2-methylbenzoic acid, 3-methylbenzoic acid, 4-methylbenzoic acid, and phthalic anhydride.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus comprising (1) a porous rotor symmetrically positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding an interior space; (2) an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the rotor are separated by an annular space; (3) a motor configured for rotating the rotor about the axis of rotation; (4) a feed inlet positioned along the axis of rotation and fluidly connected with the interior space; and (5) a first outlet, wherein the first outlet is fluidly connected with the interior space. Herein disclosed is a system, comprising at least one disclosed apparatus. Herein disclosed is also a method of separating a feed gas into a first fraction and a second fraction, wherein the first fraction has an average molecular weight lower than the average molecular weight of the second fraction.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of producing synthesis gas from carbonaceous material, the method comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising carbonaceous material and a liquid medium; (b) subjecting the mixture to high shear under gasification conditions whereby a high shear-treated stream comprising synthesis gas is produced; and (c) separating a product comprising synthesis gas from the high shear-treated stream. Herein also disclosed is a method for producing a liquid product. The method comprises forming a dispersion comprising gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid phase in a high shear device, wherein the average gas bubble diameter is less than about 1.5 ?m; contacting the dispersion with a multifunctional catalyst to form the liquid product; and recovering the liquid product. In an embodiment, the liquid product is selected from the group consisting of C2+ hydrocarbons, C2+ oxygenates, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminant from feedwater by forming a dispersion comprising bubbles of a treatment gas in a continuous phase comprising feedwater, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the treatment gas is selected from air, oxygen, and chlorine. A method for removing contaminants from a feedwater by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising feedwater and a treatment gas to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s?1 in a high shear device to produce a dispersion of treatment gas in a continuous phase of the feedwater. A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom is also presented, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap; and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrofinishing, amine production or a combination thereof. The method comprises forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen-containing gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid feedstock, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the feedstock comprises a mixture of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons and a naturally derived renewable oil. The feedstock comprises hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of liquid natural gas, crude oil, crude oil fractions, gasoline, diesel, naphtha, kerosene, jet fuel, fuel oils, and combinations thereof. The method further comprises contacting the dispersion with a catalyst that is active for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrofinishing, amine production, or a combination thereof. The catalyst comprises homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst may be utilized in fixed-bed or slurry applications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of linear alkylbenzenes are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of one or more olefins (e.g. propylene) with an aromatic. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.

Abstract: In this disclosure, a system is described, comprising a shear device with at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a mixing vessel with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein an inlet of the shear device is in fluid communication with an outlet of the mixing vessel. In certain embodiments, the shear device and the mixing vessel form a loop for fluid communication. Also disclosed herein is a method of high shear oxidation, comprising mixing an oxidant with a substrate to form a substrate-oxidant mixture and applying shear to the substrate-oxidant mixture to form a product. The product includes ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, terephthalic acid, phenol, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, nitric acid, caprolactam, oxidized polyethylene, oxidized polypropylene, oxidized polyethylene copolymers, and oxidized polypropylene copolymers. Suitable oxidant includes air, oxygen, ozone, peroxide, organic peroxide, halogen, oxygen-containing gas, and halogen-containing gas.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide. In an embodiment, the method comprises (a) introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; (b) flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and (c) contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol. In some embodiments, alkylene oxide comprises ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, producing the second stream comprises an energy expenditure of at least about 1000 W/m3. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises an amine, an acid catalyst, an organometallic compound, an alkali metal halide, a quaternary ammonium halide, zeolites, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkylene glycol comprises ethylene glycol.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus, which comprises (1) a first cylindrical, porous, catalytic rotor symmetrically positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding a first interior space; wherein the first porous catalytic rotor comprises a first catalyst; (2) an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the rotor are separated by an annular space; (3) a motor configured for rotating the rotor about the axis of rotation; (4) a feed inlet line; and (5) a first outlet line, wherein the first outlet line is fluidly connected with the annular space. Herein disclosed is also a method comprising: (1) passing a feed gas comprising at least one gaseous reactant through a porous, catalytic rotor, wherein the porous, catalytic rotor is permeable to the at least one gaseous reactant and is made from or contains a catalyst effective for catalyzing a first reaction; and (2) extracting a first desired product.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as castor, palm, and soybean, are used to prepare water based emulsions. The inventive waxes, obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, were emulsified under anionic, cationic and nonionic conditions, producing emulsions having a solids content up to about 45% solids. The emulsions are stable, and are characterized by having an average particle size less than 1000 nanometers. When used to coat fibrous cellulosic articles, such as paperboard, the emulsions' performance was similar to emulsions containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-200 degrees F. (49-94 degrees C.) (Mettler Drop Point). The inventive waxes are used as an alternative to petroleum-derived, or expensive naturally-occurring waxes in the manufacture of emulsions used in coatings, polishes, adhesives, paper products, paperboard and other manufacturing operations.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a system for producing enhanced wax alternatives. The system comprises a reactor with at least one inlet and one outlet and at least one high shear mixing device with at least one inlet and one outlet. The at least one outlet of said high shear mixing device is in fluid communication with at least one inlet of said reactor. The high shear mixing device may comprise counter rotating rotors. The high shear mixing device may also comprise at least one catalytic surface. Embodiments disclosed herein also describe a method of producing enhanced wax alternatives. The method comprises (1) providing petroleum wax and base oil; (2) mixing said petroleum wax and base oil with a hydrogen-containing gas in a high shear device to form a feedstock; and (3) hydrogenating said feedstock for a time sufficient to produce enhanced hydrogenated products.

Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of chlorobenzene is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the chlorobenzene production process.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a sour gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide by oxidizing hydrogen sulfide in a converter by contacting the sour gas stream with an aqueous catalytic solution, thereby producing a desulfurized gas stream and a liquid stream comprising reduced catalyst and elemental sulfur, introducing an oxidant and the liquid stream comprising reduced catalyst and elemental sulfur into a high shear device and producing a dispersion wherein the mean bubble diameter of the oxidant gas in the dispersion is less than about 5 ?m, introducing the dispersion into a vessel from which a sulfur-containing slurry is removed and a regenerated catalyst stream is removed, wherein the sulfur slurry comprises elemental sulfur and aqueous liquid, and recycling at least a portion of the regenerated catalyst stream to the converter. A system of apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing aniline or toluenediamine is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid medium comprising either nitrobenzene or dinitrotoluene, wherein the hydrogen gas bubbles have a mean diameter less than 1 micron; and subjecting the dispersion to hydrogenation reaction promoting conditions comprising pressure less than about 600 kPa and temperature less than about 200° C., whereby at least a portion of the nitrobenzene or dinitrotoluene is hydrogenated to form aniline or toluenediamine, respectively. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for cyclohexane oxidation. The method comprises a) forming a dispersion comprising liquid cyclohexane and an oxidant gas utilizing a high shear device, wherein the dispersion comprises oxidant gas bubbles with a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one rotor and at least one stator; and b) hydrogenating the dispersion in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a product comprising cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone. In some embodiments, the oxidant comprises air, oxygen-enriched air, oxygen, or an oxygen-containing gas. In some embodiments, step a) of the method comprises forming the dispersion in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. Also disclosed herein is a system for oxidizing cyclohexane.