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 the group consisting of 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: A method and system for producing dispersed waxes, including a high shear mechanical device. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a dispersion of wax globules in a carrier liquid in a high shear device prior to implementation in a waxy product. In another instance the system for producing waxy products comprises a high shear device for dispersing wax in a carrier liquid.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process for production of starch by hydration and disruption of corn kernel particles in the presence of sulfur dioxide or bisulfite ions makes possible a decrease in mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing starch production. A system for production of starch is also provided in which a high shear mixing device is configured to receive an aqueous corn slurry from a pump that is disposed between the reactor and a gaseous sulfur dioxide inlet of the high shear mixing device. The high shear mixing device is also configured to generate a fine dispersion of sulfur dioxide bubbles and small corn particles in the slurry. A reactor is configured to receive the output from the high shear mixing device and to provide for starch production.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a system for applying shear stress ex-situ to a fluid. In some embodiments, the system comprises a shear device; and at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient, the devices defining a fluid passage configured to be sterilized and maintained sterile during use, the fluid comprising at least one therapeutic fluid, blood, or a combination thereof. The shear device of the system is in fluid communication with the at least one device configured for intravenous administration of the fluid to a patient. Herein also disclosed is a method of preparing a fluid for intravenous administration to a patient.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of chloral as a reactor device is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the chloral production process. A system for the production of chloral from acetaldehyde and chlorine, the system comprising a reactor and an external high shear device the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of chlorine gas bubbles within a liquid, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A method of use for a high shear device incorporated into a process or system for the production of acetaldehyde from ethylene as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, by forming a feed stream emulsion, and thereby enhancing the acetaldehyde production process in the system.

Abstract: A method for producing nitrobenzene is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising benzene-containing droplets or particles dispersed in a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, wherein said particles have a mean diameter less than one micron, and subjecting the dispersion to reaction conditions comprising a pressure in the range of about 203 kPa (2 atm) to about 6080 kPa (60 atm) and a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 230° C., whereby at least a portion of said benzene is nitrated to form nitrobenzene. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing polyvinyl chloride which includes mixing a vinyl chloride solution with an initiator solution in at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one rotor/stator set producing a rotor tip speed of at least 5.1 m/sec (1000 ft/min), to form a polymerization mixture; and allowing the mixture to polymerize by free radical polymerization to form polyvinyl chloride. The polymerization mixture may be subjected to free radical polymerization conditions comprising a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 230° C. In some embodiments, the high shear mixing device produces a shear rate of at least 20,000 s?1. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of ethyl acetate are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of a carbonyl co-reactant (e.g. acetic acid, acetaldehyde) with ethanol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing dialkyl ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with the olefins (e.g. ethylene) in a liquid solvent. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.

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: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of chloral as a reactor device is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the chloral production process. A system for the production of chloral from acetaldehyde and chlorine, the system comprising a reactor and an external high shear device the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of chlorine gas bubbles within a liquid, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A method of use for a high shear device incorporated into a process or system for the production of acetaldehyde from ethylene as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, by forming a feed stream emulsion, and thereby enhancing the acetaldehyde production process in the system.

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: A method for producing nitrobenzene is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising benzene-containing droplets or particles dispersed in a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, wherein said particles have a mean diameter less than one micron, and subjecting the dispersion to reaction conditions comprising a pressure in the range of about 203 kPa (2 atm) to about 6080 kPa (60 atm) and a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 230° C., whereby at least a portion of said benzene is nitrated to form nitrobenzene. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and wherein the reactor is configured to subject a reactant stream to shear. A system for carrying out a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction, the system comprising a reactor as described above and a pump configured for delivering reactants to the at least one reactor. A method for carrying out a heterogeneously-catalyzed reaction by introducing reactants into a reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst under conditions which promote production of a desired product, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and forming a dispersion of reactants within the reactor, wherein the dispersion comprises droplets or gas bubbles of reactant with an average diameter of less than about 5 ?m.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process to produce aerated fuels for efficient combustion in an engine. In instances, the method comprises forming an emulsion of a gas and liquid fuel in a high shear device prior to introduction to an engine. A vehicular system for producing aerated fuels comprising a high shear device.

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 cyclohexanol is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the cyclohexanol production process. A system for the production of cyclohexanol from air oxidation of cyclohexane, the system comprising a high shear device, the outlet of the high shear device fluidly connected to the inlet of a reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of air bubbles within a liquid comprising cyclohexane, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing polyvinyl chloride which includes mixing a vinyl chloride solution with an initiator solution in at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one rotor/stator set producing a rotor tip speed of at least 5.1 m/sec (1000 ft/min), to form a polymerization mixture; and allowing the mixture to polymerize by free radical polymerization to form polyvinyl chloride. The polymerization mixture may be subjected to free radical polymerization conditions comprising a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 230° C. In some embodiments, the high shear mixing device produces a shear rate of at least 20,000 s?1. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.