Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous suspension may include providing a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose having a Canadian Standard freeness equal to or less than 450 cm3, and microfibrillating the fibrous substrate in an aqueous environment by grinding in the presence of a grinding medium consisting essentially of mullite. The grinding may be carried out in the absence of grindable inorganic particulate material. The grinding medium may be present in an amount of at least about 10% by volume of the aqueous environment. The microfibrillated cellulose may have a fibre steepness of from about 20 to about 50.

Abstract: A feed injector may have a body having an outer wall and an inner wall with a first conduit formed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The first conduit is configured to receive a atomizing gas. Additionally, a second conduit may be formed by the inner wall, and the second conduit is configured to receive a liquid. The first conduit and the second conduit are separated by the inner wall. Further, a mixing chamber may be provided at an outlet of the first conduit and an outlet of the second conduit. The atomizing gas from the first conduit and the liquid from the second conduit hit and/or mix together in the mixing chamber to form liquid droplets and a mixture of the atomizing gas and the liquid. Furthermore, a flow cone may have a first end in the second conduit and a second end in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A feed injector may have a body having an outer wall and an inner wall with a first conduit formed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The first conduit is configured to receive a atomizing gas. Additionally, a second conduit may be formed by the inner wall, and the second conduit is configured to receive a liquid. The first conduit and the second conduit are separated by the inner wall. Further, a mixing chamber may be provided at an outlet of the first conduit and an outlet of the second conduit. The atomizing gas from the first conduit and the liquid from the second conduit hit and/or mix together in the mixing chamber to form liquid droplets and a mixture of the atomizing gas and the liquid. Furthermore, a flow cone may have a first end in the second conduit and a second end in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing one or more olefins. A feed containing 90% by weight or more C4 and higher hydrocarbons can be cracked at conditions sufficient to provide an olefinic mixture and an aromatic mixture. The olefinic mixture can comprise 90% by weight or more C1 to C3 hydrocarbons. The aromatic mixture can comprise 90% by weight or more C4 and higher hydrocarbons and one or more aromatics. The aromatic mixture can be contacted with one or more solvents to selectively separate at least a portion of the one or more aromatics therefrom to provide an aromatic-rich mixture and an aromatic-lean mixture. At least a portion of the aromatic-lean mixture can be recycled to the feed prior to cracking.

Abstract: Systems and methods for upgrading hydrocarbons are provided. A first hydrocarbon can be cracked in the presence of one or more catalysts to provide a first cracked mixture containing one or more light cycle oils (LCOs) and one or more coked catalysts. A second hydrocarbon, containing one or more C4 to C20 hydrocarbons and having a Research Octane Number of less than 88, can be mixed with the one or more catalysts to provide a first mixture at a second temperature. A third hydrocarbon can be combined with the first mixture to provide a second mixture. The second mixture can be cracked to provide a second cracked mixture containing propylene, one or more mixed hydrocarbons in the gasoline boiling range having a Research Octane Number greater than 88, and one or more coked catalysts. The first cracked mixture and second cracked mixture can be combined to provide a third mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing hydrocarbons are provided. A first hydrocarbon feed containing one or more C4 to C20 hydrocarbons having a research octane number of less than 88 can be cracked at a first temperature and in the presence of one or more catalysts to provide a first cracked mixture. A second hydrocarbon feed can be introduced to the first mixture to provide a second mixture. The second mixture can be cracked at the first temperature to provide a second cracked mixture containing propylene and one or more hydrocarbons having a research octane number of about 88 to about 95, and one or more coked catalysts.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing one or more olefins. A feed containing 90% by weight or more C4 and higher hydrocarbons can be cracked at conditions sufficient to provide an olefinic mixture and an aromatic mixture. The olefinic mixture can comprise 90% by weight or more C1 to C3 hydrocarbons. The aromatic mixture can comprise 90% by weight or more C4 and higher hydrocarbons and one or more aromatics. The aromatic mixture can be contacted with one or more solvents to selectively separate at least a portion of the one or more aromatics therefrom to provide an aromatic-rich mixture and an aromatic-lean mixture. At least a portion of the aromatic-lean mixture can be recycled to the feed prior to cracking.

Abstract: A wedge data writer writes wedge data, including track identification information, that are spatially-aligned along the radial direction of an optical disk. The wedge data are written at the beginning of a wedge when at least one radial groove or pit molded into the disk is detected.