Abstract: Simply stated, the present invention contemplates the use of a ceramic fiber insulation material which is impregnated with an agent capable of stiffening the blanket and reducing erosion of the insulation material under conditions of use.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates an improved grid for fluid bed reactors which minimizes catalyst coking in fluidized catalytic cracking operations by shedding catalyst dispersed through the grid from feed risers located therebelow. Indeed, the grid has a central portion containing a plurality of orifices therein and a downwardly extending annular ring portion for shedding catalyst outwardly and downwardly for collection and removal from the reactor vessel.In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grid consists of a convex upper grid and a concave lower plate joined together and defining a disengaging zone therebetween. At least one riser opens into the disengaging zone for introducing the material to be fed into and separated in the reactor. The upper grid includes a solid annular ring which extends outwardly and downwardly from the point at which the upper grid and the lower plate are joined.

Abstract: The slide valve of the present invention is adapted for use in horizontal piping runs. It comprises a valve body, an orifice plate, a sliding plate and guide means for the sliding plate. The orifice plate is located in the valve body and inclined at an angle, .alpha., selected to achieve a predetermined seating force when the sliding plate, also inclined, is in the valve body in the closed position and bearing on the orifice plate. The guide means are provided for guiding the slide plate when it is moved in and out of the valve body under conditions of use.