Abstract: A process for combustion of fuel in which oxygen-containing gas is mixed with a fuel to form a combustible mixture which is then contacted in a first zone with a first zone combustion catalyst comprising PdO disposed on a support at reaction conditions sufficient to combust a portion of the fuel and produce a first zone combustion catalyst temperature no greater than about 800.degree. C. The partially combusted fuel from the first zone is then contacted in a second zone with a second zone combustion catalyst. Supports for the first zone combustion catalyst include La.sub.2 O.sub.3 -stabilized .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, La-stabilized .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ce-stabilized .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ba-stabilized .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and La.sub.2 0.sub.3 -11Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 hexa-aluminate. Second zone combustion catalysts include La.sub.0.5 Sr.sub.0.5 MnAl.sub.11 O.sub.19, PdO on La.sub.2 O.sub.3 -11Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 hexa-aluminate, and La.sub.0.2 Sr.sub.0.8 MnAl.sub.11 O.sub.19.

Abstract: A process is described for coating a substrate surface in a heated fluidized bed reactor which comprises flowing one or more coating source materials in a condensed state into a fluidized bed reactor which is maintained at a temperature which is higher than the decomposition and/or reaction temperature of the one or more coating source materials but lower than the vaporization temperature of the coating composition formed in the reactor, whereby the coating composition formed by such decomposition and/or reaction will form a coating film on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material, such as crushed coal, is admixed or impregnated with an inexpensive alkali metal compound, such as sodium chloride, and then pretreated with a stream containing steam at a temperature of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. to enhance the catalytic activity of the mixture in a subsequent gasification of the mixture. The treatment may result in the transformation of the alkali metal compound into another, more catalytically active, form.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an improved sample heating apparatus is provided comprising an evacuated cylindrical envelope having a first portion of reduced diameter and capable of fitting into a cavity of a spectroscopic analysis device and capable of receiving a sample holder therein. A second portion of the cylindrical envelope has a larger diameter and heating means mounted therein. Radiation shielding means are also carried within the evacuated envelope of the larger diameter portion. The apparatus is also provided with gettering means to react with gases within the evacuated envelope.