Abstract: Methods and systems for processing uncalcined coke are provided. The methods and systems provide for combusting effluent gas from a refinery unit and a stream of uncalcined coke. The refinery unit effluent gas may be the offgas from a rotary kiln calciner. The refinery unit effluent gas and the uncalcined coke stream are combusted in an integrated gas/solids incinerator. Heat released during the combustion of these streams may be used to generate steam or electricity. The methods and systems disclosed provide low cost energy production at calciner effluent gas incinerator locations where uncalcined coke is available.

Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein, and oxygen formed by the decomposition swept from the decomposition with a nitrogen vapor stream from ethylbenzene oxidation.

Abstract: A propylene oxide/styrene monomer aqueous purge stream is contacted with a catalyst at conditions effective to decompose peroxides contained therein, and oxygen formed by the decomposition swept from the decomposition with a nitrogen vapor stream from ethylbenzene oxidation.

Abstract: A system for rapidly defocusing a solar concentrator has a plurality of variably curved reflectors carried on a frame for concentrating energy toward a target. The reflectors have an elastic reflective membrane secured to a hollow housing and are focused by an evacuation assembly which draws the membrane into the housing and into a concave configuration. The defocusing system comprises an inflation assembly which rapidly inflates the housing, moving the membrane out of the focused position to an unfocused position. The inflation assembly reacts to a control mechanism and comprises compressed air stored at about 100 psi.

Abstract: A reflector for electromagnetic radiation with an easily replaceable reflective membrane that is especially useful in solar collectors. The reflector comprises an annular housing, an elastic reflective membrane, a ring supporting the membrane, an evacuation assembly for evacuating the housing and drawing the elastic membrane into the housing, and a fastening assembly which releasably snap-fits the ring and membrane assembly to the housing in a gas-tight manner.

Abstract: A curved reflector of electro-magnetic radiation formed of an elastic, imperforate reflective membrane utilizes a partial vacuum to provide the curvature to the membrane. The device for controlling the evacuation of the housing can be supported within the reflector housing in an adjustable manner to set the control device at a location corresponding to a predetermined deflection of the membrane below a reference plane, and thereby, to permit the focal length of the reflector to be varied. The control device can comprise a membrane contact surface surrounding an orifice which controls, with the interior surface of the membrane, fluid communication between the housing interior and the evacuation mechanism. Other control devices include an electrical limit switch, a light source and sensor, a capacitor or inductor sensing arrangement and a magnetic field sensing arrangement. The membrane can be releasably coupled to the housing via springs to facilitate replacement thereof.