Abstract: A process for the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.

Abstract: A process for the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.

Abstract: A process relates to the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.

Abstract: A process for controlling the continuous production of acetylene and hydrated lime from the reaction of water with calcium carbide is disclosed where the hydrated lime is withdrawn at a desired mass ratio of the hydrated lime to the calcium carbide feed. The process is also controlled by regulating the temperature so that it is independent of the variations in the production of acetylene by regulating heat transfer to the environment at a rate to maintain a constant temperature in the reactor. Preferably, the reaction is controlled by withdrawing the hydrated lime slurry product at a rate low enough to maintain a slurry concentration of hydrated lime above about 14 weight percent.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of acetylene and hydrated lime from the reaction of calcium carbide and an excess of water is disclosed. A primary reactor for the initial reaction of the calcium carbide and water is disposed concentrically within a secondary reactor. Hydrated lime and unreacted calcium carbide flow directly from the primary reactor to the secondary reactor, where the carbide lime settles from the water and is removed.

Abstract: A method for calculating the average aggregate mass of individual molecules in a sample, where the molecules in solution associate to form clusters. Data sets of average aggregate mass of the sample versus concentration of the sample in the solvent are generated. The basic principles and technology in generation of the data is the well understood action of a solute upon the solvent vapor pressure above the solution. By observing the effect of a sample solute on the temperature/vapor pressure properties of a solvent, if is possible by known methods to determine its average aggregate mass. When dealing with a solute material that tends to form clusters, however, the average aggregate mass found is an apparent average aggregate mass, i.e. the average aggregate mass of all of the particles, which are the clusters and any unassociated molecules, if any. To determine the true average aggregate mass, a method employing the determined apparent average aggregate masses, referred to herein as the BRD method, is used.

Abstract: A method for calculating the average molecular weight of individual molecules in a sample, where the molecules in solution associate to form clusters. Data sets of apparent molecular weight of the sample versus concentration of the sample in the solvent are generated. The basic principles and technology in generation of the data is the well understood action of a solute upon the solvent vapor pressure above the solution. By observing the effect of a sample solute on the temperature/vapor pressure properties of a solvent, it is possible by known methods to determine its molecular weight. When dealing with a solute material that tends to form clusters, however, the molecular weight found is an apparent molecular weight, i.e. the average molecular weight of all of the particles, which are the clusters and any unassociated molecules, if any. To determine the true molecular weight, a method employing the determined apparent molecular weights, referred to herein as the BRD method, is used.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the remediation of soil is provided with a plug flow of soil and counter-current wash of water. The contaminant-containing soil with water is first treated to disengage the contaminant from the soil and form a liquid phase containing water and contaminant. The treated soil and liquid phase is continuously introduced into a wash zone at a first end of the wash zone, and the soil and the liquid phase are conveyed in successive and discrete portions through the wash zone between the first end of the wash zone and a second end of the wash zone to provide an essentially plug-flow of the soil through the wash zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the remediation of soil is provided with a plug flow of soil and counter-current wash of water. The contaminant-containing soil with water is first treated to disengage the contaminant from the soil and form a liquid phase containing water and contaminant. The treated soil and liquid phase is continuously introduced into a wash zone at a first end of the wash zone, and the soil and the liquid phase are conveyed in successive and discrete portions through the wash zone between the first end of the wash zone and a second end of the wash zone to provide an essentially plug-flow of the soil through the wash zone.