Abstract: The present invention relates to a regenerator including a packed bed of energy storage elements made of a material having the following chemical analysis: 25%<Fe2O3<90%, 5%<Al2O3<30%, CaO<20%, TiO2<25%, 3%<SiO2<50%, Na2O<10%, Fe2O3+Al2O3+CaO+TiO2+SiO2+Na2O>80%, and other compounds: complement to 100%.

Abstract: A ceramic mass transfer packing element that includes a planar end surface which intersects an internal wall's geometric plane at an acute angle is disclosed. A process for making the packing element and an apparatus that uses the packing element are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regenerator including a packed bed of energy storage elements made of a material having the following chemical analysis: 25%<Fe2O3<90%, 5%<Al2O3<30%, CaO<20%, TiO2<25%, 3%<SiO2<50%, Na2O<10%, Fe2O3+Al2O3+CaO+TiO2+SiO2+Na2O>80%, and other compounds: complement to 100%.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage articles, systems, and methods for making and using such thermal energy storage articles and systems. A thermal energy storage zone comprising: a first plurality of flow paths; a second plurality of flow paths; and a bed of heat storage media comprising a plurality of structured heat storage elements and a plurality of random heat storage media, wherein the first and second plurality of flow paths pass through a common container, wherein the first plurality of flow paths are configured to extend through the plurality of structured heat storage elements and the second plurality of flow paths are configured to extend through the random heat storage media, and wherein the first plurality of flow paths and the second plurality of flow paths do not intersect within the bed of heat storage media.

Abstract: Low void fraction thermal energy storage articles, systems, and methods for making and using such thermal energy storage articles and systems. Thermal energy storage units include a thermal energy storage body having a particular void volume and a mixing cavity-creating element. Thermal energy storage modules include two or more thermal energy storage bodies arranged adjacently with an intervening cavity defined by a cavity-creating element. The total void volume of a thermal energy storage module (i.e., the sum of the void volume of the passages of the thermal energy storage bodies and the cavity) is between about 10% and about 40%.

Abstract: A ceramic mass transfer packing element that includes a planar end surface which intersects an internal wall's geometric plane at an acute angle is disclosed. A process for making the packing element and an apparatus that uses the packing element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel comprising a bed of randomly oriented ceramic media having fluid distribution channels incorporated in the outer surface of the media is disclosed. The channels capture and redirect the fluid thereby improving distribution of the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus capable of storing large quantities of heat uses a plurality of energy storage zones having essentially the same thermal energy storage capacity per zone. The flow of a fluid into each zone is separately and independently controlled thereby creating a modular system that is capable of responding to rapid changes in the supply of and/or demand for thermal energy.

Abstract: A vessel comprising a bed of randomly oriented ceramic media having fluid distribution channels incorporated in the outer surface of the media is disclosed. The channels capture and redirect the fluid thereby improving distribution of the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ceramic mass transfer packing elements with physical characteristics that maximize efficiency of mass transfer and minimize pressure drop when randomly dumped in a chemical reactor. In some embodiments, the elements may have: a ratio of surface area of the interaction zone to surface area of the flow through zone between 1:0.5 and 1:3; and the interaction zone surface area occupies between 45% and 70% of the open face surface area.

Abstract: A system for capturing solar radiation at a variable rate and providing heat at a constant rate to an electrical generating station is described. The system uses a thermal storage component that includes two or more thermal storage zones to coordinate the rate and quantity of heat delivered to the generating station.

Abstract: A system for treatment of one or more flowing materials includes a support bed (32) comprising a plurality of support elements (34). The support bed may have a void fraction of at least 45%. An active bed (36), such as a bed of catalytic elements, may be supported by the support bed. The void fraction of the support bed may be larger than that of an equivalent bed of conventional, spherical elements, enabling significant improvements in the flow rate of reactants through the bed and/or a reduced pressure drop across the support bed.

Abstract: A system for treatment of one or more flowing materials includes a support bed (32) comprising a plurality of support elements (34). The support bed may have a void fraction of at least 45%. An active bed (36), such as a bed of catalytic elements, may be supported by the support bed. The void fraction of the support bed may be larger than that of an equivalent bed of conventional, spherical elements, enabling significant improvements in the flow rate of reactants through the bed and/or a reduced pressure drop across the support bed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ceramic mass transfer packing elements with physical characteristics that maximize efficiency of mass transfer and minimize pressure drop when randomly dumped in a chemical reactor. In some embodiments, the elements may have: a ratio of surface area of the interaction zone to surface area of the flow through zone between 1:0.5 and 1:3; and the interaction zone surface area occupies between 45% and 70% of the open face surface area.

Abstract: Porous carrier materials comprising at least 90% by weight of at least 95% pure alpha alumina are very effective as supports for catalysts treating engine exhausts and are significantly better able to withstand extreme conditions than conventional supports.