Abstract: A method for controlling volatiles in recycled carbon black, such as from pyrolysis of tires, includes deagglomerating the recycled carbon black to substantially reduce the carbon black particle size and impinging an air current on the carbon black particles, preferably in a countercurrent direction, to increase the processing temperature and thereby enhance the release of volatiles. Associated apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a process and apparatus for manufacturing acrylonitrile by the vapor phase ammoxidation of a hydrocarbon. The invention comprises contacting the gaseous product stream with a quench fluid in a reverse jet scrubber. The quenching fluid is injected counter-current to the gas flow, and the gas velocity is sufficient to reverse the flow direction of the water, thereby forming a standing wave or froth zone wherein the quench is rapidly achieved. The quench fluid may be obtained from many sources, but is preferably obtained from a waste process stream emanating from a subsequent recovery or purification step. The quench fluid may contain acid to facilitate removal of ammonia from the gas stream. The quench fluid that is not vaporized may be recirculated. Impurities and contaminants may be removed from the quench fluid prior to recycle.

Abstract: The fouling rate of quench systems in acrylonitrile manufacturing processes is reduced by maintaining a low level of highboiling organic compounds in aqueous recycle streams to the quench systems.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a liquid waste stream having an undesirably high COD and comprising water and a concentration of organic nitrogen compounds of at least about 300 mg/l total kjedahl nitrogen is disclosed. According to the method, the liquid waste stream is oxygenated to produce an oxygenated liquid containing water, dissolved oxygen and the organic nitrogen compounds and the oxygenated liquid is passed through a fluidized bed reactor containing a fluidized bed of particulate solids supporting microorganisms capable of biodegrading the organic nitrogen compounds, thereby to subject the organic nitrogen compounds in the oxygenated liquid to aerobic microbial degradation and to produce an effluent containing water, ammonia and carbon dioxide, and the fluidized bed reactor contents and the effluent is maintained at a pH in the range of from about 6 to about 8.

Abstract: A fiber bed separator and method are provided for separating liquids from gases using cylindrical fiber bed elements disposed in a non-vertical position, preferably at an angle of from 0.degree. to 75.degree. from horizontal, and particularly disposed in a substantially horizontal position. The fiber bed is of fiber of at least 5 micron mean diameter packed to a bed voidage of from about 85 to 98%, the fiber diameter and bed voidage being selected such that at design bed velocity and liquid loading the fiber bed is not flooded and the residual saturation of the fiber bed against gas drag (R.sub.v) on the liquid collected is less than the residual saturation of said bed against gravity drainage (R.sub.g). The gas stream containing the liquid flows from the hollow core of the cylindrical element radially through the fiber bed such that the gas and the collected liquid phase flow radially outwardly through said fiber bed and the liquid drains downwardly around the outer circumference of the fiber bed.

Abstract: A fiber bed separator and method are provided for separating liquids from gases using cylindrical fiber bed elements disposed in a non-vertical position, preferably at an angle of from 0.degree. to 75.degree. from horizontal, and particularly disposed in a substantially horizontal position. The fiber bed is of fiber of at least 5 micron mean diameter packed to a bed voidage of from about 85 to 98%, the fiber diameter and bed voidage being selected such that at design bed velocity and liquid loading the fiber bed is not flooded and the residual saturation of the fiber bed against gas drag (R.sub.v) on the liquid collected is less than the residual saturation of said bed against gravity drainage (R.sub.g). The gas stream containing the liquid flows from the hollow core of the cylindrical element radially through the fiber bed such that the gas and the collected liquid phase flow radially outwardly through said fiber bed and the liquid drains downwardly around the outer circumference of the fiber bed.