Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons by reaction of methane and gaseous oxidant under adiabatic conditions in a thin bed reactor, wherein the hydrocarbon feed contains 1 to 10 wt % C.sub.2.sup.+ alkanes based on methane plus C.sub.2.sup.+ alkanes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons by reaction of methane and gaseous oxidant under adiabatic conditions in a thin bed reactor, and to reactors for carrying out this reaction.

Abstract: In an improved method for converting methane to at least one higher hydrocarbon product and coproduct water which comprises contacting a gas comprising methane and at least one added gaseous oxidant with nonacidic solid, the improvement comprising conducting at least a portion of said contacting in the presence of added water.

Abstract: Phosphate rock is calcined under conditions calculated to completely oxidize the carbon and sulfur in the rock. Calcination is also conducted at elevated temperature to eliminate cadmium metal, a poisonous substance in fertilizers, from the calcined rock product. A fluid bed system for eliminating cadmium metal in the calcination of phosphate rock involves a two-vessel system in which an independent cadmium removal vessel served by a separate fluidizing air stream carries out volatilization of cadmium, while preheating, precalcining and cooling is conducted in another multi-bed reactor which is served by a separate fluidizing air stream.

Abstract: Hot gases for fluidizing the preheat compartment of a multi-bed fluid bed reactor are cooled by injection of water, or cool air and water, to reduce scaling of the ducts, hot cyclone, hot windbox and the tuyeres in the constriction dome separating the hot windbox from the preheat compartment.