Abstract: A multi-test assembly for evaluating, detecting and monitoring processes at elevated pressure is described. The Mufti-test assembly has a pressure vessel equipped with trays or plates with a multitude of individual test cells, an optional lid for sealing the cells, and a system for the detection and/or monitoring of the processes in each individual test cell, in situ. Uses of the invention are detection of solid structure formation or phase transformation in, for example, hydrocarbon systems or mixtures of hydrocarbon and water, and also in an automated test which is optimized simultaneously with regard to several test parameters in the testing of inhibitors for gas hydrate formation. The multi-test assembly has built-in systems for pressure and temperature control. The assembly may also be connected to a set-up for the automatic dosing of reagents.

Abstract: A process of forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A main support having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The main support is equipped with a flat support temporarily attached to its first surface. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support, and are made ready for analysis by exposing the flat surfaces of the samples by removing the flat support.

Abstract: A multiple parallel processing assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing material, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent chambers; and (4) a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid communication with the chambers.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously testing a plurality of catalysts using combinatorial chemistry has been developed. The process involves containing the plurality of catalysts in an array of parallel reactors with each reactor containing a bed of catalyst. Each bed of catalyst is then simultaneously contacted, at reaction conditions, with a reactant to form an effluent of each reactor. The reactant or an inert fluid is at a space velocity sufficient to fluidize the catalyst beds. Each of the effluents is analyzed.

Abstract: A multiple parallel catalytic reactor assembly has been developed. The assembly has (1) a plurality of vessels for containing catalyst, each vessel having an open end and a fluid permeable end (2) a plurality of bottoms, each bottom having an open end and a closed end with the plurality being supported by a single first support plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of bottoms; (3) a plurality of tops supported by a single second support with the plurality of tops engaged with the plurality of bottoms to form a plurality of sealed independent reaction chambers; (4) a plurality of first fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers, and (5) a plurality of second fluid conduits in fluid communication with the reaction chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for rapidly generating a plurality of isolated effluents have been developed. A specific embodiment involves screening a plurality of solids through simultaneously contacting the members of the plurality with a fluid, simultaneously sampling the resulting fluids, and processing the resulting fluids to, for example, determine changes as compared to the feed fluid or as compared to other resulting fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for simultaneously stirring a plurality of reaction mixtures has been developed. The apparatus includes N gears, where N is at least 2, with each gear having a hub and multiple teeth, material removed from the hub to form a passage through the gear; a motor associated with at least one gear; N reaction vessels associated with the N gears; and a stirrer fastened to each of the gears, with the stirrers extending into the reaction vessels.

Abstract: A combinatorial process for simultaneously conducting multiple catalytic chemical reactions in parallel has been developed. At least one catalyst is contained in the reaction zones of a plurality of reactors, each reactor having a reactor insert placed within a sleeve and inserted into a well, the reaction zone of each reactor being formed between a fluid permeable structure attached to the sleeve and a fluid permeable end of the corresponding reactor insert. A fluid reactant is flowed through each reactor where it is contacted with the catalyst contained in the reaction zone to form an effluent. The effluents are removed from the effluent from the reactor and are analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for simultaneously stirring a plurality of reaction mixtures has been developed. The apparatus includes N gears, where N is at least 2, with each gear having a hub and multiple teeth, material removed from the hub to form a passage through the gear; a motor associated with at least one gear; N reaction vessels associated with the N gears; and a stirrer fastened to each of the gears, with the stirrers extending into the reaction vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A monolithic block having a main support section having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The monolithic block also has a flat support section covering the perforations of the main support section. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support.

Abstract: A reactor for conducting catalytic chemical reactions has been developed. The reactor has a well having an open end and a closed end. The reactor also has a sleeve having a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the sleeve is inserted within the open end of the well. A fluid permeable structure is attached to the sleeve spanning the cross-section thereby defining a chamber between the closed end of the well and the fluid permeable structure. The reactor also has a reactor insert having a fluid permeable end and a top end containing a first and a second fluid conduit. The fluid permeable end of the reactor is inserted within the open end of the sleeve. The first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the chamber, and the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid permeable end of the reactor insert.

Abstract: Microporous crystalline silico-alumino-phosphate (SAPO) compositions, catalytic materials comprising the composition, and use of these for production of olefins from methanol. The catalysts contain silico-alumino-phosphate materials with AEI/CHA-mixed phase composition. The catalysts have prolonged life compared to those belonging to the prior art.