Abstract: A pipe coupling for the joining of plain end pipe that includes an annular gasket and a compressible lock ring at each end of the coupling between a tubular middle ring and an annular follower. Bolts extending between the opposite followers are effective when tightened to compress both the gasket and lock ring into their operative relation for sealing and gripping a coupled pipe end, respectively. The follower is comprised of a unitary structure integrally cast to define an internal annular protuberance that juxtaposedly confronts the radially rearward surface of the gasket. Also defined by the follower inward of the protuberance is a central opening at least partially tapered frusto-conically and in which the lock ring is initially supported controllably spaced from the gasket. Tightening of the bolts enables gasket sealing pressure to be achieved about the pipe end sequentially before a completed restraing grip on the pipe end is attained by the lock ring.

Abstract: A process for production of electricity in molten carbonate fuel cells using a sulfur contaminated fuel gas wherein anode polarization is reduced by use of a porous anode of greater than about 10 weight percent copper resulting in improved fuel cell operation using fuel gas mixtures of over about 10 volume percent carbon monoxide and up to about 10 ppm hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic materials in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic materials are introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the cellulosic materials. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the cellulosic materials is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized cellulosic materials is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Cellulosic materials residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and cellulosic materials ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic biomass in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic biomass is introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the biomass. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the biomass is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized biomass is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Biomass residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and biomass ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for the joining of plain end pipe that includes an annular gasket and a compressible lock ring at each end of the coupling between a tubular middle ring and an annular follower. Bolts extending between the opposite followers are effective when tightened to compress both the gasket and lock ring into their operative relation for sealing and gripping a coupled pipe end, respectively. An annular recess contained in the backface of the gasket affords a clearance of controlled dimension initially about the juxtaposed portion of the lock ring. The clearance functions when the bolts are tightened to enable gasket sealing pressure to be achieved about the pipe sequentially before an effective grip on the pipe is attained by the lock ring.

Abstract: A process for substantial removal of nitrogen and sulfur compounds from gas streams, particularly fuel gas mixtures produced from sulfur and nitrogen containing coal or other carbonaceous fuels, by contacting the gas stream with solid zinc oxide at elevated temperatures in a reaction zone. The process provides a continuous method of removal of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide by contacting the gas stream with zinc oxide solids and regenerating the sulfided zinc in a fluidized bed regeneration zone by contact with oxygen containing gas at elevated temperatures. The process provides simultaneous removal of sulfur and nitrogen components of a fuel gas stream without requiring a decrease in the temperature of the fuel gas stream.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for desulfurization of gas streams by which reduced sulfur compound, such as H.sub.2 S, is reacted with solid sulfur removal metal oxide compound which is an oxide of chromium, combination of zinc and chromium, combination of zinc and aluminum and mixtures thereof at about 400.degree. to about 1600.degree. F. producing sulfided sulfur removal compound followed by regeneration of the sulfided compound by contact with oxygen containing gas at temperatures about 1400.degree. to about 2400.degree. F. to regenerate the sulfur removal metal oxide compound with at least 10 weight percent of the sulfur removed being in the form of elemental sulfur. The process does not consume valuable fuels, such as coke or fuel gases, and provides an environmentally acceptable off-gas with reduced amounts of SO.sub.x.

Abstract: A gas filtration apparatus and process combining sonic agglomeration with porous cross flow filtration. The apparatus and process is particularly suited to gas streams comprising particulates of under 10 microns in diameter, such as the effluent gas stream of coal gasifiers, which are at a high temperature and high pressure. The smaller particles are agglomerated by sonic agglomeration and a portion of the gas stream is then passed through a porous cross flow filter resulting in a particulate-free gas stream while not requiring the high pressure drop normally associated with filtration of small particulates. The gas stream through the sonic agglomeration portion may be seeded to enhance particulate agglomeration and/or to induce chemical reaction of undesired gaseous components for their removal as solids.

Abstract: A gas service connector for connecting a plastic underground gas service line to an aboveground meter installation. Comprising the connector is a continuous length of gas carryable plastic tubing concentrically spaced within a tubular elbow-shaped gas-free steel pipe jacket. The spacing at each end of the sleeve and tubing is gasket sealed against leakage with their common end aboveground being interlocked to resist axial displacement therebetween. In one embodiment the spacing between sleeve and tubing in at least the aboveground portion defines an air space rendering the unit capable of withstanding aboveground temperatures of up to about 100.degree. F. For withstanding higher aboveground temperatures to 150.degree. F. the spacing between tubing and sleeve in a second embodiment is filled with a reinforced epoxy from at least just belowground level.