Abstract: A process for the thermocatalytic conversion of waste organic materials (e.g., waste tires) into reusable hydrocarbons is provided. The process entails providing the feedstock and catalyst comprising AlCl3 to a heated, stirred reactor. An overhead portion of vaporized hydrocarbons as well as vaporized AlCl3 is initially removed from the reactor via a discharge port. The composition of the removed hydrocarbons will vary depending on which of three modes the process is run: low reactor pressure, partial vacuum, and high pressures. Vaporized AlCl3 and a certain fraction of the hydrocarbons are subsequently removed via condensation and returned to the reactor. The composition of the condensed hydrocarbon fraction is controlled based on vapor pressure. The remaining vaporized hydrocarbon is recovered for subsequent uses. A reactor discharge portion is also removed from the reactor. This portion may contain unreacted feedstock and catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the thermocatalytic conversion of waste organic materials (e.g., waste tires) into reusable hydrocarbons is provided. The process entails providing the feedstock and catalyst comprising AlCl3 to a heated, stirred reactor. An overhead portion of vaporized hydrocarbons as well as vaporized AlCl3 is initially removed from the reactor via a discharge port. The composition of the removed hydrocarbons will vary depending on which of three modes the process is run: low reactor pressure, partial vacuum, and high pressures. Vaporized AlCl3 and a certain fraction of the hydrocarbons are subsequently removed via condensation and returned to the reactor. The composition of the condensed hydrocarbon fraction is controlled based on vapor pressure. The remaining vaporized hydrocarbon is recovered for subsequent uses. A reactor discharge portion is also removed from the reactor. This portion may contain unreacted feedstock and catalyst.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms with the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which comprises a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which comprises a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system where, in the first step, the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system including a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms within the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which includes a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the thermal catalytic conversion of polymeric feedstocks, such as scrap tire rubber or plastics, to recover valuable hydrocarbons for reuse. The process includes the solvent washing of -6 mesh polymer feedstock to remove the stabilizing additives which have migrated to the surface of the individual polymer particles. Prior to the reaction step the washed and dried polymer particulate are blended with a metallic halide catalyst system. The mixture of polymer particulate and catalyst are continuously fed to a reactor wherein the conversion of the polymer is accomplished. The reactor and downstream process units are continuously swept by an inert gas which is maintained at just above atmospheric pressure. The combination of the reactor temperature and pressure, with the catalyst system, cause a conversion of the polymer particles to valuable gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Scrap rubber chunks from used tires are processed and the monomeric chemicals from which the tire rubber was synthesized are recovered. Rubber chunks reduced to a finely divided size are exposed to gaseous ozone to break down the cross-linked structure of the rubber. Subsequent thermal depolymerization occurs in a reactor chamber. Finely divided silica is introduced within the reactor to prevent agglomeration of rubber particles and to enhance the maintenance of a uniform reactor temperature. Reduced pressure within the reactor permits rapid removal of monomer vapors. Once the monomer vapors are separated, silica and carbon residues are recovered separately for either recycle or disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing polyolefins by a fluidized gas phase polymerization process utilizing two stacked, substantially vertically aligned, reactors and a substantially vertical product transfer line for transfer of intermediate polyolefin polymer product from the polymerization zone of the upper reactor to the polymerization zone of the lower reactor. This abstract shall not be construed to define or limit in any way the scope of the invention, which is measured solely by the appended claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for producing polyolefins by a fluidized gas phase polymerization process utilizing two stacked, substantially vertically aligned, reactors and a substantially vertical product transfer line for transfer of intermediate polyolefin polymer product from the polymerization zone of the upper reactor to the polymerization zone of the lower reactor. This abstract shall not be construed to define or limit in any way the scope of the invention, which is measured solely by the appended claims.

Abstract: An improvement in can covers having a peelable closure member of the pull tab or tear strip type is provided wherein the closure member is fabricated from a partially hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer obtained from the hydrolysis of from about 50 percent to about 80 percent of the vinyl acetate groups of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing from about 40 percent to about 80 percent by weight of interpolymerized vinyl acetate.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene with one or more vinyl esters of tertiary carboxylic acids having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is an alkyl group, the total number of carbon atoms in R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 being from 6 to 20, and an additional unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A reactor including a horizontally disposed, elongated motor housing and at least a pair of mating reactor body sections, end heads for sealing the outer ends of the reactor and closure straps removably and hermetically securing the motor housing and the respective reactor body sections in assembled relation, and fixed and movable cradles supporting the motor housing and the reactor body sections for effecting relative movement thereof upon disengagement of the reactor clamping structure to permit ready disassembly and maintenance of the reactor.