Abstract: A reactor comprises a reactor vessel defining a confined reactor volume, a support assembly extending about a periphery of the confined reactor volume, a basket positioned within the reactor vessel and supported by the support assembly, the basket having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a downflow zone being defined between the exterior surface of the basket and an interior surface of the confined reactor volume, an inlet screen positioned adjacent to one end of the interior surface and an outlet screen positioned adjacent to an opposite end of the interior surface, an upflow zone defined between the inlet screen and outlet screen, the inlet screen and the outlet screen containing a quantity of particulate catalyst, and a circulating device positioned above said upflow zone and configured to continuously circulate fluid upwardly though said upflow zone and downwardly through said downflow zone, the support assembly and the basket configured to promote the formation of a fluid vortex within a porti

Abstract: A reactor comprises a reactor vessel defining a confined reactor volume, a support assembly extending about a periphery of the confined reactor volume, a basket positioned within the reactor vessel and supported by the support assembly, the basket having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a downflow zone being defined between the exterior surface of the basket and an interior surface of the confined reactor volume, an inlet screen positioned adjacent to one end of the interior surface and an outlet screen positioned adjacent to an opposite end of the interior surface, an upflow zone defined between the inlet screen and outlet screen, the inlet screen and the outlet screen containing a quantity of particulate catalyst, and a circulating device positioned above said upflow zone and configured to continuously circulate fluid upwardly though said upflow zone and downwardly through said downflow zone, the support assembly and the basket configured to promote the formation of a fluid vortex within a porti

Abstract: A process for the catalytic removal of sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream such as gasoline comprising an organo-sulfur compound such as a mercaptan or thiol. The catalyst is a silica based zeolite such as ZSM-5. The process is preferably performed in a downer reactor with a residence time of between 7 and 30 seconds and a volumetric particle concentration of between 15 and 40%. Preferably, substantially all of the sulfur that is removed from the organo-sulfur compound is in the form of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus and method provide for the destruction of volatile organic air-borne pollutants from gaseous streams. The reactor is a photocatalytic reactor for the destruction of organic air-borne pollutants which comprises means for admission of a gas stream carrying air-borne volatile organic pollutants into a closed tubing system; means for constraining and increasing the velocity of the gas stream while simultaneously creating a suction effect; and means for irradiating the air-borne volatile organic pollutants within the gas stream.