Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: A continuous-feed vacuum distillation system with an integrated degasser is proposed. The degasser uses the same or a different vacuum system as the downstream distillation column and operates continuously on the material to be distilled before it enters the distillation column. This eliminates the current practices of degassing the feed material in bulk, with auxiliary equipment, before it enters the distillation apparatus, a difficult and time-consuming procedure, or using the distillation system in a low temperature state under vacuum, to remove the gas from the feed material, which is also inefficient. Various alternative features of the claimed integrated degasser are also claimed.

Abstract: A differential heating system along the length of a distillation column in a continuous-feed vacuum distillation system is proposed. By means of separately controlled heating units along the length of the distillation column, the temperature of the distillation column wall and therefore of the feed material in contact with the wall may be precisely modulated along the length of the column to optimize the distillate output. This contrasts with conventional practice in which the distillation column receives heat from a heat source of more or less uniform temperature along its entire length. Various features of the differential heating system that enhance its effectiveness are also claimed.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: A compensating pressure regulator comprising a single stage regulating device for controlling the flow of compressed gas therethrough; and a compensating device for automatically adjusting transient pressure conditions to provide a substantially uniform gas pressure output by use of a pin like-piston having dual sources of pressure thereon. The compensating pressure regulator for use with bottled gas on portable tools.