Abstract: A method for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container where a carbon dioxide regulator releases carbon dioxide at a rate approximately equal to the rate of carbon dioxide loss from said container. Also disclosed is packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure of a carbonated beverage comprising a closure, a plastic container, and a carbon dioxide regulator. Also disclosed is a method for making a packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure in a carbonated beverage comprising overmolding a perform around an assembly for a carbon dioxide regulator, or blending a carbon dioxide regulator into the plastic material used to form the body of a container for said carbonated beverage. Also, disclosed is carbon dioxide regulator composition for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container comprising polymeric carbonates, organic carbonates, or materials that absorb and subsequently release carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container where a carbon dioxide regulator releases carbon dioxide at a rate approximately equal to the rate of carbon dioxide loss from said container. Also shown is a packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure of a carbonated beverage having a closure, a plastic container, and a carbon dioxide regulator. Also shown is a method for making a packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure in a carbonated beverage having overmolding a preform around an assembly for a carbon dioxide regulator, or blending a carbon dioxide regulator into the plastic material used to form the body of a container for said carbonated beverage. Also shown is a carbon dioxide regulator composition for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container having polymeric carbonates, organic carbonates, or materials that absorb and subsequently release carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved polymer additive which may be used to increase the high temperature viscosity of an asphalt, without deleteriously affecting the low-temperature viscosity of the asphalt. The polymer additive may also be used to improve the stiffness of certain asphalts. The polymer additive is produced from readily available polymer blends by a thermal process. The invention additionally provides an improved polymer modified asphalt. In its preferred embodiments, the invention also provides an environmentally acceptable method for recycle of post consumer carpet and bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved polymer additive which may be used to increase the high temperature viscosity of an asphalt, without deleteriously affecting the low-temperature viscosity of the asphalt. The polymer additive may also be used to improve the stiffness of certain asphalts. The polymer additive is produced from readily available polymer blends by a thermal process. The invention additionally provides an improved polymer modified asphalt. In its preferred embodiments, the invention also provides an environmentally acceptable method for recycle of post consumer carpet and bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering fumaric acid formed as a by-product during the production of maleic anhydride so that both fumaric acid and maleic anhydride are obtained. The process of the present invention further eliminates the wasting of MAN that occurs when fumaric acid is incinerated and improves the production of maleic anhydride by eliminating a source of fouling caused by the fumaric acid which leads to down-time in the reaction process to clean out the fumaric acid.

Abstract: A catalytic cracking process is disclosed in which cracking is performed in a riser reactor, catalytically cracked product is substantially separated from the catalyst in a gross-cut separator downstream of the riser reactor, and the cracked product is quenched with an anhydrous quench liquid at a location immediately downstream of the oil outlet of the gross-cut separator.

Abstract: Open-ended cyclone separators are disclosed which employ catalyst separation tubes to prevent separated solids discharged through an open cyclone end from being entrained in a countercurrently moving flow of process gas entering the separator through the open end. In several preferred embodiments, generally conical tubes are axially located within the cyclone open bottom. Methods for practicing the invention also are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for separating solids from a mixture of solids and gases. An in-line cyclone separator cyclonically swirls the mixture as it exits a conduit concentrically located within a radially symmetric separation chamber. In some embodiments, stripping gas apertures direct stripping gas into the chamber to help maintain the angular momentum of the solids cyclonically swirling within the chamber.

Abstract: Effective quenching is provided in a catalytic cracking unit to increase product yield and decrease thermal cracking. For increased benefits, the quench is injected at special locations. In the illustrated embodiment, the quench is injected into the oil product immediately downstream of an external gross cut separator before the product enters a disengaging vessel.

Abstract: Effective quenching is provided in a catalytic cracking unit to increase product yield and decrease thermal cracking. Advantageously, the quench is injected at special locations. In the illustrated embodiment, the quench is injected into the oil product immediately downstream of the oil product exit of an internal gross cut separator in a disengaging vessel.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing oil is provided. An oil fraction having hydrocarbons with an initial boiling point of about 200.degree. F. to about 1050.degree. F. is hydrotreated to reduce the nitrogen content of the oil fraction to be stabilized. Subsequently, condensed aromatic compounds are selectively extracted from the hydrotreated oil fraction to yield a stable oil fraction.

Abstract: Effective quenching is provided in a catalytic cracking process to increase product yield and decrease thermal cracking. To this end, the quench is injected at special locations and a special quench is used. In the illustrated embodiment, the quench is injected into the oil product immediately downstream of an external gross cut separator before the product enters a disengaging vessel and the quench comprises cycle oil.

Abstract: Oil shale is well mixed and efficiently, effectively, and economically retorted in a special gravity flow retorting process and system which utilizes novel arrangements of internal baffles in a static mixer.

Abstract: Oil shale is well mixed and efficiently, effectively, and economically retorted in a special gravity flow retorting process and system which utilizes novel arrangements of internal baffles in a static mixer.

Abstract: Product yield and quality is increased during in situ retorting of oil shale by pulsed combustion in which the flow of feed gas to the flame front is intermittently stopped while continuously retorting the oil shale. In the process, a water purge is injected into the retort between pulses of feed gas to enhance transfer of sensible heat from the combustion zone to the retorting zone and enlarge the separation between the combustion zone and the advancing front of the retorting zone. Retort water produced during retorting can be used as part of the water purge and/or feed gas for process economy and efficiency.

Abstract: Oil shale is well mixed and efficiently, effectively, and economically retorted in a special gravity flow retorting process and system which utilizes novel arrangements of internal baffles in a static mixer.

Abstract: Greater product yield and quality and continuous upgrading of shale oil with hydrogen-rich, purge mode off gases is attained by pulsing in situ retorts at different phases and intervals. In the process, flow of feed gases to the flame fronts of underground retorts are sequentially stopped and purged while continuously retorting the oil shale to enhance transfer of sensible heat from the combustion zones to the retorting zones and enlarge the separation between the combustion zones and the advancing fronts of the retorting zones. The flame fronts can be purged with steam, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, combustion mode off gases, purge mode off gases, reactor off gases, or combinations thereof. The combustion mode off gases and/or purge mode off gases can also be used as part of the feed gas or fuel gas.

Abstract: One or more in situ oil shale retorts are alternately operated in a combustion mode and a purge mode with a steam or water purge to produce a greater yield of shale oil. Hydrogen-rich off gases emitted during purging are mixed with the shale oil in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst, after being stripped of carbon dioxide, to produce a high quality shale oil. The reactor off gases, purge mode off gases, and/or hydrogen gases can also be used as the purge gas.

Abstract: A process is provided for determining retorting conditions in an in situ oil shale retort. In the process, the thickness of the hot shale zone is determined by monitoring the off gases in response to changing the feed conditions, such as the temperature or flow rate, of the feed gas. The location and depth of the hot shale zone can be determined by monitoring the response time and temperature of the off gases when the proportion of steam and air in the feed gas is changed. The depth of the mineral decomposition zone can be monitored by monitoring the amount of carbon dioxide produced when the air content of the feed gas is substantially reduced. The depth of the kerogen decomposition zone can be determined by monitoring the amount of hydrogen saturated gases produced when the inflow of air in the feed gas is stopped.

Abstract: Product yield and quality is increased during in situ retorting of oil shale by pulsed combustion in which the flow of feed gas to the flame front is intermittently stopped while continuously retorting the oil shale. A purge gas can be injected into the retort between pulses of feed gas to enhance transfer of sensible heat from the combustion zone to the retorting zone and enlarge the separation between the combustion zone and the advancing front of the retorting zone.