Abstract: An alumina catalyst, which has a desired porosity and surface area and is stable at high temperatures is formed by contacting a substrate with an alkali aluminate solution for a period of time sufficient to form an adherent film of hydrated alumina on the substrate, separating the substrate with the adherent film of hydrated alumina from the solution, heating the substrate and alumina film under calcining conditions until an alumina film of desired porosity and surface area is formed, and then contacting the calcined alumina film with a material which stabilizes the alumina during subsequent heating. Optionally, the alumina film can then be further calcined at a temperature higher than that used in the first calcining conditions, preferably at a temperature up to about 1260.degree. C. The stabilizing material can be one of several compounds including those of barium, silcon, and the rare earth metals.

Abstract: Method for the in-situ deposition of a coating onto internal surfaces and matrix substrates of a body which defines one or more cavities. The single cavity, or the respective cavities packed with suitable substrates are provided with a predetermined amount of a solid reacting component to produce a suitable coating. The cavity is furnished with a liquid component which contacts the solid component, thereby forming a desired liquid coating reaction mixture. The latter is brought into contact with the cavity walls as well as with materials contained within the cavity, to achieve the desired coating of walls and matrix material.

Abstract: An automobile type exhaust gas lead filter is particularly applicable to diesel engine smoke reduction. It has a tubular housing with alumina coated metal wire fibers as the filter bed, which is centrally located. There are open spaces forming plenums at the ends of the housing. And, the inlet and outlet pipes have baffles in alignment therewith to prevent direct impingement of exhaust gases on the coated wire. Also, the baffles are spaced from the inside ends of the pipes to minimize pressure drops.

Abstract: A novel reaction chamber includes a gravity-packed bed formed of an attenuated support medium bearing solidified fused-solid whereby the bed is formed into a matrix which is particularly useful as a catalytic conversion chamber, a muffler, etc.

Abstract: A smoke filter adapted to receive a stream of hot engine exhaust gas and to remove particulate carbon particles therefrom. The hot exhaust gas stream is passed progressively across catalytic beds which are spaced slightly apart within a closed casing. Each catalytic bed is mounted to an individual support member which is in turn cross braced with tension elements to protect the catalyst material from damage due to shock loading and high localized temperatures experienced within the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A process for increasing the octane number of a paraffinic gasoline blending component comprises a reforming operation in which the component is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a novel catalyst prepared by depositing a noble metal on silica gel and then dispersing said silica gel in an alumina gel matrix.

Abstract: A thermal reactor adapted to receive hot exhaust gases generated as the result of the combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel within an engine. The hot exhaust gas stream taken directly from the engine, is passed into a chamber where it reacts with air, preferably in the presence of a reaction promoting element. However, prior to the reaction stage, the hot gas is urged into a swirling motion and through a constricted passageway whereby to provide through a longer dwell period, better mixing, and avoid direct impingement of the gas against the catalyst bed surface when the latter is utilized.

Abstract: The octane number of a hydrocarbon fraction boiling below 425.degree.F is improved by a cracking-isomerization procedure. The C.sub.5 + portion of the resulting product may be used as a motor fuel or as a blending component for motor fuels.