Abstract: The hot raw gas, which contains slag droplets is conducted downwardly in an entrance chamber of a slag separator through a first bed of packings into a flow-deflecting space, in which the raw gas is upwardly deflected and then flows upwardly in an exit chamber through a second bed of packings to a gas outlet. The effective velocity of flow of the raw gas in the first bed is 1.5 to 10 times its effective velocity of flow in the second bed. Liquid slag is drained from the flow-deflecting space.

Abstract: A reactor for combusting fine-grained solid fuels in a circulating fluidized bed contains a combustion chamber, which is provided with lines which open in the lower portion of that chamber and serve to feed primary air, secondary air and solid fuel. The fluidized bed combustion chamber is divided into compartments by at least one partition provided in the upper portion of the fluidized bed combustion chamber. Each compartment communicates through a passage with at least one solids separator, which is connected to means for recycling solids and communicates with the compartment through a passage.

Abstract: Zinc and, if desired, lead are volatilized from a metallurgical material such as a finely divided oxidic ore, ore concentrate or another metallurgical intermediate. The volatilization of the zinc is carried out at a temperature above 1300.degree. C. in a cyclone chamber which has an axis that is substantially horizontal, i.e. is inclined to the horizontal at an angle of 0.degree. to 15.degree.. Carbon dioxide is removed from the gas leaving the zinc condensing stage and the high carbon monoxide gas thus obtained is recycled to the cyclone chamber or at another point ahead of the condensation stage.

Abstract: A process for thermally treating fine-grained solids with high-oxygen gases at temperatures at which the solids can form molten and gaseous reaction products comprises carrying out the thermal treatment in a cyclone chamber and thereafter conducting the gases from the cyclone chamber into a horizontal or vertical cooling chamber. The process can be used for the roasting of sulfide ores, ore concentrates and other metallurgical intermediate products. The outlet of the cyclone chamber through which the gases are removed lies approximately along the axis and cooling is carried out in the cooling chamber such that the molten droplets contained in the gas stream entering the latter are cooled in free flight below their solidification point in the gas, i.e., do not contact the walls of the cooling chamber until they are solidified at least along their surfaces.

Abstract: A process for thermally treating fine-grained solids with high-oxygen gases at temperatures at which the solids can form molten and gaseous reaction products comprises carrying out the thermal treatment at least in part in a cyclone chamber. The solids, high-oxygen gases and, if desired, an energy carrier (usually a carbon-containing solid, liquid or gas) are mixed to form a suspension at a temperature below the reaction temperature. The suspension is fed to a vertical combustion path (tube) and reacts therein to form another suspension of primarily molten particles which is admitted to the cyclone chamber. Reactants are added to the gas phase within a core-flow region of the cyclone chamber and/or immediately after the discharge of gas therefrom to a cooling chamber.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic conversion of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3 wherein a main stream of SO.sub.2 -containing gas is branched to form a partial stream which is admixed with an oxygen-containing gas and brought to the temperature of the first contact hurdle or stage. The effluent therefrom is mixed with the remainder of the SO.sub.2 -containing gas and is fed to the second contact hurdle or stage. The oxgyen-containing gas is added in an amount sufficient to reduce the SO.sub.2 concentration so that a temperature can be used in the first stage which corresponds to the SO.sub.2 +1/2 O.sub.2 .revreaction.SO.sub.3 equilibrium.

Abstract: Gases having a high SO.sub.2 content are catalytically reacted in a contacting zone having a plurality of series-connected contacting trays. A partial stream of partly reacted gases from the contacting zone containing SO.sub.3 is admixed with the SO.sub.2 containing gas before entering the first contacting tray. The gases are subjected to interstage cooling between contacting trays. At least a portion of the partly reacted gases is passed through an absorber prior to mixing with the feed stock gas having a high SO.sub.2 content. The rate at which SO.sub.3 is absorbed is increased in dependence on the loss of catalyst activity in the contacting zones such that the conversion of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3 in the contacting trays remains approximately constant.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur trioxide from gases wherein the sulfur trioxide-containing gas is treated with sulfuric acid in a Venturi absorber, the sulfur-trioxide laden sulfuric acid is passed in indirect heat exchange with a cooling fluid within the widening outlet of the absorber and the sulfur trioxide-laden sulfuric acid is separated from the gas phase.