Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process which utilizes a solid phosphoric acid catalyst having a total X-ray intensity of at least 40 percent relative to alpha-alumina. The solid phosphoric acid catalyst is produced by crystallizing an amorphous mixture of an acid oxide of phosphorus and a siliceous material at a temperature of from 350.degree. to 450.degree. C. and in the presence of from 10 to 50 mole percent water vapor based upon the total vapor rate to the crystallizing means. Embodiments of the new hydrocarbon conversion process include alkylation, oligomerization, and hydration, of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An improved catalyst particle is disclosed for the conversion of hydrocarbons which comprises a refractory inorganic-oxide support, a Friedel-Crafts metal halide, and a surface-layer platinum-group metal component, wherein the concentration of platinum-group metal component on the surface layer of each catalyst particle is at least 1.5 times the concentration in the central core of the catalyst particle. An isomerization process also is disclosed which is particularly effective for the conversion of C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 alkanes.

Abstract: An improved catalyst particle is disclosed for the conversion of hydrocarbons which comprises a refractory inorganic-oxide support, a Friedel-Crafts metal halide, and a surface-layer platinum-group metal component, wherein the concentration of platinum-group metal component on the surface layer of each catalyst particle is at least 1.5 times the concentration in the central core of the catalyst particle. An isomerization process also is disclosed which is particularly effective for the conversion of C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 alkanes.

Abstract: A solid phosphoric acid catalyst having a total X-ray intensity of at least 30 percent relative to alpha-alumina. The solid phosphoric acid catalyst is produced by crystallizing an amorphous mixture of an acid oxide of phosphorus and a siliceous material at a temperature of from 250.degree. to 450.degree. C. and in the presence of from 3 to 50 mole percent water vapor based upon the total vapor rate to the crystallizing means.

Abstract: A steam and gas turbine combined cycle plant STAG* employs a catalyst in a heat recovery steam generator to react injected ammonia with NO.sub.x from the combustor of the gas turbine to reduce atmospheric emission of NO.sub.x from the system. Rapid control of ammonia injection is achieved using a prediction of the NO.sub.x being generated in dependence upon the operating conditions of the combustor. A trimming signal from a measurement of NO.sub.x being emitted from the heat recovery steam generator downstream of the catalyst is employed to complete the NO.sub.x control loop. Compensation is provided to relate the measured NO.sub.x downstream of the catalyst with the NO.sub.x in the output of the gas turbine taking into account the catalyst efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automated drain valves for pressurized fluid conduits such as steam conduits. Recognizing that there is a direct relationship between steam temperature and steam pressure at the saturation line; the saturation line is used to derive a variable set point for an automated drain system and method. The saturation temperature is compared with the actual temperature to determine the positioning of the conduit drain valves.