Abstract: Methods are provided in which small pores having a size of less than 0.3 microns are substantially reduced by utilizing a caustic solution. In some embodiments, the reduction of the small sized pores of less than 0.3 microns is achieved by treating a preformed catalyst carrier with a hot caustic solution. In other embodiments, the reduction of small sized pores of less than 0.3 microns is achieved by adding a caustic solution to a carrier composition during the preparation/formation of a catalyst carrier. The caustic solution treated catalyst carrier exhibits a positive/upward shift of the small pore size distribution.

Abstract: A fluxing agent including a Group 6 transition metal, i.e., Cr, Mo or W, is employed in the present application in providing a substantially all platelet alumina powder, or a substantially all platelet alumina carrier.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatuses, systems including a reactor system and an electrodeionization system, and methods of purifying acetic acid are provided herein. In some embodiments, the electrodeionization apparatus includes an anode, and three spaced apart membranes located between the anode and the cathode: a first cation exchange membrane, a first anion exchange membrane, a second cation exchange membrane, defining: a first electrode rinse passage between the anode and the first cation exchange membrane, a first concentrate passage between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane, a feed stream passage located between the first anion exchange membrane and the second cation exchange membrane, and a second electrode rinse passage between the second cation exchange membrane and the cathode. In some embodiments, the electrodeionization apparatus also includes at least one propionate-selective ion exchange resin wafer within the feed stream passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supported catalyst for the preparation of vinyl acetate monomer, a process for preparing the supported catalyst in tablet or pellet form, and a catalytic process for the manufacturing vinyl acetate using the supported catalyst. Specifically, it is shown that catalyst performance shows a strong dependence on the crush strength of the tableted or pelletized alumina support used in the process to make the catalyst, and that the crush strength of the catalyst is closely related to the porosity of the support. Catalyst activity and selectivity can be enhanced by tailoring the crush strength of the support.

Abstract: Electrodeionization apparatuses, systems including a reactor system and an electrodeionization system, and methods of purifying acetic acid are provided herein. In some embodiments, the electrodeionization apparatus includes an anode, and three spaced apart membranes located between the anode and the cathode: a first cation exchange membrane, a first anion exchange membrane, a second cation exchange membrane, defining: a first electrode rinse passage between the anode and the first cation exchange membrane, a first concentrate passage between the first cation exchange membrane and the first anion exchange membrane, a feed stream passage located between the first anion exchange membrane and the second cation exchange membrane, and a second electrode rinse passage between the second cation exchange membrane and the cathode. In some embodiments, the electrodeionization apparatus also includes at least one propionate-selective ion exchange resin wafer within the feed stream passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supported catalyst for the preparation of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), a process for preparing a catalyst comprising an extruded alumina support, and a catalytic process for the manufacturing vinyl acetate using the supported catalyst. Specifically, it is shown that for activated palladium-gold VAM catalysts prepared using extruded alumina supports, enhanced performance is demonstrated with increased pore volume of the support, and the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV, hr?1), which was found to significantly increase the space time yield as GHSV increased as compared to the non-extruded alumina supported catalysts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supported catalyst for the preparation of vinyl acetate monomer, a process for preparing the supported catalyst in tablet or pellet form, and a catalytic process for the manufacturing vinyl acetate using the supported catalyst. Specifically, it is shown that catalyst performance shows a strong dependence on the crush strength of the tableted or pelletized alumina support used in the process to make the catalyst, and that the crush strength of the catalyst is closely related to the porosity of the support. Catalyst activity and selectivity can be enhanced by tailoring the crush strength of the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supported catalyst for the preparation of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), a process for preparing a catalyst comprising an extruded alumina support, and a catalytic process for the manufacturing vinyl acetate using the supported catalyst. Specifically, it is shown that for activated palladium-gold VAM catalysts prepared using extruded alumina supports, enhanced performance is demonstrated with increased pore volume of the support, and the gas hourly space velocity (GHSV, hr?1), which was found to significantly increase the space time yield as GHSV increased as compared to the non-extruded alumina supported catalysts.

Abstract: A particulate material includes an aluminous material and a silica dopant. The particulate material includes crystallite particles with a crystallite particle size of less than about 10 nm. The crystallite particles are stacked together to form primary particles with a primary particle size of less than about 500 nm. The primary particles are agglomerated together to form secondary particles with a secondary particle size of greater than about 1 ?m. The particulate material has a mean pore diameter of not less than 8 nm.

Abstract: A particulate material includes an aluminous material and a silica dopant. The particulate material includes crystallite particles with a crystallite particle size of less than about 10 nm. The crystallite particles are stacked together to form primary particles with a primary particle size of less than about 500 nm. The primary particles are agglomerated together to form secondary particles with a secondary particle size of greater than about 1 ?m. The particulate material has a mean pore diameter of not less than 8 nm.

Abstract: A shaped ceramic article, made from an amorphous metal hydroxide having a crystalline microstructure and at least 60 weight percent of the crystalline microstructure is tetragonal, is disclosed. The article's crush strength exceeds 4 kg. A process for making the ceramic article is also described.

Abstract: Described is a porous ceramic body comprising zirconia having mesopores incorporated therein and the primary crystalline phase is tetragonal. When used as a carrier for a catalyst, the porous ceramic body has excellent crush resistance and a large total pore volume which results in an increase in the carrier's surface area onto which catalytic material may be deposited. Methods of making the carrier are also disclosed.