Abstract: Methods and apparatus to produce alkynes are described. The method includes combusting fuel and an oxidizer in a combustion zone to create a carrier gas stream, which is accelerated to supersonic speed in an expansion zone. A feedstock material is injected into a feedstock injection zone using two or more pluralities of injection nozzles. The injection nozzles are arranged annularly. The carrier gas stream is transitioned from supersonic speed to subsonic speed to create a shockwave in a reaction zone. The reaction zone is directly connected to the feedstock injection zone, and the shockwave is created adjacent to the feedstock injection zone. The carrier gas stream and the feedstock material are simultaneously mixed and reacted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to produce alkynes are described. The method includes combusting fuel and an oxidizer in a combustion zone to create a carrier gas stream, which is accelerated to supersonic speed in an expansion zone. A feedstock material is injected into a feedstock injection zone using two or more pluralities of injection nozzles. The injection nozzles are arranged annularly. The carrier gas stream is transitioned from supersonic speed to subsonic speed to create a shockwave in a reaction zone. The reaction zone is directly connected to the feedstock injection zone, and the shockwave is created adjacent to the feedstock injection zone. The carrier gas stream and the feedstock material are simultaneously mixed and reacted.

Abstract: A quench system and process for cooling high temperature gases is presented. The quench system includes a frustum, or conic, shaped section having an inlet at the smaller end of the quench section and the outlet at the larger end of the quench section. The system includes spray nozzles having openings flush with the wall of the quench section. The process includes spraying a large volume of liquid in small droplets for rapid heat transfer and vaporization of the quench liquid.

Abstract: A quench system and process for cooling high temperature gases is presented. The quench system includes a frustum, or conic, shaped section having an inlet at the smaller end of the quench section and the outlet at the larger end of the quench section. The system includes spray nozzles having openings flush with the wall of the quench section. The process includes spraying a large volume of liquid in small droplets for rapid heat transfer and vaporization of the quench liquid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the pyrolysis of methane into acetylene. A heat exchanger is disposed downstream of a supersonic reactor and is used to recover heat from the quenched effluent. Effluent may flow on a shell side of the heat exchanger and cooling fluid may flow on a tube side. Additionally, a separator is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger so that the effluent is capable of freely draining into the separator. The heat exchanger, separator, or both may be disposed at an angle between 20° to 90° from the horizon so that the fluid is capable of freely draining into the separator. The separator includes an outlet gas valve that may be used to control the pressure within the reactor.

Abstract: A quench system and process for cooling high temperature gases is presented. The quench system includes a frustum, or conic, shaped section having an inlet at the smaller end of the quench section and the outlet at the larger end of the quench section. The system includes spray nozzles having openings flush with the wall of the quench section. The process includes spraying a large volume of liquid in small droplets for rapid heat transfer and vaporization of the quench liquid.

Abstract: A quench system and process for cooling high temperature gases is presented. The quench system includes a frustum, or conic, shaped section having an inlet at the smaller end of the quench section and the outlet at the larger end of the quench section. The system includes spray nozzles having openings flush with the wall of the quench section. The process includes spraying a large volume of liquid in small droplets for rapid heat transfer and vaporization of the quench liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting a fluid stream with particulate solids are provided. The apparatus comprises a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion and an inlet for receiving particulate solids and an outlet for discharging the particulate solids. An inner cone is coaxially positioned within an inverted truncated outer cone forming an annulus in the lower portion of the vessel. A truncated conical baffle is disposed within the lower portion of the vessel and at least partially above the inverted truncated outer cone and the inner cone. The truncated conical baffle has a downwardly and inwardly sloping wall with a lower portion thereof overlapping interiorly an upper portion of the inverted truncated outer cone. A plurality of guide tents are spaced apart in the annulus, each guide tent having sloped guide surfaces oriented to guide the flow of particulate solids into the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting a fluid stream with particulate solids are provided. The apparatus comprises a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion and an inlet for receiving particulate solids and an outlet for discharging the particulate solids. An inner cone is coaxially positioned within an inverted truncated outer cone forming an annulus in the lower portion of the vessel. A truncated conical baffle is disposed within the lower portion of the vessel and at least partially above the inverted truncated outer cone and the inner cone. The truncated conical baffle has a downwardly and inwardly sloping wall with a lower portion thereof overlapping interiorly an upper portion of the inverted truncated outer cone. A plurality of guide tents are spaced apart in the annulus, each guide tent having sloped guide surfaces oriented to guide the flow of particulate solids into the outlet.