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: One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a distribution tray for a vessel. Generally, the distribution tray includes a member, a compartment, and an insert. The member can form a first side and a second side. Typically, the first side is adapted to receive a liquid thereon. Additionally, the member can form a plurality of openings. Usually, the compartment extends through the member with a first portion protruding from the first side and a second portion protruding from the second side, and is adapted to permit the passage of a fluid there-through. The insert may be positioned within the compartment to constrict and then expand the passage of the fluid there-through.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for forming metal or non-metal carbide fiber from the corresponding metal or non-metal.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal or non-metal carbide fiber comprising the steps of stabilizing a fiber comprising a carbon forming polymer and a metal or non-metal oxide or a mixture of more than 50% by weight of said oxide and a metal or non-metal to form a stabilized fiber; carbonizing the stabilized fiber to form a fiber comprising carbon and a metal or non-metal oxide or a mixture of said oxide and a metal or non-metal; reacting the carbon and metal or non-metal oxide or mixture of said oxide and metal or non-metal to form a fiber comprising a metal or non-metal carbide; and sintering the fiber comprising said metal or non-metal carbide to form a fiber having a density of greater than about 70% of the theoretical density of said metal or non-metal carbide.