Abstract: A method of forming a batch of porous catalytic carrier filaments may include providing a precursor mixture, forcing the precursor mixture at a fixed rate through an orifice and then through a multiplicity of perforations in a belt, where the belt moves across and in tight registry with said orifice to form a batch of precursor catalytic carrier filaments, drying the batch of precursor porous catalytic carrier filaments to form the batch of porous catalytic carrier filaments, and firing (i.e. calcining) the batch of greenware porous catalytic carrier filaments to form the batch of porous catalytic carrier filaments. The batch of porous catalytic carrier filaments may have an average pore volume of at least about 0.1 cm3/g.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ceramic packing element (1, 6, 8) suited to use as a bed limiter having a generally uniform cross-section in the length (l) direction with the basic shape of a bow-tie and having a plurality of through passages (5) parallel to the length dimension (L).

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped article includes forming a mixture which includes a titania hydrate pulp having a loss on ignition of from about 10 to 45 wt. %, a seed material comprising a titanium oxide, at least a portion of the titanium oxide being in a rutile form, and optionally a dispersion aid. The method includes forming the mixture into a shaped article and firing the shaped article. A shaped article suitable for use as a catalyst carrier is at least 90% titanium oxide, greater than 80% of the titanium oxide being in the rutile phase. The article has a surface area of at least 2.5 m2/g and a mercury pore volume of greater than 0.15 cc/g.

Abstract: A method of forming a carrier material suited to use in Fischer-Tropsch reactions includes forming a dispersion of first and second hydrated alumina materials in a liquid dispersant, such as an acid solution. The first alumina can be derived from an alkali aluminate, such as is formed in the Bayer reaction. The second hydrated alumina can be derived from high purity aluminum, such as via conversion to an alkoxide. The dispersion is spray dried to form particles which are heat treated to form a carrier material having low levels of impurities.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ceramic packing element (1, 6, 8) suited to use as a bed limiter having a generally uniform cross-section in the length (l) direction with the basic shape of a bow-tie and having a plurality of through passages (5) parallel to the length dimension (L).