Abstract: A surface stabilized, non-agglomerated silica is provided. The silica is prepared by the method of providing non-agglomerated silica, and then treating the surface of the silica, thereby substantially preventing agglomeration of silica. The surface of the silica may be treated with a hydrophobating agent, such as a silane, or an alcohol. Different embodiments of the invention illustrate that the hydrophobating agent or alcohol can be added at different points within the process of forming the surface stabilized, non-agglomerated silica. The surface stabilized, non-agglomerated silica has a size in the nanometer range. The surface stabilized, non-agglomerated silica can be used as an additive in any application that uses silica, such as reinforcing fillers for elastomeric compositions, foods, drugs, dentifrices, inks, toners, coatings and abrasives.

Abstract: A humidification system (A) for humidifying a dry hydrocarbon stream includes a column (10) which defines an interior cavity (20). The cavity is partially filled with a bed (12) of a packing material (40) and a layer of water (20), leaving a headspace above the water. An inlet (52) adjacent a lower end of the cavity receives a dry hydrocarbon stream which is broken up by the packing material and dissolves water as it passes therethrough. Entrained water droplets fall out of the wet blend in a disengagement zone (70) above the water layer leaving the hydrocarbon stream humidified yet substantially free of liquid water in an upper region (72) of the column.