Abstract: A process for producing styrene by the dehydrogenation of ethyl benzene whereby the ethyl benzene in a mixture with steam is introduced into a tubular reactor, the tubes of which are heated by molten salts. The structural parameters of this process are the tube diameter which should be 20 to 35 millimeters, the temperature of the molten salts which should be 580.degree. to 660.degree. C. and at most 20.degree. C. higher than the reaction temperature at the catalyst and the weight ratio of steam to ethyl benzene of the feed stock which should be 0.5 to 1. The process saves energy and increases efficiency by reducing the steam consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of converting ethylbenzene to styrene by catalytic dehydrogenation at temperatures of about 600.degree. C. in the presence of water vapor in a tubular reactor. The heat required for the dehydrogenation is fed to the tubular reactor with a molten salt bath. The dehydrogenation is effected isothermally and in a single stage under atmospheric pressure or preferable under a subatmospheric pressure with a water vapor-ethylbenzene ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 kg of water vapor per kg of ethylbenzene. The temperature of the ethylbenzene-water-vapor mixture entering the tubular reactor is maintained 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. below the temperature of the molten salt bath.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for economic utilization of solar energy. Solar energy is absorbed and converted to thermal energy by means of at least two systems, operating in different temperature ranges, for circulating a primary fluid heat transfer medium through separate collector sections of a solar receiver to recover solar heat and through separate output heat exchangers to supply heat to a second heat transfer medium functioning as a working medium, with heat storage means being associated with each system for the purpose of satisfying the heat requirements of the working fluid and also to prevent cooling down of the collector during the time that little or no solar radiation is available.

Abstract: A tube sheet construction for heat exchangers, particularly those of the type which utilize immiscible fluid heat exchange media, is formed with a tube sheet base plate and with a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending along at least a portion of their lengths in sealed fluid-tight engagement through the tube sheet base plate. The base plate is provided with a series of internal ducts extending in flow communication with the exterior of the tubes at the portion of the length thereof in sealed engagement with the base plate. The ducts are in flow communication with the exterior of the base plate and permit leaking fluid heat exchange media to be detected and exhausted from the heat exchanger. The tube ends extend beyond the base plate and a tube sheet cover plate extends over the base plate and is rigidly connected thereto with the cover plate having the projecting ends of the tubes fixed thereto by welding or the like.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger or similar apparatus using a tube bundle, the tubes are located within a jacket and are connected into a tube sheet. An annular reinforcing member secures the tube sheet to the jacket laterally enclosing the tube bundle. The reinforcing member consists of an inner part and an outer part which can be a unitary member or separate parts welded together. The outer part forms a continuation of the jacket and has a greater thickness than the jacket. The inner part extends radially outwardly from the circumferential periphery of the tube sheet to the outer part and has a frusto-conical shape extending outwardly from at least one of the face surfaces of the tube sheet transversely of its radial direction.