Abstract: The present invention relates to fractionation improvements. Thus, in a fractionator having a fractionation vessel, a reactor effluent vapors inlet, a vapor feed contacting zone, a baffled contacting section above the vapor feed contacting zone, a tops section above the baffled contacting section, a heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section below the vapor feed contacting zone, a bottoms outlet, a bottoms recycle system with a heat exchanger with recycled, cooled bottoms fed back to the fractionation vessel at the heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section and above the vapor feed contacting zone, the improvements involve a separate remotely located bottoms liquid hold-up pool vessel for separating bottoms liquid holdup from vapor within the fractionation vessel to obtain a thermal separation and increased fractionation efficiency. The invention also relates to fractionation processes utilizing the aforesaid improvements.

Abstract: A fractionator has a fractionation vessel, a reactor effluent vapors inlet, a vapor feed contacting zone, a baffled contacting section above the vapor feed contacting zone, a tops section above the baffled contacting section, a heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section below the vapor feed contacting zone, a bottoms outlet, a bottoms recycle system with a heat exchanger. Recycled, cooled bottoms is fed back to the fractionation vessel at the heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section and above the vapor feed contacting zone. The improvements involve providing a separation tray and downpipe for separating cooler bottoms liquid from hotter product vapors within the fractionation vessel: to avoid condensation and absorption of product vapors by the liquid pool; to have more rapid and uniform quenching of hot liquid entering the pool; and substantially reduce costly onstream maintenance to clean fouled bottoms recycle exchangers.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying used hypodermic needles includes a rotating electrode wheel, a stationary electrode element which is positioned in closely spaced relation to the electrode wheel and a guide member for guiding a hypodermic needle inserted into the apparatus so that it is advanced into electrical contact with the electrode wheel and the electrode element in order to electrically destroy the needle. The apparatus further includes a sensor for automatically energizing the electrode wheel and the electrode element when an operator approaches the apparatus, and a disposable cartridge assembly for receiving and containing debris generated as needles are destroyed in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a distillation vapor and feed mixing and subsequent separation process and apparatus involving the introduction of a vaporizing liquid feed into a flash zone via a tangential nozzle into a mixing and separation chamber which directs the feed into a circumferential path to enhance mixing, and the redirection of rising vapors from the distillation below the flash zone by baffling these vapors into the chamber inlet. The rising vapors are inspirated by the high velocity feed at the inlet side of the chamber and intimate contact and mixing of the rising vapors with the vaporizing feed are enhanced by creating a spinning action. Preferably, the chamber runs peripherally and slightly downward along the inside wall of the distillation column along an arc no greater than 360.degree.. Alternatively, the mixing section of the mixing and separation chamber may be located outside of the distillation tower and the feed, passing through a jet ejector would inspirate the rising vapors.

Abstract: An infant chair is comprised of upper and lower resilient wire frames with the lower frame having a horizontal ground-engaging base with opposite side members diverging forwardly from a common crosspiece. The forward portions of the side members incline upwardly and rearwardly for connection to the upper frame. The upper frame has back, seat and leg support portions and releasable connectors interconnect the inclined side member upper ends to the back, seat and leg supports of the upper frame. The back, seat and leg support portions are encased by a removable, flexible covering.

Abstract: A method of controlling the rate of generating steam by direct heat exchange is provided in which a spray of hot oil drops contacts a spray of water drops. Large water drops are prevented from entering the effluent oil stream during upsets in operating conditions by providing suitable disengaging means such as heated sloped baffles below the contacting zone.