Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a product, such as hydrogen halide gas or sulfuric acid, in a regenerator furnace subsystem from a waste containing a non-gasifiable impurity. The method of the invention includes directing a waste, containing a non-gasifiable impurity into a reaction zone, containing a molten metal bath, in a reactor maintained under conditions sufficient to dissociate the waste and to form a gasified feed component and a non-gasifiable impurity. The gasified feed component is then directed from the reactor to a regenerator furnace subsystem, maintained under conditions sufficient to convert the gasified feed component to the desired product.The apparatus of the invention includes a reactor having a waste inlet and a gaseous effluent, a reaction zone containing a molten-metal bath for dissociating the waste, containing a non-gasifiable impurity, and forming a gasified feed component, and a lance for injecting the waste into the reaction zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a product, such as hydrogen halide gas or sulfuric acid, in a regenerator furnace subsystem from a waste containing a non-gasifiable impurity. The method of the invention includes directing a waste, containing a non-gasifiable impurity into a reaction zone, containing a molten metal bath, in a reactor maintained under conditions sufficient to dissociate the waste and to form a gasified feed component and a non-gasifiable impurity. The gasified feed component is then directed from the reactor to a regenerator furnace subsystem, maintained under conditions sufficient to convert the gasified feed component to the desired product.The apparatus of the invention includes a reactor having a waste inlet and a gaseous effluent, a reaction zone containing a molten-metal bath for dissociating the waste, containing a non-gasifiable impurity, and forming a gasified feed component, and a lance for injecting the waste into the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity of viscous petroleum liquids, such as heavy crude oil and bitumen, is disclosed. The method is appropriate for use with viscous petroleum liquids that contain sulfur-bearing heterocycles, the physicochemical properties of the heterocycles contributing significantly to the viscosity of the liquid. The method comprises contacting the viscous petroleum liquid with a biocatalyst that converts sulfur-bearing heterocycles into molecules that lack physicochemical properties condusive to viscosity. The biocatalyst works in a sulfur-specific manner, such that the sulfur-bearing heterocycle is altered at the sulfur heteroatom thereof. Through biocatalysis, carbon-sulfur bonds are cleaved and/or polar substituents such as hydroxyl groups are joined to the sulfur heteroatom, the hydrocarbon framework of the sulfur-bearing heterocycle, or both. Preferred biocatalysts for viscosity reduction include preparations of Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC No.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the volume of a radioactive composition by separating a radioactive first component from a second component of the radioactive composition. The method includes directing the radioactive composition into a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes a molten bath, wherein oxidation of a component of the radioactive composition in the molten bath will cause separation of the radioactive first component from the second component. An oxidizing agent is directed into the molten bath, which oxidizes a component of the radioactive composition, whereby the radioactive first component is separated from the second component. The net volume of the radioactive composition is thereby reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for treating liquid fuels to include precious metal catalysts dispersed within a liquid which is dispersed within the fuels. The precious metal catalysts are preferably present at a level of from about 0.005 to 0.5 ppm by weight of the treated fuel, and the liquid is preferably present at a level of from about 3 to about 15% by volume of the fuel. The fuel is treated prior to introduction into a chamber for combustion.