Abstract: Catalysts made by the Raney process (e.g., Raney process nickel) pelletized in matrix of polymer and plasticizer are activated by either (a) removal of plasticizer (e.g., by solvent extraction) followed by leaching out Al with caustic solution, leaving an active catalyst made by the Raney process in a polymer matrix; or (b) removal of plasticizer, then calcining to remove polymer, followed by leaching with caustic. The activated catalyst pellets have sufficient strength and attrition resistance for efficient use in fixed beds and packed columns for superior hydrogenation of toluene, heptene, butyraldehyde, and other conventional feedstockers used with catalysts made by the Raney process.

Abstract: Catalysts made by the Raney process (e.g., Raney process nickel) pelletized in matrix of polymer and plasticizer are activated by either (a) removal of plasticizer (e.g., by solvent extraction) followed by leaching out Al with caustic solution, leaving an active catalyst made by the Raney process in a polymer matrix; or (b) removal of plasticizer, then calcining to remove polymer, followed by leaching with caustic. The activated catalyst pellets have sufficient strength and attrition resistance for efficient use in fixed beds and packed columns for superior hydrogenation of toluene, heptene, butyraldehyde, and other conventional feedstockers used with catalysts made by the Raney process.

Abstract: A catalyst support is made with a bidisperse micropore size distribution. One region has small micropores with an average pore diameter of less than 100 Angstrom units. The other region has large micropores with an average pore diameter which is between 100 and 600 Angstrom units. By adding catalytic metals for desulfurization and demetallation, a hydrotreating catalyst is made which is able to treat heavy feeds containing large metal bearing molecules. In a preferred embodiment the desulfurization metals are placed in the small micropores and the demetallation metals are placed in the larger micropores.

Abstract: A boria promoted hydrotreating catalyst is made having a microporous region with high surface area for desulfurization and preferably a macroporous region to transport large metal containing molecules into the interior of the catalyst particle. The alumina support has 0.1 to 5% boria to form a hydrotreating catalyst which minimizes the formation of tetrahedrally coordinated boron. It is calcined to a temperature of 1400.degree. F. or less to maintain a high desulfurization activity. Conventional hydrotreating catalytic elements from Groups VB, VIB, VIIIB and VA of the Periodic Table are added. Less than 75% of the boron is in tetrahedral coordination as measured by Magic Angle Spinning .sup.11 B NMR.

Abstract: Surface active agent added to an acid-peptized alumina catalyst paste preserves macropores in the calcined particle.

Abstract: In the Improved Vacuum-Freezing High Pressure Ice Melting Process, an aqueous solution is flash vaporized under a reduced pressure to simultaneously form a low pressure water vapor and ice crystals. The ice formed is first purified in a counter-washer and then melted inside of heat conductive conduits under a high pressure (e.g. 600 atm.) and the low pressure water vapor is desublimed to form desublimate (ice) on the outside of the conduits. The latent heat of desublimation released is utilized in supplying the heat needed in the ice-melting operation. The desublimate is removed intermittently by an in-situ dissolution operation utilizing an aqueous such as the feed solution or the concentrate; about an equivalent amount of ice is formed inside of the conduits by an exchange freezing operation. The ice so formed is also melted by the high pressure ice melting operation described. The process uses components that are available commercially and can be reliably operated.

Abstract: This invention introduces a process and apparatuses for bringing a gas phase into contact with a liquid phase for an extended period of time and subjecting the phases to appropriate motions so as to accomplish efficient absorption and desorption operations and efficient pressurization and depressurization operations. The process is conducted in a processing system that comprises of many small compartments and a moving mechanism to which the compartments are attached. Each compartment has a confining wall to contain a mass of the feed gas and has an opening through which a liquid may be brought in contact with the gas to provide a gas-liquid interface. The processing system is submerged in the liquid phase and is divided into a first zone and a second zone; the compartments in the two zones are respectively subjected to a downward movement and an upward movement.

Abstract: Impact energy absorbing pipe restraints are provided which include a laminated strap for surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of a high energy pipe to restrain the movement of the high energy pipe in at least one direction during rupture. The laminated strap is formed of a ductile material, i.e., one having the property of substantial elongation in the plastic state, to absorb the impact energy of the ruptured pipe. Advantageusly, an elastic anchor means is affixed to the ends of the laminated strap to anchor the laminated strap about the high energy pipe and enable pivotal movement of the laminated strap relative to the high energy pipe to minimize any bending moment at the ends of the laminated strap, thereby minimizing any detraction in the allowable strain of the laminated strap.

Abstract: Impact energy absorbing pipe restraints are provided which include a laminated strap for surrounding at least a portion of the circumference of a high energy pipe to restrain the movement of the high energy pipe in at least one direction during rupture. The laminated strap is formed of a ductile material, i.e., one having the property of substantial elongation in the plastic state, to absorb the impact energy of the ruptured pipe. Advantageously, an elastic anchor means is affixed to the ends of the laminated strap to anchor the laminated strap about the high energy pipe and enable pivotal movement of the laminated strap relative to the high energy pipe to minimize any bending moment at the ends of the laminated strap, thereby minimizing any detraction in the allowable strain of the laminated strap.