Abstract: A composite fiber comprising sorbent particles (at 50 wt %) in a polymeric matrix that comprises a polymer or blend of polymers including at least one thermoplastic polymer, the extrudates being produced by thermal-induced phase separation or diffusion-induced phase separation from a dope suspension of the thermoplastic polymer, an optional solvent and the sorbent particles. The polymer or blend of polymers is able to withstand exposure to temperatures at or above 220° C. without experiencing significant detrimental effects upon the sorbent capacity of the sorbent particles. The fiber exhibits an elongation at break of at least 5%.

Abstract: A plurality of extrudates comprises sorbent particles (at 50 wt %) in a polymeric matrix that comprises a polymer or blend of polymers including at least one thermoplastic polymer, the extrudates being produced by thermal-induced phase separation or diffusion-induced phase separation from a dope suspension of the thermoplastic polymer, an optional solvent and the sorbent particles. The polymer or blend of polymers is able to withstand exposure to temperatures at or above 220° C. without experiencing significant detrimental effects upon the sorbent capacity of the sorbent particles.

Abstract: An air separation system includes an air separation module configured to receive feed air and separate the feed air into nitrogen-enriched air and oxygen-enriched air, a nitrogen-enriched air line for transporting the nitrogen-enriched air from the air separation module to a fuel tank for inerting, an oxygen sensing line connected to the nitrogen-enriched air line, a gas adsorption filter located in the oxygen sensing line, and an oxygen sensor downstream of the gas adsorption filter in the oxygen sensing line.

Abstract: A sulfur removal system including a first reactor and a second reactor that are located in series to one another each having an adsorbent that includes cobalt and copper on an activated carbon support, a method of desulfurizing a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream via the sulfur removal system, and a method of making the adsorbent. Various embodiments of the sulfur removal system, the desulfurizing method, and the method of making the adsorbent is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a wet desulfurization process using a suspension bed. The process comprises mixing desulfurization slurry with a hydrogen sulfide containing gas to obtain a first mixture, and passing the first mixture into a suspension bed reactor from bottom to top, with controlling the first mixture to have a dwell time of 5-60 minutes in the reactor to allow they contact and react sufficiently with each other; and subjecting a second mixture obtained from the reaction to gas liquid separation to produce a purified gas. The process of the present invention may reduce the hydrogen sulfide content in the hydrogen sulfide containing gas from 2.4-140 g/Nm3 to 50 ppm or less, so that the desulfurization efficiency is 98% or more. The process of the present invention is simple and reasonable, with high desulfurization and regeneration efficiency, simple equipment, little occupation of land and low investment, which is very suitable for industrial promotion.

Abstract: Provided is a renewable wet desulfurization process using a suspension bed, comprising mixing the desulfurization slurry with a hydrogen sulfide containing gas to obtain a first mixture, and passing the first mixture into a suspension bed reactor from bottom to top, with controlling the first mixture to have a dwell time of 5-60 minutes in the suspension bed reactor to allow they contact and react sufficiently with each other; and subjecting a second mixture obtained from the reaction to gas liquid separation to produce a rich solution and a purified gas, subjecting the resulting rich solution to flash evaporation and then reacting with an oxygen-containing gas for carrying out regeneration. The process of the present invention may reduce the hydrogen sulfide content in the hydrogen sulfide containing gas from 2.4-140 g/Nm3 to 50 ppm or less, so that the desulfurization efficiency is 98% or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and contactor vessel in which gas and liquid contact occurs to facilitate mass transfer therebetween. In one embodiment, the process includes a fluidised bed including mobile inert primary objects and secondary particles that facilitate turbulent mixing and enhanced gas/liquid surface area in the contactor.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes: a housing; a refrigerant circuit configured to allow low GWP refrigerant to circulate therethrough, the refrigerant circuit including a compressor having a variable operating frequency, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, which are provided in the housing, the low GWP refrigerant being flammable and having a value of GWP of 6 or less; a blowing fan, which is provided in the housing, and is configured to take in air in a room into the housing and cause the taken-in air to pass through the evaporator and the condenser before blowing out the air from the housing into the room; and a water storage tank, which is provided below the evaporator, and is configured to accumulate dew condensation water generated in the evaporator, a number of refrigerant paths passing through the evaporator being greater than a number of refrigerant paths passing through the condenser.

Abstract: Non-oxidative direct methane conversion (NDMC) to value-added products, such as H2, C2 hydrocarbons, and aromatics, occurs within a reactor heated to an elevated temperature. The reactor can have a first volume, where a feed gas including methane is provided, separated from a second volume, where a sweep gas is provided, by a dense thin film membrane supported on a porous wall. The thin film membrane is a mixed ionic-electronic permeable membrane that allows H2 generated in the first volume to be transported to the second volume for removal by (or reaction with) the sweep gas. A catalyst can be provided in or adjacent to the first volume. For example, the catalyst can be a metal doped quartz material (e.g., Fe(c)SiO2) or a metal/zeolite material (e.g., Mo/ZSM5). Methane conversion and/or product selectivity in the reactor can be manipulated by control of gas flow rates, reaction temperatures, and/or feed and sweep gas compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a high efficient desulfurization-regeneration system using a suspension bed, comprising a suspension bed reactor, a gas liquid separation tank, a flash evaporation tank and an oxidation regeneration tank that are connected in sequence, and a fixed bed reactor connected to the exhaust port of the gas liquid separation tank. The system adopts suspension bed to reduce the sulfur content in the hydrogen sulfide containing gas from 2.4-140 g/Nm3 to 50 ppm or less, and further reduce the sulfur content to less than 10 ppm in conjunction with a fixed bed. High efficient desulfurization is achieved by combining the crude desulfurization of the suspension bed with fine desulfurization of the fixed bed connected in series. The spent desulfurizer can be regenerated by reacting an oxygen-containing gas with the rich solution, and the barren solution obtained by the regeneration may be recycled for being used as the desulfurization slurry, without generating secondary pollution.

Abstract: Provided is a renewable high efficient desulfurization process using a suspension bed, comprising mixing the desulfurization slurry with a hydrogen sulfide containing gas to obtain a first mixture, and passing the first mixture into a suspension bed reactor from bottom to top, with controlling the first mixture to have a dwell time of 5-60 minutes in the suspension bed reactor to allow they contact and react sufficiently with each other; and subjecting a second mixture obtained from the reaction to gas liquid separation to produce a rich solution and a purified gas, feeding the purified gas into a fixed bed reactor for carrying out a second desulfurization to obtain a second purified gas, subjecting the resulting rich solution to flash evaporation and then reacting with an oxygen-containing gas for carrying out regeneration. The process may reduce the sulfur content in the hydrogen sulfide containing gas from 2.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated system for wet desulfurization using a suspension bed and regeneration, comprising a suspension bed reactor, a gas liquid separation tank, a flash evaporation tank and an oxidation regeneration tank that are connected in sequence. The integrated system is adapted to reduce the sulfur content in the hydrogen sulfide containing gas from 2.4-140 g/Nm3 to 50 ppm or less by using a suspension bed, so that the desulfurization efficiency is 98% or more. The present invention is adapted to realize regeneration of a spent desulfurizer by reacting an oxygen-containing gas with the rich solution, and the barren solution may be recycled for being used as the desulfurization slurry, without generating secondary pollution. Therefore, a process using the integrated system is simple and reasonable, with high desulfurization and regeneration efficiency, simple equipment, little occupation of land and low investment, which is very suitable for industrial promotion.

Abstract: Active catalysts for the treatment of a low temperature exhaust gas stream are provided containing copper oxides dispersed on a spinel oxide for the direct, lean removal of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas stream. The low temperature, direct decomposition is accomplished without the need of a reductant molecule. In one example, CuOx may be dispersed as a monolayer on a metal oxide support, such as Co3O4 spinel oxide, synthesized using an incipient wetness impregnation technique. The CuOx/Co3O4 catalyst system converts nitric oxide to nitrogen gas with high product specificity, avoiding the production of a significant concentration of the undesirable N2O product.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification material according to the present invention is provided with a particulate filter 10 that traps particulate matter in exhaust gas and contains an SCR catalyst for adsorbing ammonia and reducing NOx in the exhaust gas. A maximum allowable adsorption amount of ammonia adsorbable by the filter 10 differs between an upstream portion 10a of the filter 10 including an exhaust gas inlet-side end 10c, and a downstream portion 10b of the filter 10 including an exhaust gas outlet-side end 10d. The SCR catalyst contained in the upstream portion 10a and the SCR catalyst contained in the downstream portion 10b are qualitatively different. A ratio (B/A) of a maximum allowable adsorption amount of ammonia A in the upstream portion 10a and a maximum allowable adsorption amount of ammonia B in the downstream portion 10b satisfies the relationship 1.1?(B/A)?2.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for separation and/or purification of biomolecule(s) from a solution and for demineralization of a solution containing biomolecule(s) and ion(s). The methods and systems described herein include one or more ion exchange membrane(s), (e.g., ion exchange membrane(s) capable of water splitting), in an electrochemical cell, from which bound biomolecule(s) or ion(s) may be recovered from the membrane and separated from other components present in the solution by reversing the polarity of the electrodes. Using methods and systems described herein, biomolecules (e.g., whey proteins and lactose), and ions (e.g., milk salts), are able to be separated and recovered in their native forms with high biological value as premium food grade products. Methods and systems described herein offer a significant advantage over traditional processes used (e.g.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning water filtration membranes by treatment with a DNase containing cleaning composition. Optionally the composition also comprises a biocidal and/or other enzymes such as proteases. The DNAse may be derived from Aspergillus oryzae or from Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a method for fabricating a polymer membrane having open through holes, and membranes so produced. In some embodiments, a curable polymeric resin is introduced within a micro post structure wherein a material of the micro posts is soluble in a solvent and wherein the curable polymeric resin is insoluble in this solvent such that the structure can be at least partially dissolved to release the membrane once cured.

Abstract: A device and methods are disclosed herein for fluid removal during wound treatment or for removal or dialysis of components from blood or tissue. A device is disclosed that includes a multilayer membrane including a plurality of layers; an electroactive polymer within each layer; and a controller operably connected to sequentially activate the electroactive polymer to alter one or more sizes of the plurality of the variably-sized pores within one or more layers of the multilayer membrane. A device is disclosed that includes a multilayer membrane including a plurality of layers; an actuator operably attached to the plurality of layers of the multilayer membrane; and a controller operably activating the actuator to alter a relative lateral position of the two or more layers of the multilayer membrane to align two or more of the plurality of pores within the plurality of layers of the multilayer membrane.

Abstract: A method of producing a gas separation membrane, includes: an ultraviolet ozone treatment of irradiating a resin layer precursor which has a siloxane bond with light containing ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 185 nm and ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 254 nm to form a resin layer that contains a compound having a siloxane bond, in which a cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 185 nm is in a range of 6.0 to 17.0 J/cm2, a cumulative irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 254 nm is in a range of 120 to 330 J/cm2, and the compound having a siloxane bond contained in the resin layer includes a repeating unit represented by Formula (2) or a repeating unit represented by Formula (3).

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from an oil bearing formation including the steps of: i) recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil-bearing formation; ii) separating at least a portion of the oil from the oil-water mixture to form a produced water; iii) adding a polymeric alkylene oxide surfactant having a Mw of less than 10000 Da to the produced water; iv) passing the produced water through a polymeric membrane to form a permeate stream and a retentate stream; and v) injecting the permeate stream into the oil bearing formation.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant porous macromolecular PMMA filter membrane material comprises the following ingredients in parts by weight: 60-95 parts of PMMA, 60-90 parts of MMA, 0.5-25 parts of surfactant and 5-25 parts of water. The filter membrane material is simple in preparation process, and the prepared pressure-resistant porous macromolecular filter membrane material contains no bubble, has a uniform pore size, an adjustable micro pore size of 0.01-12 ?m, a special-purpose pore size of 13-80 ?m, a porosity of 20-38% and a water permeability rate greater than 20%. The filter membrane material has the characteristics of reusability, light weight, high mechanical strength, excellent impact resistance, high pressure resistance, low molding shrinkage, good water permeability, adjustable pore size and the like.

Abstract: An acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment means comprising polyethersulfone (PES) having dispersed therein hydroxy-sodalite (H-SOD) so as to form a membrane is described. The PES-H-SOD membrane is suitable for treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) by providing a filtration means to remove toxic chemicals, including but not limited to heavy metals. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing the acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment means.

Abstract: To provide a cell-trapping filter which has a high cell trapping efficiency and which is excellent in water resistance. A cell-trapping filter comprising a substrate and a cell-separating mechanism by size, wherein the substrate has, at least on its surface, a layer formed of a fluorinated polymer having units having a biocompatible group, having a fluorine atom content of from 5 to 60 mass % and having a proportion P represented by the following formula of from 0.

Abstract: An aerator for adding oxygen to a body of water. A pair of tubes is mounted to a plate, in turn, connected to a pair of floats suspending the aerator in the body of water. A source of pressurized air directs air flow through the tubes forcing water flow into the tubes and out vertical risers whereat the oxygenated water then falls back onto the body of water.

Abstract: A portable bubble water bottle of the present application includes a first space, a second space, an one-way gas valve and a gas bottle. The second space is located in the first space along the first projected direction. The one-way gas valve connects the first space with the second space. The gas bottle is located in the second space, and has a gas outlet connected to the one-way gas valve.

Abstract: A nano-bubble water generating apparatus containing an application gas includes a motor, a pump integrated with the motor for supplying liquid, typically water, from an inlet pipe under a predetermined pressure through a supplying pipe to a pressure tank, a nano-bubble water generating tube mounted at the water entrance of a pressure tank, an electronic control portion, a pressure adjuster including an outer air inflowing portion to introduce an outer air or a specific gas supplied thereinto to control a pressure in the pressure tank, uniformly and a pressure adjusting portion airtightly coupled on the upper portion of the outer air inflowing portion to adjust an amount of outer air or specific gas to be supplied, and a nano-bubble water expanding tube for expanding and shattering nano-bubble water through an outlet pipe from the pressure tank, so that the size of the nano-bubble water is better micronized.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for forming droplets includes at least one ferrofluid reservoir disposed in the microfluidic device and containing a ferrofluid therein. The microfluidic device includes a continuous-phase reservoir disposed in the microfluidic device and containing an oil phase therein and one or more microfluidic channels connecting between the at least one ferrofluid reservoir and the continuous-phase reservoir, the continuous-phase reservoir comprising a step region having an increased height as compared to a height of the one or more microfluidic channels. To form droplets an externally applied magnetic field is applied to the device to pull the ferrofluid into the continuous-phase reservoir, whereby droplets are formed at step region.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid ratio accuracy during a dual flow injection with a powered injection system is described.

Abstract: A manual mixer serves to facilitate mixing and agitating materials for use during surgery. For example, the manual mixer includes a body portion defining an interior area, a mixing assembly provided in the interior area of the body portion, a crank assembly for actuating the mixing assembly, and a valve assembly. The mixing assembly serves to mix and agitate the materials provided in the interior through rotation of a plunger portion and a spring attached thereto, and through upwards and downwards movement of the plunger portion in the interior area. Rotation of the crank assembly serves to rotate the plunger portion and the spring attached thereto, and effectuate upwards and downwards movement of the plunger portion. The valve assembly can be opened to facilitate dispensing of the materials from the interior area.

Abstract: Systems and methods include self-service and automated components for paint tinting.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for producing a play compound and the play compound itself which, in one embodiment is a compound which sufficiently fluid to be pliable and is typically cold and slimy to the touch. The apparatus and a method provide a powder and liquid to a user, which can be a non-skilled person and thereby allow the mixing of the powder and liquid together by that person to form the play compound outside of a factory environment whilst ensuring that the play compound which is formed has the desired characteristics. Most typically the user which performs the mixing can be the end user, such as a child, who will play with the compound and so the formation of the play compound forms a new part of the play experience.

Abstract: A wetting agent according to Formula (I): wherein R1 is selected from a branched alkyl group or linear alkyl group or a cycloaliphatic group or an aromatic group, each having 6 to 15 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R3 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R5 is selected from methyl or ethyl; x ranges from 0 to 5; y ranges from 0 to 10; z ranges from 1 to 10; with the proviso that when x ranges from 1 to 5, R2 is different from R3; and with the proviso that when x=0, R3 is different from R4. The wetting agent also imparts anti-foam properties to aqueous solutions while reducing surface tension.

Abstract: A steam reformer, with a combustion chamber, catalyst tubes arranged in several rows, with burners for heating the catalyst tubes, with feed conduits each for supplying the catalyst tubes with educt gas and the burners with air and fuel gas, with collecting conduits for discharging the product gas, with channels for discharging the burner waste gases from the combustion chamber, wherein the ceilings of the channels each are formed by the bottom or the ceiling of the combustion chamber, and wherein the channels for discharging the burner waste gases are designed such that the flow velocity of the burner waste gases is constant along the entire length of the channels, as seen vertically to the catalyst tubes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the flow and transport of catalyst particles within a reaction system. The flow of catalyst particles can be managed using a rotating disc or wheel that is configured within a roller volume to allow for control over the rate of catalyst flow while reducing or minimizing attrition of the catalyst particles. This can be achieved in part by maintaining a relationship between the center of the rotating disc, the inlet for catalyst particles to the roller volume, and the top wall of the roller volume so that catalyst particles are not exposed to compressive forces and/or abrasion during rotation of the disc. Additionally or alternately, the disc and roller volume surfaces can be configured to reduce or minimize the potential for catalyst particles to become trapped in “dead space” regions within the roller volume.

Abstract: In one aspects of the invention, a microcapsule includes a film encapsulating a material. The film is formed by complexation of at least two mutually attractive components initially present in an aqueous dispersion comprising a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The at least one first component is initially present in the continuous phase and the at least one second component is initially present in the dispersed phase. According to another aspect of the invention, provided is a process for forming microcapsules including the step of injecting a dispersed phase having at least a first component into a continuous phase having at least a second component, where the first component and the second component are mutually attractive, such that a film is formed by complexation of the first charged component and the second charged component.

Abstract: Provided herein is a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of microparticles containing a water-insoluble, solid, non-polymeric, organic active or functional material (M) and an aminoplast resin (A) which surrounds or embeds material (M). The process includes the following steps: i) providing an aqueous slurry of the material (M) in the form of coarse particles; ii) subjecting the aqueous slurry to shear forces such that the coarse particles of the material (M) are comminuted and an aqueous suspension of fine particles of the material (M) is obtained; and iii) performing a polycondensation of an aminoplast pre-condensate during step (ii) or in the aqueous suspension of the fine particles of the material (M) obtained in step (ii); wherein step (ii) is performed in the presence of at least one protective colloid and in the presence of at least a portion of the aminoplast pre-condensate subjected to the polycondensation of step (iii).

Abstract: A vessel system for high-pressure reactions is disclosed. The system includes a plugged polymer cylinder reaction vessel with a pressure vent opening extending radially through the wall of the reaction vessel and a supporting frame into which the vessel is received. Complementing keying structure elements on the vessel and on the frame limit the orientation of the reaction vessel in the supporting frame and the radially extending vent opening to a defined single position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to adjustable chromophore compounds and materials (e.g., ophthalmic lens materials) incorporating those compounds. The adjustable chromophore compounds include a chemical moiety that structurally changes upon exposure to predetermined electromagnetic radiation (e.g., two photon radiation) as well as lens materials, particularly intraocular lens materials that incorporate those compounds.

Abstract: A system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, an ultraviolet light source and a microwave source. The first chamber includes an inlet. The second chamber is adjacent the first chamber and includes an outlet and a waveguide. The ultraviolet light source resides within the waveguide of the second chamber. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A tower packing element (100), a tower packing (300), a packing tower, and a mixer comprising the tower packing element (100) are provided. The tower packing element (100) are manufactured by a deformed plate and comprises a plurality of strip assemblies (10) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the tower packing element (100) and a connecting plate portion (20) connected between adjacent strip assemblies (10). Each of the strip assemblies (10) defines a central passage (30) therein, and the central passage (30) is extended in a lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The connecting plate portion (20) is extended along the lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The adjacent strip assemblies (10) and the connecting plate portion (20) connected therebetween define a side passage (40) parallel to the central passage (30).

Abstract: A tower packing element (100), a tower packing (300), a packing tower, and a mixer comprising the tower packing element (100) are provided. The tower packing element (100) are manufactured by a deformed plate and comprises a plurality of strip assemblies (10) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the tower packing element (100) and a connecting plate portion (20) connected between adjacent strip assemblies (10). Each of the strip assemblies (10) defines a central passage (30) therein, and the central passage (30) is extended in a lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The connecting plate portion (20) is extended along the lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The adjacent strip assemblies (10) and the connecting plate portion (20) connected therebetween define a side passage (40) parallel to the central passage (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition (1) comprising an activated carbon (4) and a zeolite (2), the zeolite (2) comprising Fe ions. The invention also relates to an air filter (12) for a ventilation, heating, and/or air conditioning system comprising this composition (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a high performance thermoplastic polymer binder material for immobilizing adsorptive materials, such as activated carbon, in gas storage devices. The use of these binders, especially polyamide binders or polyvinylidene fluoride such as Kyblock™ resin, provides for high adsorbent packing density, low fouling solid structure that maximizes the volume of gas to the volume of the storage space.

Abstract: Porous materials (such as organic polyamine cage compounds) and methods of stabilising porous materials which are otherwise prone to pore-collapse are described. Such stabilisation is accomplished through the use of molecular ties to create bridges between reactive groups of a (potentially) porous material to thereby strengthen and stabilise the porous structure. The chemistry involved in, and the results of, the stabilisation of porous materials to provide a new sorption composition comprising the very materials which are generally prone to pore-collapse are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for adsorbents with stepped isotherms for gas storage applications.

Abstract: A bead comprised of a matrix of at least 50 wt % adsorbent particles and a thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers, the thermoplastic polymer or blend of thermoplastic polymers exhibiting a Vicat softening temperature of at least 240° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer with improved anti-caking, and according to the present invention, a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer that has properties equivalent to or more excellent than the existing superabsorbent polymer but has improved anti-caking, and thus, has excellent processability, and superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing iron-doped ruthenium-carbon support catalysts and also their use for the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds to the corresponding alcohols, in particular for the hydrogenation of citral to geraniol or nerol or of citronellal to citronellal.

Abstract: Described is a catalyst composition suitable for use as a selective catalytic reduction catalyst, including small-pore molecular sieve particles having a pore structure and a maximum ring size of eight tetrahedral atoms and impregnated with a promoter metal, and metal oxide particles dispersed within the small-pore molecular sieve particles and external to the pore structure of the small-pore molecular sieve particles, wherein the metal oxide particles include one or more oxides of a transition metal or lanthanide of Group 3 or Group 4 of the Periodic Table. A method for preparing the catalyst, a method for selectively reducing nitrogen oxides, and an exhaust gas treatment system are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a shaped Cu—Al catalyst body for the hydrogenation of organic compounds containing a carbonyl function. More particularly, the shaped catalyst body is suitable for the hydrogenation of aldehydes, ketones and of carboxylic acids or esters thereof, specifically of fatty acids or esters thereof, such as fatty acid methyl esters, to the corresponding alcohols such as butanediol. The present invention further relates to Cu—Al catalysts obtainable by the preparation process.