Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid collection device (8), in particular a support collector unit, for collecting fluid flowing through a packing (4) of a material exchange column (1). The fluid collection device (8) includes a support ring (11), a plurality of support profiles (12-16) secured to the support ring (11) for supporting the at least one packing (4), and a plurality of collection channels (19-21) secured to the support ring (11) for collecting the fluid. The collection channels (19-21) are positioned in parallel to the support profiles (12-16) and the support profiles (12-16) are arranged in such a way that they are each arranged in a no-flow area (40, 41) of one of the collection channels (19-21).

Abstract: A device for the intimate mixing of solid particles and a gaseous medium within a gas-solid fluidized bed, comprising a plurality corrugated and/or ribbed planar stanchions arranged in alternating intersecting planes that provide a plurality of open spaces between or adjacent the alternating intersecting planar stanchions. The element has a three-dimensional lattice configuration and the corrugated and/or ribbed planar stanchions are formed from metal having peaks and valleys or ribs, such that the peaks and valleys or ribs are angled at less than 90 degrees from the fall-line of the planar stanchion when assembled into the element. The angled peaks and valleys or ribs form channels that enhance lateral movement of catalyst particles into the spaces between the stanchions to provide improved vapor/solids mixing and contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for separating a feedstock comprising benzene, toluene and C8+ compounds, by means of at least one “reformate” distillation column (C1), one aromatics extraction unit (P1), one para-xylene separation unit (P2), one xylene isomerization unit (P3) and one transalkylation unit (P4), the effluents of said units being separated in the following distillation columns: purification column (C6), deheptanizer (C7) and toluene column (C10), in which at least one of said distillation columns is suitable for being operated under vacuum so that: the majority of the C7? compounds are recovered in the product at the top of the distillation column operated under vacuum, and the majority of the C8+ compounds are recovered in the product at the bottom of the distillation column operated under vacuum.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for the solvent extraction of a substance from a material. The disclosed systems include multiple tanks and an extraction chamber in communication with the tanks. Solvent transport is accomplished by heating and/or cooling selected tanks to cause the solvent to be transported between tanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a column for carrying out thermal separations and/or chemical reactions, including a vertical cylindrical column outer wall that surrounds an inner chamber divided by at least one vertical separating wall into chambers, wherein the separating wall has at least two vertical separating wall elements that are arranged one above the other in the same plane, adjoin one another edge to edge, and are interconnected by at least one screw connection.

Abstract: A method for uniformly distributing a process liquid within a process vessel includes providing a process liquid to a fouling-resistant liquid distributor installed within a process vessel having a cross-sectional area; causing rotational movement of the fouling-resistant liquid distributor; uniformly distributing the process liquid over the cross-sectional area within the process vessel; and simultaneously self-rinsing the fouling-resistant liquid distributor with a portion of the process liquid during uniform distribution. A system is also disclosed which includes a supply of process fluid, a stationary conduit and a liquid distribution head attached to the conduit. The liquid distribution head is motive, powered by a fluid, and includes at least one process liquid delivery port. The at least one process liquid delivery port is configured to provide a +10° or greater angle of liquid coverage when the liquid distribution head is moving.

Abstract: The invention involves a scale collection device that is located within downflow reactor head for removing solids from feed streams to increase reactor operating cycle time without impact on effective reactor space for catalyst loading. More particularly, a filtering zone is located in an upper portion of a reactor vessel above a rough liquid distribution tray and a distribution tray.

Abstract: Multiple risers are provided to perform different steps in a biogas water wash process. The risers may include absorption risers, flashing risers, and stripping risers. In each riser, the inlets to provide fluids to the riser and outlets to remove fluids from the risers are provided at one end of the riser. Each riser may then be located substantially below grade such that the end with the inlets and outlets is accessible at or just above the ground level. The risers within each step of the water wash process may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. The risers may also be constructed of a polyethylene material to reduce cost and weight of the water wash system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimney tray (3) for a column (1) for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures, comprising a collecting tray (4) and at least two chimneys (5-1, 5-2) spaced apart horizontally in the collecting tray (4), where each chimney (5-1, 5-2) forms a vertically aligned chimney body (6-1, 6-2) which forms a passage orifice (7-1, 7-2) through the collecting tray (4), and has a cover unit (8-1, 8-2) arranged spaced apart from the chimney body (6-1, 6-2), and where the cover unit (8-1, 8-2) covers the respective passage orifices (7-1, 7-2) in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A particle separation system for a catalytic chemical reactor.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and processes are provided for a condenser including flowing a vapor stream including formaldehyde into a tube bundle in a vertical upflow reflux condenser, where a tube in the tube bundle has a length to outside diameter ratio of greater than about 170:1, flowing a cooling fluid on a shell-side of the vertical upflow reflux condenser to condense at least a portion of the vapor stream, where the condensed portion of the vapor stream forms a wetted tube internal surface area on each tube in the generally upright tube bundle; and maintaining the vapor stream velocity at a rate that provides a liquid residence time where formaldehyde condensed on the wetted internal surface area of each tube can react with water to form methylene glycol, removing at least sixty percent (60%) of formaldehyde from the vapor stream fed to the condenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a urea plant with a CO2 and a NH3 feed, which comprises a purge line, characterized in that the purge line is connected with a fuel gas input line of a utility plant or an NH3 plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of urea allowing a substantial reduction, even down to zero, of the continuous emission of ammonia conventionally resulting from such a process. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the urea-forming reaction from carbon dioxide and ammonia is conducted in a synthesis section that does not require passivation by oxygen. As a result of the absence of oxygen, a hydrogen-rich gas stream results from the synthesis section, that can be used as a fuel in an incinerator. In the incinerator, ammonia-comprising gas streams from the urea production process are combusted.

Abstract: A dual-camera apparatus derives dimensional measurements of an object. The apparatus comprises a pair of digital cameras each comprising a lens and capable of producing an image of the object. A ratio of known distance units to pixels is established for the apparatus and applied to images generated by each of the digital cameras. The lenses are spaced apart at a first known distance. In operation, the first known distance and the established ratio provide a trigonometric basis for ascertaining distances between at least two features on the object. A calibration template can be used to establish the ratio of known distance units to pixels. The object can be a human subject, and the at least two features can be associated with the human subject's eyes, the human subject's feet, and/or other human body parts. The disclosure also relates to a method in aiding in lens selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of carboxylic esters by reaction of carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic anhydrides with at least one alcohol selected from alkanols having at least 5 carbon atoms, cycloalkanols, and alkoxy-alkanols, in the presence of an acidic esterification catalyst. The invention further relates to the use of the resultant carboxylic esters as plasticizers or in a plasticizer composition for thermoplastic polymers and elastomers.

Abstract: An object is extruded to have the form of a cage, the cage defined by spokes corresponding to several extrudate streams. The spokes bound a hollow interior and extend between opposed hub regions where the spokes are fused together. In manufacturing the objects, ceramic material is extruded through multiple dies arrayed around an extrusion axis, the dies mounted to permit controlled movement of the dies during the course of extrusion to vary the position of extrudate streams exiting the dies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tray deck orifice device for use with a tray deck in a vessel. The repair device includes a flat member having a defined thickness and a void at a center thereof, and at least one anti-spin tab extending from an edge or edges of the flat member inwardly towards the void, wherein the repair device is designed to attach to the surface of the tray deck such that the void is aligned with a hole in the tray deck.

Abstract: A liquid mixing collector includes first and second sump zones, a first and optionally a second liquid collection region, first and second interspersed sets of spaced apart liquid collection channels positioned in the first liquid collection region, the first and second sets of collection channels being associated with the first and second respective sump zones, wherein adjacent liquid collection channel sets are vertically displaced in parallel horizontal planes. The invention also relates to the process of using the collector within a heat or mass transfer column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for restabilizing free-radically polymerizable monomers. The process comprises the steps: (a) introduction of a solution of an inhibitor of the free-radical polymerization by means of an inert pressurized gas into a vessel (1) comprising the monomers via a line (10) which comprises an ascending region, and (b) mixing of the contents of the vessel and the inhibitor solution by blowing gas through the line (10). In step (a), the flow velocity of the pressurized gas is set so that plug flow or annular flow is obtained as flow regime of the inhibitor solution and in step (b) the superficial gas velocity is set to ?0.1 mm/s. The present invention further relates to a supply unit (11) for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage degassing unit for degassing waste water, such as effluent from grain milling processes, through impingement upon successive impact plates. The degassing unit has one or more stages of impact plates, which alternate with redistribution trays that receive the waste water that impinges upon the impact plates directly above the trays and then redistributes the waste water through a plurality of apertures in the redistribution tray. The process of impinging the waste water against the impact plates, collecting the water, and redistributing the water into a plurality of streams may be repeated as necessary to sufficiently remove gas clinging to biomass in the waste water. This degassing will promote the settlement of the biomass for reuse in the water treatment process to reduce biological oxygen demand.

Abstract: A multiple downcomer tray and a tray column comprising the same are provided. The multiple downcomer tray comprises: a tray body; at least one anti-jump plate disposed on the tray body to divide the tray body into at least two sections; and at least two downcomer assemblies disposed corresponding to the at least two sections respectively, in which each of the at least two downcomer assemblies comprises at least one tray floor, at least one downcomer and at least one liquid receiving pan which are disposed parallel to each other, and the liquid receiving pan and the downcomer are positioned at two sides of the tray floor respectively.

Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses and methods for removing contaminants from gas streams are provided. In an embodiment, a vapor-liquid contacting apparatus includes a vortex contacting stage having a contacting zone bound by a wall and defining an axis, a radially inner region surrounding the axis, and a radially outer region adjacent the wall. The vapor-liquid contacting apparatus also includes a feed conduit configured to direct flow of a feed gas into the radially outer region of the contacting zone in a direction tangential to the axis to form a vortex. Further, the vapor-liquid contacting apparatus includes a liquid conduit configured to deliver a liquid absorbent stream to the radially inner region in the contacting zone.

Abstract: Trihalosilane refining device having a divided wall distillation column is disclosed. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: A contactor includes a random packing arrangement in several compartments. The compartments can be delimited by perforated plates or by structured packing walls. A heat and/or material exchange column is equipped with such a contactor. A floating structure includes such a column. A column equipped with such a contactor can be used for a gas treatment, CO2 capture, distillation or air conversion process.

Abstract: A spherical harmonic is defined which is an operationally optimal small finite subset of the infinite number of spherical harmonics allowed to exist mathematically. The composition of the subset differs depending on its position on virtual hemisphere. The subsets are further divided into small spherical tesserae whose dimensions vary depending on the distance from the hemispherical center. The images of the outside visual scenes are projected on the flat surface of the webcam and from there are read and recalculated programmatically as if the images have been projected on the hemisphere. rotational invariants are then computed in the smallest tesserae using numerical integration, and then invariants from neighboring tesserae are added to compute the rotational invariant of their union. Every computed invariant is checked with the library and stored there if there is no match. The rotational invariants are solely used for visual recognition and classification and operational decision making.

Abstract: A mixer includes a plurality of blades extending along a longitudinal axis. The blades are arranged in a single row, and are axially spaced from each other along a transverse axis. Each of the blades defines a window. Each of the blades includes an upstream portion, and a downstream portion. Each of the blades includes a bend at the window that forms an interior blade angle between its respective upstream portion and its respective downstream portion. The single row of the blades is arranged to include a first group of blades and a second group of blades. The interior blade angle of each of the blades in the first group faces in a first axial direction along the transverse axis. The interior blade angle of each of the blades in the second group faces in a second axial direction along the transverse axis.

Abstract: A gas and a liquid are contacted in an apparatus, comprising a housing provided with: a liquid supply; at least two inclined plates that have been arranged in series and that are on a liquid side in fluid communication with the liquid supply; and a gas supply that is in fluid communication with a space at the other, gas side of the plates; wherein at least some of the plates, preferably all plates are provided with gas passage openings, which openings have been arranged downstream of the gas supply and have been provided with projecting channels with downstream directed flow openings on the liquid side that is in contact with the liquid; and wherein the plates are configured such that liquid flows from one plate directly onto a downstream plate via a slit-formed passage in a substantially vertical downwards direction.

Abstract: Color calibration of color image rendering devices, such as large color displays, which operate by either projection or emission of images, utilize internal color measurement instrument or external color measurement modules locatable on a wall or speaker. A dual use camera is provided for a portable or laptop computer, or a cellular phone, handset, personal digital assistant or other handheld device with a digital camera, in which one of the camera or a display is movable with respect to the other to enable the camera in a first mode to capture images of the display for enabling calibration of the display, and in a second mode for capturing image other than of the display. The displays may represent rendering devices for enabling virtual proofing in a network, or may be part of stand-alone systems and apparatuses for color calibration.

Abstract: A process for the production of 2-butoxyethyl benzoate from benzoic acid and 2-butoxy ethanol wherein at least a portion of the crude reaction product is fed to a distillation column comprising a dividing wall or a pasteurizing section.

Abstract: A mixer for an exhaust gas treatment system includes a support body that defines a mixing chamber. A plurality of first blades is arranged in a row, and is disposed along a transverse axis. Each of the first blades extends from an upstream edge, toward a first lateral edge surface of the mixing chamber, to a downstream edge, at a first row angle relative to the transverse axis. A plurality of second blades is arranged in a row, and is disposed along the transverse axis. Each of the second blades extends from an upstream edge, toward a second lateral edge surface of the mixing chamber, to a downstream edge, at a second row angle relative to the transverse axis. The first row angle is less than the second row angle. The row of the first blades is axially spaced from the row of the second blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for a mass transfer column, having gas passage openings distributed over the tray (1), and having at least one baffle (11) for flow diversion of liquid flowing on the tray, it being possible for the tray (1) to be fed with a liquid via at least one entry (3). The tray has at least one entry (3), at least one separating weir (5), which separates the inflowing liquid into two streams, and at least two exits (12), or has at least two entries (3) and at least one exit (12) for the liquid, each stream flowing along a flow path (7; 9) to an exit (12). The invention further relates to a mass transfer column comprising the tray, and to a use of tray and mass transfer column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass transfer tray of a column with a liquid feed on the tray feed side and a liquid discharge on the opposite tray discharge side, and with multiple profile-shaped channels of a U-shaped cross section that are arranged in the tray between the feed and the discharge, parallel to one another and transversely in relation to the direction of liquid flow, and form between them gas passage slits which are covered over by elongated profile-shaped hoods, which have an inverted U-shaped cross section, wherein the side walls of the channels reach into the hoods, and so the channel side walls are covered over by the hood side walls by a height that is less than the height of the channel side walls and the height of the hood side walls, wherein the liquid flows alternately in opposite directions in the channels, and so in every second channel the liquid flows in one direction and in the channels lying in between the liquid flows in the opposite direction, and wherein the hoods are set higher t

Abstract: A separations tray assembly for use in a fluid-fluid exchange column. The separations tray assembly is of the type where a first fluid, in a continuous phase, is directed across successive trays in a serpentine flow path. A second fluid, in a dispersed phase ascends through apertures in the tray thus inducing interaction and mass transfer with the first fluid. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the separations tray further includes a diffuser skirt, having apertures disposed therein, operatively coupled to a fluid channel. The diffuser skirt is operable to direct the first fluid to cover substantially an entire volumetric cross-flow window between successive separations trays and to induce stirring and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to effect efficient mass transfer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for concentrating aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution to give at least two hydrogen peroxide streams of different concentration in an apparatus which includes a preevaporator (1), a distillation column (2) and a vapour compressor (3).

Abstract: The xylene isomerization process unit and the transalkylation process units are combined in the present invention. A fractionation column can be shared by the two units, reducing the capital cost of the complex. In some embodiments, a split shell fractionation column and a split separator can be used.

Abstract: A device (1) comprises a source (20) for emitting ultraviolet light, an inlet (30) for letting in fluid to the device (1), an outlet (40) for letting out fluid from the device (1), and means (51, 52) for performing a straightening action of a flow of fluid through the device (1). The flow straightening means comprise at least one flow straightening element (51, 52) having inlet openings for letting in fluid at one side and outlet openings for letting out fluid at another side, wherein each inlet opening is in communication with a plurality of outlet openings, and wherein the element (51, 52) comprises a maze of randomly arranged, interconnected holes. In such a structure, a water element that is moving from one side of the element (51, 52) to another side may take one of various paths, as a result of which variations in inlet conditions can be dampened.

Abstract: In a system for recycling a high-boiling-point waste photoresist stripper generated in processes of manufacturing LCDs or semiconductor devices, wherein an expensive high-boiling-point stripper solvent can be easily recycled at high yield and high-purity electronic grade. This system includes a first distillation device for removing low-boiling-point impurities, a second distillation device for recycling a stripper solvent composition while removing high-boiling-point impurities, a third distillation device for removing trace water, thus recovering the stripper solvent composition, a fourth distillation device for additionally recycling a stripper solvent, thus additionally recovering a high-boiling-point stripper solvent, and a fifth distillation device for sequentially and separately recovering the stripper solvent composition recovered by the second distillation device and the high-boiling-point stripper solvent additionally recovered by the fourth distillation device.

Abstract: For an n-component mixture (n?3), an array of new distillation columns is disclosed with vertical partitions that allow independent control of the vapor flowrates in each partitioned zone, while operating the columns to produce constituent product streams. Specifically, all such more operable columns with vertical partitions for ternary and quaternary feed mixtures are illustrated. For a ternary feed, through extensive computation, the minimum heat duty for each of the new columns is same as for the FTC configuration. The new columns with vertical partitions become even more attractive when the vapor split between column sections must be controlled within a narrow range. Finally, it is disclosed how a new column with vertical partition(s) drawn for an n-component mixture can be adapted to distil feed mixtures that contain more than n-components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum air gap membrane distillation system for desalination purposes. More particularly, this invention relates to a membrane distillation system with multiple cells in which the system's flux is increased due to the temperature and pressure differential within the system. The configuration of the vacuum air gap membrane distillation system allows for latent heat within the system to be recycled effectively reducing the energy consumption of the system.

Abstract: A two stage scrubber process for ethanol fermentation has a first stage using fusel oil to remove the hazardous air pollutants and recover the majority of the ethanol. A second stage uses water as the scrubbing solvent to recover any residual ethanol that is stripped from the first stage.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for forming C8 aromatic streams with selected amounts of C9 aromatics. In one embodiment, a method for forming a C8 aromatic stream with a selected amount of C9 aromatics includes fractionating a hydrocarbon stream including C8 and C9 aromatics into a sidedraw fraction and a bottom fraction. The sidedraw fraction includes a portion of the C8 aromatics and a portion of the C9 aromatics. The bottom fraction includes remaining C8 aromatics and C8+ hydrocarbons. The method further includes fractioning the bottom fraction and forming a heavy overhead fraction including the remaining C8 aromatics. Also, the method includes combining the sidedraw fraction and the heavy overhead fraction to form a combined stream having a C9 aromatics composition of from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt % about 2 wt % of a total weight of the combined stream.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for isolating C8 aromatics from hydrocarbon streams. In one embodiment, a method for separating C8 aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream includes introducing the hydrocarbon stream to a fractionation column at a feed point. Further, the method includes fractionating the hydrocarbon stream in the fractionation column. Also, the method includes withdrawing a sidedraw fraction from the fractionation column at a draw point located above the feed point, wherein the sidedraw fraction includes C8 aromatics.

Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: One of these distilling apparatus (10) comprises two columns, an evaporation column (14) and a condensation column (16), separated by a partition (18) equipped with rows of slits dividing them into 4 distillation stages. The evaporation column (14) comprises plates with hydrophilic or wettable faces, and the condensation column comprises rectangular hollow-plate (21) heat exchangers (221-6). Cold water ascends in these exchangers and saturated humid hot air descends in the condensation column (16). A perforated sheet (251-4) increases the uniformity of the partial airflows descending between the plates. The water is heated in a boiler (34); the hot water is scattered at the top of the evaporation column and the air cooled in the condensation column is sucked downwards by a fan (34). The air flows in a closed circuit. Performance is maximised, after the top temperature TE2 (45 to 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation. In particular it relates to distillation columns in which the feed stream is substantially liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or vaporizes more when it enters the column. More specifically, the feed distribution device contains a plurality of opening which allow the feed to vaporize inside the column and where the openings are maintained in critical condition during operation. Significant advantage is achieved through the implementation and use of the present feed distribution device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method producing a portioned column by forming a first segment and a third segment into arcuate segments, and attaching these arcuate segments to a second z-shaped segment to from two contiguous volumes with approximately semi-circular cross-sections that combine to form a partitioned, approximately cylindrical segment.

Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity n-butanol, and a method for the production of high-purity n-butanol by fractional distillation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which provides a dividing wall distillation column with crude n-butanol as a feed to perform a fractional distillation of n-butanol, and an apparatus thereof. The dividing wall distillation column of the present invention exhibits the effects of a two distillation column from only one distillation column, thereby reducing energy and the costs of installing the apparatus as compared to conventional distillation systems.

Abstract: A system and process for the preparation of high quality gasoline through recombination of catalytic hydrocarbon includes fractionator and extractor. The upper part of the fractionator is equipped with light petrol pipeline, the lower part of the fractionator is equipped with heavy petrol pipeline, the middle part of the fractionator is equipped with medium petrol pipeline. The medium petrol pipeline is connected with a medium petrol extractor, the upper part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol raffinate oil hydrogenation unit through the pipeline, the lower part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit through the pipeline.

Abstract: There are provided a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity acrylic acid, and a fractional distillation method using the same. The dividing wall distillation column includes a condenser, a reboiler and a main column having a dividing wall. Here, the main column is divided into a column-top zone, an upper feed zone, an upper outflow zone, a lower feed zone, a lower outflow zone and a column-bottom zone. Accordingly, since one distillation column can be used to realize the same effect as that obtained from the use of two distillation columns, the dividing wall distillation column can have an effect of reducing the costs of equipment to produce high-purity acrylic acid, as well as an energy-reducing effect, compared to a conventional process system.