Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-concentration oxygen-dissolving apparatus using ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for removing acid gas from sour gas are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises an absorption zone. The absorption zone is configured for contacting the sour gas with an absorbent solvent that is at a first predetermined temperature of less than about 0° C. to remove the acid gas and form a treated gas stream that includes entrained absorbent solvent. A heat exchanger or heater is configured to heat the treated gas stream to a second predetermined temperature of greater than about 0° C. to form a partially heated treated gas stream. A water wash zone is configured for contacting the partially heated treated gas stream with water to remove the entrained absorbent solvent and form a solvent-depleted treated gas stream.

Abstract: A feed liquid flows into a second-stage humidifier chamber to form a second-stage humidifier bath. A first remnant of the feed liquid from the second-stage humidifier chamber then flows into a first-stage humidifier chamber to form a first-stage humidifier bath having a temperature lower than that of the second-stage bath. A second remnant of the feed liquid is then removed from the first-stage humidifier. Meanwhile, a carrier gas is injected into and bubbled through the first-stage humidifier bath, collecting a vaporizable component in vapor form from the first remnant of the feed liquid to partially humidify the carrier gas. The partially humidified carrier gas is then bubbled through the second-stage humidifier bath, where the carrier gas collects more of the vaporizable component in vapor form from the feed liquid to further humidify the carrier gas before the humidified carrier gas is removed from the second-stage humidifier chamber.

Abstract: A rectification column and system for the working-up of a vitamin E (VE)- and/or vitamin E acetate (VEA)-containing product stream includes purification of a vitamin E-containing product stream, acetylation of at least a part of the purified vitamin E and purification of at least a part of the acetylated vitamin E, the purification of vitamin E and vitamin E acetate preferably being effected by distillation, for example rectification.

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: A system and method of recovering heat and water from a slurry, such as tailings from oil sands extraction, is provided. The method includes providing the tailings to a humidification vessel, adding a sufficiently dry gas directly to the slurry in the vessel to form warm, water-saturated gas, such that heat and water are recovered from the slurry, removing the warm, water-saturated gas from the humidification vessel, providing the warm, water-saturated gas to a direct contact condensation vessel, cooling the gas in the condensation vessel to condense the water from the gas, thereby extracting water from the warm, water-saturated gas and recycling the dry gas, and recovering the water from the condensation vessel. Water which is of high quality, suitable for steam generation is obtained by a method in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A process for effecting mass transfer between a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in a filled-type column having an external shell which accommodates at least one filler-containing basket wherethrough the phases are caused to flow in countercurrent relationship. The process includes the step of feeding the gaseous phase to the at least one basket through a gas-permeable surface thereof which is larger than the basket cross-section, preferably in a prevailing radial flow direction.

Abstract: A system and a method for increasing the selectivity of H2S absorption in an aqueous amine treating processes for streams containing high CO2:H2S ratio mixtures in an absorption column by maintaining the temperature in the absorption column by withdrawing, cooling and returning cooled aqueous amine to the column at at least one location intermediate the sour gas inlet to the column and the lean gas outlet from the column.

Abstract: An apparatus for temperature control of biological/chemical samples employing liquid metal is described. A gallium-indium alloy may be used to provide excellent temperature control. Methods of using liquid metal to provide temperature control for biological/chemical samples are also described. A preferred use for the described liquid metal-heating apparatus is to provide precise temperature control for polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: The process uses a supply column and additional heat exchangers associated with absorption columns. Air and methanol from outside and a subcurrent of methanol, originating from a cold methanol current exiting from the supply column, are fed to the supply column. This exiting current recirculates through the additional heat exchangers and is divided into the subcurrent which returns to the supply column and another subcurrent which is fed to an evaporator. A methanol-air mixture exits from the head of the supply column and is fed to an evaporator. The cold methanol is cooled in the supply column by evaporation of the methanol forming part of the methanol-air mixture.

Abstract: Exhaust gases containing oxides of nitrogen and sulfur from a fired process heater, a fossil fuel fired boiler, or a chemical process are diverted from a stack prior to admission to the atmosphere through a duct system containing heat exchangers that reduce the exhaust gas from an elevated temperature, if any, to about ambient temperature. Any heat extracted from the exhaust gas may be transferred to the boiler feed water which would serve to reduce the energy cost of operating a boiler. Once the exhaust gas is cooled to about ambient temperature, the gas is then mixed with an oxidant, such as ozone, at a preselected molar ratio to transform the oxides to higher orders of nitrogen and sulfur oxides to increase the absorbability of the nitrogen and sulfur oxides in a reagent solution. The reagent absorbs the oxidized contaminants from the exhaust gas. The oxides are transformed to dilute acids which are then neutralized to form salts that are acceptable for discharge to a municipal waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating hydrocarbon gas containing carbonyl sulfide with hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis gas containing carbonyl sulfide hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide and formation of hydrolysis product gas, and for cooling the hydrolysis product gas with cool absorbent at cooling temperature, comprising (a) a hydrolysis section, (b) a cooling section; (c) a chimney tray positioned between the cooling section and the hydrolysis section; (d) a heater to heat the absorbent to form hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis reaction temperature; and, (e) a cooler to cool the absorbent withdrawn from the hydrolysis section to cool absorbent at cooling temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for treatment or refinement of organic or inorganic material. The apparatus comprises a gas washing unit, a first chamber formed at the bottom of the gas washing unit, a second chamber formed at the top of the gas washing unit, and a plurality of vertical pipes provided to communicate the first and the second chambers. A first group of nozzles is provided near the top of the first chamber, so as to define a first washing step for gas entering the first chamber. Then the gas enters the lower ends of the pipes towards their upper ends. The second group of nozzles are provided over the upper ends of the pipes so that the sprayed washing water falls down through the pipes and collects the impurities contained in the gas to form a second washing step.

Abstract: A heat exchange process and apparatus for supplying cool air or cool water to a location by cooling a recirculating working fluid utilized in the heat exchange process wherein a primary air stream or second working fluid is cooled by indirect heat exchange with the working fluid and wherein the working fluid is initially evaporatively cooled by heat exchange with a first waste air stream and subsequently divided into separate circulating circuits with a first portion of the working fluid further evaporatively cooled by a second waste air stream which has been indirectly cooled by indirect heat exchange with a second portion of the working fluid prior to the first portion of the working fluid being utilized indirectly to cool the primary air stream or a second working fluid.

Abstract: Exhaust gases from a process fired boiler are diverted from a stack prior to emission to the atmosphere through a duct system to a plurality of series connected heat exchangers. The exhaust gases are progressively reduced from an elevated temperature, for example in the range between about 350.degree.-525.degree. F., in stages to an ambient temperature of about 50.degree. F. At each stage heat from the exhaust gases is transferred from the gases to another medium, such as water, which is fed back to the boiler to reduce the energy cost of operating the boiler. At ambient temperature the exhaust gases are subjected to an atomized spray of a reagent solution that absorbs the contaminants in the exhaust gases. Absorption of the contaminants into solution with the atomized reagent spray is promoted by contact of the spray and exhaust gases on the surface of a fibrous batting.

Abstract: A continuous reactor system useful for treating petroleum oil in a multi-phase fixed bed catalytic reactor comprising a system for:feeding the oil and a reactant gas at production flow rates above a first bed of porous solid catalyst particles under conversion conditions for cocurrent downward flow therethrough, collecting and withdrawing the treated oil from the first bed and redistributing at least a portion of the treated oil to at least one succeeding catalyst bed while permitting the gaseous phase to flow directly to the succeeding lower catalyst bed, recycling a quantity of treated oil collected below a catalyst bed and reapplying the treated oil at a preceding redistribution zone above the bed from which treated oil is collected, whereby the total of oil production flow rate and recycled treated oil flow rate is maintained at a predetermined minimum sufficient to effect uniform catalyst wetting. This technique is useful for hydrodewaxing of oils over zeolite catalysts.

Abstract: An energy conservation system for cooling and conditioning air, particularly air at elevated temperatures which is discharged from the rotors of open-end spinning machines. The air is directed along a predetermined flow path in which a first stage cooling zone is established, which utilizes one or more cooling coils through which flow a heat exchange fluid that is cooled by an externally located cooling tower. The system includes a second stage cooling zone comprising an air washer in which water is sprayed into the air stream, such water being chilled in part by a mechanical refrigeration unit. The air washer preferably includes two spray pipes, one being located upstream of the other, with the downstream spray pipe receiving some liquid chilled by the refrigeration unit, and with the upstream spray pipe receiving its spray liquid from the discharge collected from the downstream spray pipe.

Abstract: Sulfur-laden liquid organic phase dimethyl polysulfide (DMPS) is caused to rise from a sour gas well by reaction of the gaseous sulfur component within the well with a sulfur solvent, typically dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). The DMPS is contacted by an extraction or stripping liquid in a vertical column continuous multistage countercurrent flow extractor especially designed to promote high interfacial area contact between the liquids while flowing in opposing directions within the column.

Abstract: By a process of cleaning flue gases, both solid particles and nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are removed from the flue gas prior to the discharging into the atmospheric air. In order to ensure that almost all the content of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides is removed from the flue gas, said flue gas is initially carried through a shower of aqueous liquid and subsequently through a heat exchanger, in which its temperature is lowered to about 20.degree.-30.degree. C., and then through a film of alkaline liquid, and finally through a second shower of aqueous liquid to pass a sulphuric acid neutralizing liquid in a container before the discharging into the atmospheric air. As a result a simultaneous possibility of utilizing the heat of the flue gas is ensured by means of the heat exchanger. A cleaning plant for carrying out the process comprises an apparatus (2), through which the flue gas cleaned of solid particles is carried.

Abstract: A system of apparatus is especially adapted to react gaseous contaminates of natural gas streams with a slurry of reactant particles and incorporates a contactor tower with a bottom gas inlet having a screen at its dynamic liquid level to confine downwardly a fill of packer-spacer material. Gas entering through the bottom inlet of the tower is divided by the packer-spacer material in tortuous flow paths maintained by the confining screen.In advance of the contactor tower, after an inlet scrubber, is a heater which elevates the temperature of the gas before it enters the contactor tower. This avoids formation of clogging hydrates and liquefication of the gas. Using an outlet scrubber assures against entrance of droplets of any liquid into the pipeline.

Abstract: High temperature thermal exchange between molten liquid and a gas stream is effected by generating in a confined flow passageway a plurality of droplets of molten liquid and by passing a gas stream through the passageway in heat exchange relationship with the droplets. The droplets are recovered and adjusted to a predetermined temperature by means of thermal exchange with an external source for recycle. The process provides for removal of undesired solid, liquid or gaseous components.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for converting sensitive organic compounds such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from liquid to vapor in admixture with a gas stream at super-atmospheric pressures with minimum decomposition and substantially without polymer formation. The acrolein and methacrolein partial pressures being up to super-atmospheric and those of acrylic and methacrylic acids up to about an atmosphere.An apparatus and a process are also disclosed for transferring a sensitive organic material in an energy-efficient manner from a low-pressure, high-temperature gas-vapor stream to a solvent for the sensitive material, and then to another gas stream at increased pressure.

Abstract: An air-to-air heat exchanger, comprising an array of stainless steel tubi arranged in a three-fold pass, is connected to the outlet of the combustion chamber of a liquid hydrocarbon-fueled, thermoelectric generator. Air enters the heat exchanger at the ambient temperature and is pre-heated up to 500.degree. C. At the same time, the temperature of the gases leaving the combustion chamber is reduced from 700.degree. C. to only 200.degree. C. This pre-heating of the air reduces fuel consumption, increases efficiency and makes it more difficult to detect the generator by means of its infrared signature.

Abstract: A method for vaporization of liquid hydrocarbon fuel wherein liquid hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with vapor to provide a vapor product which is heated. The heated vapor product is mixed with additional liquid hydrocarbon fuel to provide a second vapor product comprising vaporized hydrocarbon fuel. The heating of vapor product and mixing of additional liquid hydrocarbon fuel can be done until a desired amount of liquid hydrocarbon fuel is vaporized.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed for converting sensitive organic compounds such as acrolein, methacrolein, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid from liquid to vapor in admixture with a gas stream at super-atmospheric pressures with minimum decomposition and substantially without polymer formation. The acrolein and methacrolein partial pressures being up to super-atmospheric and those of acrylic and methacrylic acids up to about an atmosphere.An apparatus and a process are also disclosed for transferring a sensitive organic material in an energy-efficient manner from a low-pressure, high-temperature gas-vapor stream to a solvent for the sensitive material, and then to another gas stream at increased pressure.

Abstract: A liquid and a carbon dioxide containing gas are brought into intimate contact with each other while flowing countercurrently through a column divided into three contact zones. The liquid flows through the first contact zone at a relatively low temperature t.sub.1 to take up carbon dioxide from the gas, then through the second contact zone for delivering carbon dioxide and oxygen to said gas at a higher temperature t.sub.2, and finally through the third contact zone to take up carbon dioxide at a lower temperature t.sub.3 with respect to the temperature t.sub.2.

Abstract: This is a continuous process for producing a stream of purified and humidified fuel gas which may be burned in a gas turbine to produce mechanical work and electrical energy without contaminating the environment. In the process, a feed stream of raw fuel gas is preferably produced by the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel with a free-oxygen containing gas, optionally in the presence of a temperature moderator. The raw fuel gas stream is then preferably saturated with water during cooling and cleaning operations. It is then passed in indirect countercurrent heat exchange with a stream of purified fuel gas containing substantially no water. The latter stream was produced by cooling and purifying said raw fuel gas stream. At least a portion of the water which is condensed out of the raw fuel gas during said cooling operation is separated and revaporized into said purified fuel gas stream. The resulting stream of purified and humidified fuel gas may be used as fuel in a gas turbine.

Abstract: An improved reactor and method for use in solvent refining of coal, wherein the reactor is divided into a number of compartments and has an inlet port at the bottom thereof for receiving a mixture of a solvent, coal, recycle gas and hydrogen. The compartments in the reactor are defined by a plurality of vertically spaced, perforated plates, each plate having bubble caps in the perforations thereof to permit an upflow of the feed mixture in which reactions occur as the mixture passes sequentially through the various compartments and to form vapor zones below the plates. In one embodiment, a coolant from an external source is directed into the regions below at least certain of the plates to control the reaction temperature in the zone above the plates by cooling the feed to the next sequential zone. In another embodiment, a portion of the gas below each plate is removed from the housing, cooled and then returned to the compartment above the plate to cool the reaction therein.

Abstract: A humidifier for air or gas flow to the lungs heats the flow and saturates it with water vapor. Heated water injected into a humidifying passage flows down multiple paths in the gas stream. Heating of the water is shown on a localized basis at sterilizing temperature while over-all temperature is kept lower using a heater combined with the pump of the injection line. All surfaces of the humidifier are shown exposed to the water; the gas outlet connection is shown communicating with a space between the water paths and the reservoir, and directed toward the reservoir; and the humidifying passage is shown as a tubular column holding a mass of tangled inert filaments.

Abstract: Oil or fat is deodorized by contacting with steam. The oil or fat is finely distributed in a vacuum contact zone by spray means whereupon it contacts a steam vapor. The contacted oil or fat is then recycled in the same contact zone, finely distributed, and once again contacted with the steam vapor. The steam efficiently removes flavoring and scenting components and free fatty acids normally present in natural fats and oils.

Abstract: A combination humidifying and cooling apparatus and method. The humidifying section, including a liquid recycle line, is disposed outboard of a liquid cooling section. Air is directed into the humidifying section where it is humidified without significantly raising its wet bulb temperature prior to passing into the cooling section. This reduces the amount of water evaporated in the cooling section. By recycling liquid in the humidifying section, the solids content of the blowdown therefrom can be highly concentrated without adversely affecting the cooling liquid circuit.