Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus has, at least, a material gas supply system, steam generator, an air supply system, a reforming system including a reformer and a shift converter each incorporating a catalyst, a product hydrogen transporting system, and a reformer combustion gas exhaust system. The apparatus is characterized by further having a shift converter jacket surrounding the catalyst of said shift converter, a branch pipe branching from said reformer combustion gas exhaust system and leading to said shift converter jacket, and a change-over valve provided at a portion of said reformer combustion gas exhaust system where said branch pipes branches off said reformer combustion gas exhaust system. During the start-up of the apparatus, the combustion gas exhausted from the reformer is introduced into the shift converter jacket to heat the shift converter thereby realizing a quick start-up, i.e., temperature rise, of the reformer system.

Abstract: A process for rapidly sterilizing biological media, such as broths and gels used as incubation or growth media to test the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria, includes applying microwave radiation to such an aqueous biological medium contained in a microwave transmissive pressure retaining container, such as a capped cylinder made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which cap is preferably equipped with ports, by directing the microwave radiation responsive to container pressure through the container and onto the medium in such amount that the pressure in the container and the temperature of the medium are raised above ambient pressure and temperature, and maintaining such raised pressure and temperature for a short time, usually less than ten minutes, which is sufficient to sterilize the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a test liquid between chambers of a chemical reaction pack. The apparatus includes a series of actuation modules arranged in adjacent relationship to each other to define chemical reaction pack receiving stations therebetween. Each actuation module includes pressure applicators for applying external pressure to the chambers of the reaction pack and temperature control elements for heating and cooling the test liquid within the chemical reaction pack.

Abstract: A process for the detection of carbonyl sulfide in a gas such as carbon dioxide is provided. The process comprises providing a known volume of gas to be analyzed and removing any hydrogen sulfide from the gas as by passage through a lead acetate column. The carbonyl sulfide is then converted to hydrogen sulfide. Preferably, this is accomplished by passage of the gas through acidified water and subsequent reaction by contact with an alumina hydrolysis catalyst. The converted H.sub.2 S is then detected and measured. The amount of hydrogen sulfide detected represents an equimolar amount of carbonyl sulfide present in the original volume of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flue gas provided with a heater and an apparatus for removing NOx on the downstream side of an apparatus for removing SOx, where a heat exchanger for heat exchanging a treated gas from the apparatus for removing NOx with conbustion air is provided on the downstream side of the apparatus for removing NOx, whereby the waste heat of the treated gas can be efficiently utilized and the heat required for heating the flue gas can be reduced.

Abstract: The improved zone-melt recrystallization apparatus is comprised of a heating element having a plurality of individually controllable heating elements. The elements are heated in sequence to generate a melted zone within a semiconductor material which is translated across the material by heating then cooling adjacent heating elements to recrystallize the material.

Abstract: A self-regulating porous heater regulates the temperature of fluid passing through it. This device includes at least one layer of a porous material which has a magnetic permeability inversely related to temperature over a given range. Due to conductor skin effects, changes in permeability cause changes in the depth of penetration of alternating current passing through the magnetic layer. Changes in the depth of penetration, in turn, result in changes in resistance--the less the depth the greater the resistance--and in I.sup.2 R Joule heat. The combined result of these effects is to provide more heat where the temperature of the fluid and the layer through which the fluid flows is below a specified temperature which is related to the Curie temperature of the layer. Significantly, by properly defining pore dimensions, the heater device can filter contaminants from a fluid as it flows therethrough. In a preferred mode, a porous heater device is included in a chemical reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for indicating toxic substances in air that is supplied to accommodation used for personnel, preferably the cab of a motor vehicle, this having error compensation for humidity and temperature in one or a plurality of semiconductor gas sensors that are used, in which connection the sensor heating voltage is controlled to provide constant heating output and the sensor temperature pick up as well as the necessary amplifier (control stage) used to generate the temperature-varied heating voltage are arranged in a common housing, and that in the area of the sensors this housing is perforated.

Abstract: A system for visualizing the solid-liquid interface of a growing crystal in-situ using a modified vertical Bridgman crystal growth method. An infrared source emits radiation which passes through a furnace window, the crystal material and the growth ampoule which are all transparent to the radiation and is picked up by an IR camera focused on the solid-liquid interface. The IR camera produces radiographs of the solid-liquid interface. The system provides in-situ operation by every radiograph being converted into a visible image in real time by the output from the camera fed to an image processor, including a television monitor and a VHS recorder. A feedback means from the image processor controls the parameters of the growth process such as the furnace temperature and the movement of the growth ampoule.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a low temperature environment at a substantially constant and uniform temperature. A closed chamber is provided with an inlet and outlet. The chamber is operated at subatmospheric pressure. Steam is introduced into the chamber for providing the heating environment at a preselected temperature. A vacuum is applied to the chamber to regulate the steam about its saturation point for a preselected temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving the transportability of a hydrocarbon stream by reducing its viscosity. The apparatus comprises a reactor vessel useful for providing an incremental amount of heat to a hydrocarbon stream by the introduction of an oxidizing agent into the core portion of the stream. The reactor comprises an influent conduit and an effluent conduit in heat exchange relation with each other, at least one oxidant injection nozzle located in either or both the influent and/or effluent conduits, a conduit to transport oxidant to the nozzles and a valve in the oxidant conduit to control oxidant flow to the nozzles. The reactor can also contain temperature monitors in the influent and/or effluent conduits and an oxidant flow controller device responsive to output from the temperature monitors and adapted to adjust oxidant flow to maintain temperatures in the reactor reaction zone within a preselected range.

Abstract: An autoacceleration control for a catalytic hydrocracker wherein, by means of a model of the reactor, there is generated a signel predicting the reaction temperature and means under the control of the signal adjusting the rate of application of a corrective agent to thereby inhibit auto acceleration of the hydrocracker.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the internal force characteristics of a blood sample (12) during clotting has been developed. The blood sample (12) is held between a cup (10) and a plate (16). The plate (16) is connected to a force displacement transducer (22). As the clot forms, platelets contract and exert an inward pulling force on the plate (16). This inward pulling force is sensed by the transducer (22) which outputs a corresponding voltage signal. The voltage signal is amplified (24) and recorded on strip chart paper (28). The voltage signal (32) can be directly translated into force parameters by first calibrating the instrument with standard weights. It has been found that the maximum force measurements are obtained under controlled temperature, ionic strength and calcium concentration conditions which approximate those of the blood while in the body. A particular feature of the invention includes a water jacket (14) which is used to maintain the temperature of the blood sample (12) at 37.degree. C.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the thermal incineration of oxidizable substances in a process gas are proposed, whereby the process gas is conveyed through an afterburning apparatus (10) comprising, inter alia, a combustion chamber (18) chamber and a process gas outlet (24) in order to remove purified exhaust gas from the process gas outlet (24), and to mix said purified gas in which the process gas in order to maintain a constant concentration of the process gas.

Abstract: Cooling water is circulated through the heating water jacket of a gas sterilizer during the initial gas pressurization phase to reduce the temperature rise within the sterilization chamber caused by the heat of compression of the gas.

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of chemical reactions, microbial fermentations, and other processes of industrial importance is described. The present invention also relates to a method of operation of this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing objects to saturated steam at subatmospheric pressure is computer controlled during a conditioning phase prior to the commencement of an exposure phase to apply vacuum to a sealed chamber while steam is simultaneously being injected to that chamber. The fluid stream flowing through the chamber sweeps air and condensate from the chamber and creates a partial vacuum within the chamber. The steam flow rate is controlled to establish the desired exposure temperature within the chamber. Vacuum is controlled to establish an exposure pressure at which steam is saturated at the exposure temperature. The exposure phase commences after the exposure temperature and pressure are established within the chamber.

Abstract: A multitubular catalytic reactor for exothermal catalytic reactions comprises a bundle of parallel tubes all of the same length and a catalyst within the tubes. The tube bundle has an inlet side and an outlet side. Devices are provided for introducing separately reactants to within the tubes of the reactor and coolant to the channels defined between adjacent tubes of the bundle. The coolant is introduced into the channels co-currently with the direction of flow of the reactants. The products are withdrawn from the tubes independently of the coolant. The reactor is particularly adapted to a single stage conversion of methanol into gasoline boiling point range constituents using crystalline aluminosilicate catalysts.

Abstract: A cooling fluid is utilized to withdraw heat from a KOH treater. The passing of the cooling fluid in heat exchange with the KOH treater is controlled so as to maintain desired operating pressures for the cooling fluid and also to substantially maximize heat transfer. Bypassing of the feed around the KOH treater to prevent temperature runaway is utilized only if sufficient cooling cannot be provided by the cooling fluid to prevent temperature runaway.

Abstract: An automatically controlled recirculating high velocity hot air sterilization device includes a housing having a sterilization chamber with a temperature sensor mounted therein, a hot air plenum including a blower in fluid communication with a heating element and sterilization chamber for inputting hor air into and receiving hot air from the sterilization chamber for recirculation, and a control chamber having a temperature sensing circuit connected to the temperature circuit for producing electrical inputs representative of the sterilization chamber temperature, power circuits connected to the heating element and blower, a controller connected to the temperature sensing circuit for monitoring the temperature, and to the heating element and blower circuits for controlling their operation, and a control panel including cycle selection switches for operation, an on/off switch, and temperature and timer/error displays.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a single crystal of compound semiconductor consisting of Ga and As comprises a crucible storing Ga and having a seed crystal arranged at a lower end portion thereof a gas material susceptor, arranged below the crucible, for storing As, the gas material susceptor and the crucible being arranged in a growth susceptor to be capable of communicating with each other, a main heater for heating and melting Ga in the crucible and for cooling the melt Ga from a lower portion thereof to grow a single crystal, a sub heater for heating and evaporating As in the gas material susceptor and allowing the evaporated As to react with the melt Ga in the said crucible, and a magnetic field applying coil for applying a vertical magnetic field in the melt Ga and As in the crucible so that a surface of the melt in the crucible which is grown to a single crystal is lower in temperature at a central portion thereof than a peripheral portion thereof in a radial direction and at the same time projects upw

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of chemical reactions, microbial fermentations, and other processes of industrial importance is described. The present invention also relates to a method of operation of this apparatus.

Abstract: A microprocessor controls a heater which generates steam inside the sealed chamber of a sterilizer. During that portion of the sterilizer cycle wherein sterilizing conditions are trying to be attained, the microprocessor monitors both the temperature and pressure levels inside the chamber by controlling the heater and waits until both variables reach predetermined levels before starting a sterilize timer. Once the timer is started, it is stopped if the level of either one of the temperature or pressure variables drops below a predetermined minimum value which, in the preferred embodiment, air their optimum values. While the sterilize timer is timing, the pressure level rather than the temperature level is used by the microprocessor to control the heater. These features allow a more reliable and accurate control of the generation and maintenance of sterilizing conditions inside the chamber, resulting in greater assurance of complete sterilization while minimizing the expenditure of time and energy.

Abstract: A continuous process for alkylating an alkylatable hydrocarbon in the presence of a acid-type catalyst in which the alkylatable hydrocarbon is contacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst in a reaction zone so as to alkylate the alkylatable hydrocarbon. The reaction product is separated in an acid settler vessel into an alkylate product phase, located in the upper portion of the first separation zone, and a catalyst phase located in the lower portion of the first separation zone. The catalyst phase is further separated into a first portion and second portion, such that the first portion is cooled and recycled for use in the alkylation reaction zone as a catalyst recycle, and the second portion is passed into a second separation zone, wherein the catalyst phase is further separated into a rerun catalyst stream containing acid-type catalyst and an acid soluble oil stream. The rerun catalyst stream is passed into the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel.

Abstract: The control system includes a master loop for controlling crystal interface diameter and slave control loops for controlling the melt and the crystal thermal environment. Diameter and meniscus angle signals are partitioned into both a low frequency and a high frequency signal. The low frequency signal is used to adjust the set point of the melt. The higher frequency signal is used to control the crystal pull rate. The crystal control slave loop regulates crystal heat flux which may include following a heat flux trajectory. The heat flux trajectory may also be used to adjust the melt temperature set point.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an improved heat activated dispenser for releasing a vaporizable material into the ambient atmosphere. The inventive heat activated dispenser is made of a material which imparts excellent thermal insulating properties which control the rate of vaporization and provides a long useful life of the dispenser. Due to the novel use of absorbent compactable materials, such as synthetic silicates, the present invention utilizes no binders and substrates. Rather, the dispenser, according to the present invention, is an integral self-supporting structure. The nature of the absorbent compactable material used, makes the use of a novel method of manufacture especially advantageous. According to the novel method of manufacture, there is provided a compaction apparatus for compacting the absorbent compactable material, such as synthetic silicate, into the integral self-supporting structure of the heat activated dispenser.

Abstract: A vacuum vapor transport control system and method for controlling the rate of vapor flow from a reagent reservoir into a vacuum system through an orifice calibrated as to size or flow rate using a high purity fixed gas and vapor provided from multiple reservoirs or mixed vapor provided from a single reservoir.

Abstract: A system for recovering vapor, such as residual isobutane, from powder, such as polyethylene powder, comprises surge vessel and a two-compartment purge column. The polymer passes through the surge vessel by means of valves such as ball valves on the inlet and outlet of the surge vessel. Hot vapor, such as isobutane, is used to strip a large portion of the residual isobutane from the polyethylene in the top section of the purge column. Part of the isobutane leaving the column goes to a hydrocarbon recovery section and part is heated and recycled as the stripping medium. In the bottom section, nitrogen is used to strip the remaining isobutane from the polymer. An analyzer controller sensing nitrogen in the isobutane stream to recovery controls pressure in the bottom section by manipulating a valve in the nitrogen off-gas line form the bottom section to control the nitrogen content of the isobutane stream being recycled as stripping medium.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a reaction apparatus having an externalized heat exchange mechanism by which heat may be added to or withdrawn from a reactant mixture. In one aspect, the present invention includes a cased well which extends approximately 5000 feet vertically into the earth in which at least one reaction vessel is suspended from a support plate at substantially ground level surface. The reaction vessel comprises an outer closed-end tube in which an inner open-end tube is disposed in a concentric manner to define an annulus which is in flow communication with the bore of the inner tube. Substantially parallel to the reaction vessel and also suspended from the ground level support plate, is a conduit which extends into the chamber defined by the well-casing.

Abstract: Rotation driving apparatus usable with a rotary evaporator for holding a sample vessel in a water bath. The driving apparatus includes a stator supported by an elevating member mounted alongside the water bath, and a rotor mounted on the inside of the stator. A hollow support shaft is mounted within the rotor, and the sample vessel is detachably connected to one end of the support shaft. A concentrator can be connected to the other end of the support shaft, for fluid communication with the sample vessel through the hollow support shaft. The support shaft is affixed to the rotor, so that the sample vessel and concentrator are rotated as the rotor turns. A slitted disk is supported by the rotor, and a photosensor produces signals in response to relative movement of the slits. These signals are used for controlling the rotation of the driving apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature control process is disclosed for a hydrocarbon conversion process wherein a feedstock is heated in a furnace and is partly converting in a first reactor, the effluent from the first reactor is cooled in a first heat exchanger and by adding a quench, then the cooled effluent is converted in a second reactor, and the effluent from the second reactor is cooled in a second heat exchanger. Part of the pre-furnace feedstock is used as coolant for the two heat exchangers, the amount of coolant being controlled by a first bypass valve for a line bypassing both heat exchangers and by a second bypass valve for a line bypassing only the second heat exchanger. The inlet temperature for the second reactor is controlled while maximizing the pre-furnace feedstock temperature by adjusting the valve for quench and the two bypass valves.

Abstract: For parallel heat exchangers, one using a more preferred heat exchange medium as a heat exchange source and another using a less preferred heat exchange medium, maximum use of the more preferred heat exchange medium is used prior to use of the less preferred heat exchange medium in achieving a desired total heat exchange through the parallel heat exchange system. In employing such a heat exchange system in a cracking process it is combined with individual control of flows of feed fluid and diluent fluid to a plurality of individual cracking tubes in a cracking furnace to maintain a desired mass flow of feed fluid and ratio of mass diluent fluid to steam fluid to each such cracking tube.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed there is immersed an internal heat-exchanger connected to a heat-transfer fluid discharge line which feeds an external heat-exchanger fitted in a fluidizing gas delivery line with a by-pass line connected to a flow-control valve so that the heat withdrawn from the fluidized bed and not used is reintroduced therein by means of the fluidizing gas.

Abstract: The operation of a fluid-bed reactor in which the catalyst has a proclivity to stickiness deleterious to efficiently carrying out a reaction of the gaseous components fed to the reactor, is controlled by monitoring the fluctuations in temperature at various locations in the bed, and computing the standard deviation of temperature at predetermined intervals of time. When the fluid-bed consists essentially of a supported catalyst performing at peak efficiency, near which it has a proclivity to "stickiness", slight fluctuations, less than 1.degree. F., of operating temperature are correlatable to the quality of fluidization and the risk of an uncontrollable upset in the reactor.

Abstract: A system for removal of oxides of nitrogen from the waste gas produced by various combustion processes discloses thoroughly mixing the waste gas with ammonia by means of a static mixing element and then passing the resultant mixture through a catalytic reactor. The ammonia may be supplied by reacting a portion of the waste gas with natural gas in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: In a heat exchange unit that recovers waste heat from carbon black smoke by preheating oxygen-containing gas such as air being passed to a carbon black producing reactor, a control loop is provided that automatically diverts the oxygen-containing gas being preheated through a by-pass line if the temperature of the effluent smoke being removed from the heat exchange is below a minimum temperature value in order to minimize the deposition of carbon on the heat exchange surfaces in said heat exchange zone.

Abstract: A sterilizing device includes a heating chamber having a reservoir containing a substantially inert, vaporizable liquid having a boiling point sufficiently high to kill microorganisms unsafe for humans. The sterilizing liquid is heated to boiling by a heater submerged therein. The articles to be sterilized are placed in a perforated tray located in the chamber above the reservoir and are contacted by a blanket of substantially saturated vapors of the sterilizing liquid. A temperature controller turns the heater off and on in response to the vapor blanket rising to and falling below a predetermined level above the tray. A counter counting the number of electrical impulses or cycles thereafter transmitted to the heater turns off the heater after a predetermined number of such cycles and a fan or similar cooling apparatus is energized to cool the chamber and condense the vapors.

Abstract: A delayed coker control system wherein the hydrocarbon feed flows to the coker furnace is automatically limited to the lowest of the maximum allowable flows to avoid furnace zone flooding, an air-limited furnace and overfilling of the coke drum in the cycle time. Flows among the separate furance zones are adjusted to balance heat loads on each stream and to redistribute excess flow to non-flooding zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing sterile air comprises a sterilizing filter for filtering microbes in air and an air heater for heating the filtered air for its sterilization. There is provided means for disposing of the sterile air from the air heater at an initial stage of production of the sterile air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating the temperature and pressure of the hydrocarbon phase in an acid settler vessel associated with a catalytic alkylation process and apparatus, wherein the hydrocarbon phase in the acid settler vessel is regulated by controlling the amount of rerun catalyst stream entering the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel. In response to a detected temperature or pressure of the hydrocarbon phase above a set point, the flow of rerun catalyst stream to the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel is decreased. This decrease in flow to the hydrocarbon phase may be accompanied by an increase in flow of rerun catalyst vapor to the catalyst phase of the acid settler vessel.

Abstract: A isothermal rebreathing apparatus and method for collecting human breath samples for chemical analysis of the ethyl alcohol content wherein the breath samples are obtained from a subject repetitively exhaling into the inhaling from an enclosed, flexible, variable volume, bag-like collection receptacle which is heated to maintain the breath sample enclosed therein at a prescribed temperature, preferably at or near the subject's body temperature, before extracting the breath sample for subsequent chemical analysis. The collection receptacle may be enclosed by an airtight chamber including heaters therein to warm the air around the collection receptacle in order to regulate the temperature of the breath sample therein. A bellows section in fluid communication with the heating chamber allows for inflation and deflation of the flexible collection receptacle while located in an airtight environment.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a tubular polymerization reactor having a feed line for a raw material to be polymerized, a cooling circuit for cooling the reactor with a flow of coolant and exit line for a product polymerization, comprises a quality sensor for sensing the actual quality of the product in the exit line, a quality controller for receiving a desired product quality set point and comparing it with the actual quality of the product to generate a desired temperature value for the reactor, temperature sensors for determining the maximum temperature of the reactor and a temperature controller for controlling the amount of coolant supplied to the reactor by the cooling circuit. The temperature controller compares the maximum temperature of the reactor with a desired temperature value therefor corresponding to the desired quantity to control the cooling circuit accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically constructing a polypeptide of high purity, up to 50 amino acids in length, using only single couplings. The apparatus includes an activation system for receiving protected amino acids, one kind at a time, having a common vessel (an activator vessel) in which to activate each of the amino acids. Also included is a reaction vessel for containing a resin used in solid-phase peptide synthesis for attaching a peptide chain thereto. A transfer system is also provided, which operates under control of a computer, to transfer the activated species from the activation system to the reaction vessel and to transfer amino acids, reagents, gases, and solvents from one part of the apparatus to another.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a GaAs single crystal by relying on the floating zone technique in a cylinder charged with a GaAs polycrystal and a GaAs single seed crystal, comprising an As container communicating with the interior of the cylinder to supply an optimum vapor pressure of As into the cylinder under the condition that a continuous temperature variation is established between this As container and the GaAs crystals charged in the cylinder, whereby a GaAs single crystal having little deviation from stoichiometry and having a good crystal perfection is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking-dehydration and sterilization-drying of organic wastes, comprises a chamber (1) heated by a double walled enclosure (2) that communicates with fire tubes (3), the enclosure (2) receiving hot gases from a firebox (4). The hot gases pass through conduits (5) to diffusion nozzles (6) immersed in the products (7) to be dried. Some of the combustion gases are recycled by a ventilator (8) via a conduit (9) and a cyclone (10) to the firebox (4). The ventilator (8) draws in fresh air through a preheating heat exchanger (11) that is heated by the combustion gases which are then vented.

Abstract: A temperature sensor/pressure relief valve has a sensing end positioned within the pressure chamber of a sterilizer and an exhaust end positioned outside the pressure chamber. The temperature sensor is cooperatively adapted to a terminal apparatus at the sensing end to form a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: In a chamber (24) in a pressure vessel, e.g. an autoclave (10), articles (26) are heat-treated by water, which is sprayed over the articles through nozzles (20) and supplies heat to or removes heat from the articles. Simultaneously, a gaseous medium, e.g. a mixture of steam and air, is forced by an impeller (34) to flow through the articles in countercurrent to the water. By this a very even temperature distribution of the articles in the chamber (24) is obtained.

Abstract: Diameter control in an apparatus and method for growing crystals using the Czochralski technique is accomplished by progressively measuring both the temperature of the melt by a heat sensor and the weight of the residue of the melt in the crucible by a suitable weighing device. The weight measurement data is fed to microprocessor having a control algorithm. The microprocessor output and temperature measurement output are fed to a three-term temperature controller which regulates the temperature of the melt to thereby control automatically the diameter of the crystal. The relationship between an error in weight and the amount of temperature regulation is varied in accordance with a desired weight.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mass polymerization of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mass polymerization of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers. The process comprises the steps of continuously introducing a feed comprising a predetermined ratio of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers into a reaction vessel to produce a reaction mixture; subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions of temperature and pressure under which said monomers copolymerize to produce a styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer; subjecting the reaction mixture to sufficient agitation; continuously withdrawing styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer from the reaction vessel; and devolatilizing the styrenic/alkenylnitrile withdrawn from the reaction vessel by a two-stage procedure including first adjusting the ratio of styrenic to alkenylnitrile monomer therein followed by heating to volatilize the volatile components and then separation of volatile components.