Abstract: Coal is catalytically hydroliquefied by passing coal dispersed in a liquefaction solvent and hydrogen upwardly through an expanded catalyst bed in a stream having a cross-sectional flow area of no greater than 255 inches square, with the stream through the catalyst bed having a length and a liquid and gas superficial velocity to maintain an expanded catalyst bed and provide a Peclet Number of at least 3. If recycle is employed, the ratio of recycle to total feed (coal and liquefaction solvent) is no greater than 2:1 based on volume. Such conditions provide for improved selectivity to liquid product to thereby reduce hydrogen consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing physical and/or chemical processes involving at least one liquid, e.g. a heat exchanger, has a plurality of vertical tubes opening at their top and bottom ends into top and bottom chambers respectively. Particulate material in the tubes and the chambers is fluidized by the upward flow of liquid in the tubes. To prevent inefficient circulatory flow of the particles caused by downward movement of the particles in one or more of the tubes, there is provided, in at least one of the top and bottom chambers, means for hindering the transverse movement of the particles in the chamber. Such means may be loose balls made of wire mesh of a size large enough to allow passage of particles through the ball under normal conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually monitoring the fluidized bed of a resin ion exchanger. The method includes establishing a sample fluidized bed displaced from, but in fluid communication with, the resin ion exchanger fluidized bed and supplying a quantity of exchanger process solution in a controlled manner to the sample fluidized bed such that the sample fluidized bed represents among other exchanger fluidized bed characteristics the exchanger fluidized bed height. The apparatus includes a monitor having a transparent sampling column in fluid communication with the exchanger fluidized bed and a regulator in fluid communication with the exchanger and the sample column for establishing a solution sample for supply to the sample fluidized bed. The regulator includes an orifice for controlling the flow rate of solution sample supplied to the sample fluidized bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for liquid/solid contact including apparatus for single or multiple fluidized beds provided with one or more trays having a number of inverted frustum-shaped depressions with an opening located therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of utilization for controlling exothermic reactions such as the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons are discussed. More particularly, the arrangement of apparatus comprising heat exchange tubes and open end baffle tubes for maintaining the hydraulic diameter within restricted limits during contact between vaporous reactant and a fluid bed of catalyst is discussed.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing vinyl chloride monomer characterized by conjoint chlorination and dehydrochlorination reactions carried out in the presence of fluidized solids which provide efficient heat transfer within and between the two reaction zones.

Abstract: A continuous hydrogenation process and apparatus wherein liquids are contacted with hydrogen in an ebullated catalyst reaction zone with the liquids and gas flowing vertically upwardly through that zone into a second zone substantially free of catalyst particles and wherein the liquid and gases are directed against an upwardly inclining surface through which vertical conduits are placed having inlet ends at different levels in the liquid and having outlet ends at different levels above the inclined surface, such that vapor-rich liquid is collected and discharged through conduits terminating at a higher level above the inclined surface than the vapor-poor liquid which is collected and discharged at a level lower than the inclined surface.