Sequentially Arranged Patents (Class 422/142)
  • Patent number: 6117399
    Abstract: The invention teaches a novel design for a fluidized bed polymerization reactor which utilizes a primary fluidization grid to provide mixing and fluidization of the polymer and at least one secondary distribution plate located above the first distribution plate to promote segregation of polymer particles by size, the larger particles falling into the lower fluidization zone and the smaller particles being entrained up from the primary fluidization grid and through the secondary distribution grid into an upper reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Jorgensen, Steven Paul Sawin
  • Patent number: 6113862
    Abstract: The invention teaches a novel design for a fluidized bed polymerization reactor which utilizes a primary fluidization grid to provide mixing and fluidization of the polymer and at least one secondary distribution plate located above the first distribution plate to promote segregation of polymer particles by size, the larger particles falling into the lower fluidization zone and the smaller particles being entrained up from the primary fluidization grid and through the secondary distribution grid into an upper reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert James Jorgensen, Steven Paul Sawin
  • Patent number: 6054101
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for heat-treating plaster which is calcined to form hemihydrate plaster or anhydrite. Calcining to form hemihydrate plaster is carried out in at least one fluid bed region in which the water vapor partial pressure and material temperature are adjusted. The at least one fluid bed region can be followed by a further fluid bed region in which the anhydrite is formed and the water vapor partial pressure and material temperature are also adjusted. In addition, a fluid bed region can be provided for cooling purposes before the product-discharge point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: CT Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Claudia Langfeldt, Paul Bernhard Kroehl
  • Patent number: 6024932
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of sulfur and carbon monoxide from metal sulfates in which the carbon monoxide is recycled as a reducing agent for reaction with the metal sulfate. Metal sulfates such as gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) are processed to form sulfur dioxide. The sulfur dioxide is contacted with carbonaceous matter at sufficiently high temperature to form elemental sulfur and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide is then recycled for use as a reducing agent in the initial processing of the metal sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
  • Patent number: 6004518
    Abstract: Improved product purity is provided in a simulated moving bed adsorptive separation apparatus by flushing the stagnant volume of the feed valve and the transfer line connecting the feed valve to the rest of the apparatus. The invention adds another line for delivering recycle fluid as the flush stream to an additional inlet port on the feed valve. The apparatus comprises a number of serially connected adsorbent-containing chambers. The chambers are linked together with valving necessary to simulate the continuous countercurrent flow of the adsorbent and liquid phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: J. Dennis Green
  • Patent number: 5997726
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon catalytic cracking process in which, a substantial portion of the hydrocarbons is pulverized and placed in contact with a specific contact zone, which is composed of: a mixing chamber having a maximum section S.sub.2, the upper part of which is fed with a heated regenerated catalyst through an upper opening delimiting a catalyst-flow section S.sub.1, and a descending-flow reaction area, in which the solid-gas mixture emanating from the mixing chamber is poured through an intermediate opening having a section S.sub.3 located in the lower part of said chamber. The ratios S.sub.2 /S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 /S.sub.3 have values of between 1.5 and 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Distribution S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Fersing, Mariano Del Pozo, Thierry Gauthier
  • Patent number: 5935277
    Abstract: In a reforming reactor suitable particularly for the water vapor reforming of methanol in mobile applications such as vehicles, a reaction space is filled with a catalyst pellet fill and has a movable reaction space wall which exerts a position-fixing pressure onto the catalyst pellet fill. According to the invention, a filling device is provided through which catalyst material can be filled from the outside into the reaction space through a passage opening formed in one of the reaction space walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Rainer Autenrieth, Dietmar Heil, Wolfgang Weger, Uwe Benz
  • Patent number: 5902554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from oil bearing material, e.g., oil shale or tar sand, through continuous loading, calcining and unloading operations in three triangularly placed reactor tubes that are loaded with oil bearing material from a common feed source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Chattanooga Corporation
    Inventor: Chalmer G. Kirkbride
  • Patent number: 5879642
    Abstract: A method, and a reactor, for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream through multistage fixed catalyst beds contained within a single onstream reactor vessel, with a separate catalyst addition and a separate catalyst withdrawal system for the upper or top essentially fixed catalyst bed. The upper or top essentially fixed catalyst bed functions as a guard catalyst bed for removing a major proportion of contaminants (e.g. organometallic constituents) from a hydrocarbon feed stream in order to extend the life of one or more fixed catalyst beds serially disposed underneath the upper or top essentially fixed catalyst bed. Catalyst particles are withdrawn from the essentially fixed catalyst bed by slurrying or liquifying the catalyst particles in a container disposed within the reactor. A method for retrofitting a reactor assembly having two or more fixed catalyst beds in order to place a guard catalyst bed in the upper or top portion of the reactor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Harold J. Trimble, Dennis R. Cash
  • Patent number: 5869008
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which separates and strips catalyst particles suspended in gaseous hydrocarbons after the suspension of gaseous hydrocarbons and catalyst particles have traversed a gas/solids conduit means. A substantially can-shaped open-ended cyclone is placed in a disengager shell such that an inlet of the open-ended cyclone is in communication with the gas/solids conduit means. The disengager shell has a zone for containing a fluidized catalyst and the open end of the open-ended cyclone projects into the zone. A hollow closed cyclone may be placed in communication with the open-ended cyclone via an exhaust conduit means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas Shaun Dewitz
  • Patent number: 5866342
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for synthesizing various compounds on solid support. According to one exemplary method, a synthesizer is provided having at least one reaction vessel block with a plurality of reaction vessels therein. At least one solid support is introduced into a least some of the reaction vessels, and a reagent is introduced into the reaction vessels having the solid supports. The reaction vessel block is then vibrated while heat is supplied to the reaction vessel block to heat the reaction vessels. Optionally, the synthesized compounds may be cleaved from the solid supports following synthesis while they remain within the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Valery V. Antonenko, Nicolay Kulikov
  • Patent number: 5840258
    Abstract: Solid particles are transported from a first chamber (e.g. combustion chamber of a fluidized bed reactor) to an adjacent second chamber (e.g. a transporting and/or processing chamber) by providing a solid flow gas seal, a controllable solid flow valve, or both in a partition between the chambers. Transporting gas is introduced into the first chamber to transport solid particles as multiple solid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber. A number of narrow passages in the partition wall disposed one on top of the other, and having a height to length ratio of less than 0.5, less than 50 mm, act as the gas seal and controllable solid flow valve in the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia Oy
    Inventor: Timo Hyppanen
  • Patent number: 5836257
    Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed processor has a processor enclosure at least partially defined by a front wall and a rear wall spaced away from the front wall. A bottom wall is connected between the front and rear walls and a mechanism is provided for supplying primary air through the bottom wall for fluidizing a circulating bed in the enclosure. Another mechanism is provided for recirculating the bed from a top of the enclosure back to the enclosure. One or more secondary air plenum(s) are provided in the enclosure between the front and rear walls for supplying secondary air into the fluidized bed, above the bottom wall, so that secondary air reaches deep into the enclosure. The plenum(s) are formed of a waterwall which has a plurality of openings therein to allow communication of gases and solids therethrough from one side of the waterwall to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: McDermott Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Belin, David J. Walker
  • Patent number: 5595001
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing sodium perborate monohydrate by dehydrating sodium perborate tetrahydrate in a fluid bed with heated air. Contact surfaces are arranged inside the fluid bed whose total area is the same as up to 500 times the area of the approach-flow bottom of the fluid bed. The contact surfaces are advantageously designed as heat exchangers whose surface temperature is adjusted to maintain 90.degree. to 110.degree. C. at the contact surfaces. The method results in a sodium perborate monohydrate with especially high abrasion resistance. In addition, the energy requirement is lower than that provided in the previously known method commonly used in the industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: DeGussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudiger Schutte, Alexander Ruhs, Claas-Jurgen Klasen, Hans-Christian Alt
  • Patent number: 5573689
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor for preparing a metal nitride by feeding metal powder and a non-oxidizing gas containing N.sub.2 or NH.sub.3 into a reaction tube (1) to form a fluidized bed (2) therein and heating the fluidized bed for nitriding the metal powder, an envelope (11) encloses the reaction tube (1) for preventing the surrounding air from entering the reaction tube. A heater (9) is disposed outside the envelope (11) for heating the fluidized bed (2) to 1,200.degree. C. or higher. The envelope prevents penetration of the surrounding air into the reaction tube and also prevents deterioration of the heater and surrounding components by scattering of metal fines. The reactor ensures safe operation to prepare metal nitride powder of high purity on an industrial scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Fukuoka, Yoshiharu Konya, Masanori Fukuhira, Ichiro Ishizaka
  • Patent number: 5567228
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating synthesized gas ("syngas") comprises introducing the syngas into a lower portion of a vessel. The syngas flows in the lower portion through a static regenerative hot gravel bed and into an upper portion of the vessel containing particulate material at a temperature less than that of the syngas in a manner so that the material reduces the temperature of the syngas and reacts with the syngas to abate pollutants therein, and the syngas entrains at least a portion of the material. The entrained material is then separated from the gas, cooled in a heat exchanger, and returned to the vessel, while the separated syngas is passed to downstream facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Iqbal F. Abdulally
  • Patent number: 5552119
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for contacting solid particles and fluid. A liquid is sprayed as liquid droplets from the discharge tip of a nozzle into hot solid particles passing upwardly in a vertical pipe. A venturi is formed in the pipe, and the venturi has an entrance portion which is upwardly convergent to the throat and an exit portion which is upwardly divergent from the throat. The tip of the nozzle is so located relative to the venturi that liquid droplets commence vaporization, due to heat transfer from the hot solid particles, no further up stream (relative to the direction of movement of solid particles up the pipe) than the throat of the venturi thereby resulting in a high degree of turbulence which causes good mixing of particles and vapor downstream of the venturi throat. The particles-vapor mixture leaving the exit portion of the venturi is well mixed and particles are substantially uniformly mixed with vapor in radial planes of the pipe downstream of the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Philip Holmes
  • Patent number: 5536378
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus for production of Lunar oxygen uses feed stocks comprising a particulate hydrogen-reducible enriched feed in the size range from about 20-200 microns, containing 80-90% Lunar ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and ferrous Lunar agglutinates. The reactor apparatus has three vertically spaced fluidized zones with downcomers from the upper to the central fluidized zone and openings for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas stream through the lower fluidized zone. A solid-to-gas RF-dielectric heater has a ceramic honeycomb with small parallel channels separated by thin, ceramic walls and electrodes surrounding the honeycomb connected to an external RF power source for heating the gas stream to a reducing reaction temperature. A top inlet introduces the enriched feed into the upper fluidized zone for fluidization therein and flow into middle and lower fluidized zones countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Carbotek Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibson, Christian W. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5510085
    Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor and method of operating same in which a bed of particulate material including fuel is formed in a furnace section. A stripper-cooler is located adjacent the furnace section for receiving particulate material from the furnace section. The particulate material is selectively passed to the stripper-cooler and cooled before being discharged from the stripper-cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Iqbal F. Abdulally
  • Patent number: 5464591
    Abstract: The method of controlling the flow of a fluidizable particulate solid, e.g., FCC catalyst, which comprises: (a) passing a fluidized stream of the particulate solid downwardly from a source of the particulate solid, e.g., an FCC regenerator, in a first conduit to a junction with a second conduit where the solid particulate is mixed with a stream of a fluid transport medium from a third conduit; (b) passing a stream of the resulting mixed solid particulate/transport medium upwardly in the second conduit at an angle less than 90.degree. from the first conduit for a distance at least as great as the diameter of the first conduit at the junction into a fourth conduit; (c) transporting the particulate solid/fluid transport medium stream in the fourth conduit to a desired location; and (d) controlling the mass flow of the particulate solid in the fourth conduit by setting the flow rate of the transport medium in the third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: David B. Bartholic
  • Patent number: 5441704
    Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor arrangement (1) for the treatment of fluids by means of solid matter that is present in the form of bulk material (2), preferably in a countercurrent process, in which at least one bulk material moves from the top to the bottom and at least one fluid flows from the bottom to the top. The reactor is particularly intended to provide a better flexibility in the bulk material distribution into or in the bulk material discharge from at least two reaction chambers (5A, 5B) arranged on top of each other. Each reaction chamber is provided with a flow-past base (6A, 6B) for the distribution of the fluid over the cross section of the reaction chamber. Each reaction chamber is also provided with a bulk material distribution base (4A, 4B) for the distribution of bulk material over the cross section of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Horst Grochowski
  • Patent number: 5415684
    Abstract: A fluidized bed scrubber for use in gas cleaning systems, comprising means for introducing a quantity of polluted gas into a first chamber; means for removing a portion of the pollutants from the polluted gas in the first chamber; means for introducing the polluted gas into a second chamber; and means for removing additional pollutants from the polluted gas in the second chamber. The invention also provides a method for cleaning polluted gas, comprising the steps of passing the polluted gas from a combustion source through a fluidized bed scrubber, removing a plurality of pollutants within the fluidized bed scrubber, passing the fluidized gas through a reactor, passing the fluidized gas through a filter in order to remove further quantities of pollutants, and emitting the now-clean gas into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Medx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5395596
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a fluidized bed reactor for combusting refuse derived fuel is disclosed. The reactor includes a fluidized furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80. A downwardly sloping grid 28 extends across the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80 to a drain 78 in the stripper/cooler section 80, and directional nozzles 38 disposed in the grid fluidize the beds in the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80 and forcibly convey relatively large particulate material across the grid 28, through the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80, and to the drain 78 for disposal. A refractory layer 36 is provided along the grid 28 surface to reduce the height of the nozzles 38 within the furnace section 30, thereby helping to prevent relatively large particulate material from becoming entangled with or stuck to the nozzles 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Justin P. Winkin, Walter R. Campbell, Jr., Stephen J. Goidich, John Tang, Iqbal F. Abdulally, John W. Phalen
  • Patent number: 5382412
    Abstract: An improved reactor for a high-temperature deposition reaction on seed particles is constructed with a fluidized bed which is divided into a heating zone and a reaction zone by a partition. Seed particles in the heating zone are fluidized by a carrier gas and are heated by microwaves. On the other hand, the reaction zone for the deposition reaction, through which reaction gases pass, is heated by particle mixing between the reaction zone and the upper section of the heating zone. Subsequently, a desired reaction temperature at the reaction zone is maintained stable without deteriorating the microwave heating of the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Hee Y. Kim, Yong M. Song, Jong Y. Jeon, Dae H. Kwon, Kang M. Lee, Jae S. Lee, Dong S. Park
  • Patent number: 5379705
    Abstract: Waste materials including chlorine compounds are charged into a fluidized-bed gasification furnace having a first fluidized bed of which fluidizing medium comprises CaO. HCl produced from the waste materials is reacted with CaO which is the fluidizing medium and changed into CaCl.sub.2, and then discharged from a discharge pipe together with unburned materials. Gas generated as a result of the above-described reaction flows together with CaCO.sub.3, which is supplied into a second fluidized bed of a fluidized-bed combustion furnace located above, and are burned within the second fluidized bed. CaO is supplied from the second fluidized bed into the first fluidized bed via a supply pipe. In this manner, HCl produced from the waste materials is effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoaki Takada, Kazuo Tsutsumi, Tadashi Katahata, Toshinori Muraoka
  • Patent number: 5380497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the oxidation of organic compounds in a non-uniform fluidized solid catalyst reaction system characterized in that a temperature profile is maintained in the reaction system such that a predominance of the oxidation occurs in a higher temperature zone, unreacted organic compound is adsorbed on the catalyst surface in a lower temperature zone, direct back-circulation of catalyst is restricted between zones and catalyst containing adsorbed organic compound is circulated from the lower temperature zone to the higher temperature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Institute of Catalysis
    Inventors: Alexy A. Ivanov, Vitaly D. Mescheryakov, Sergey P. Stepanov, Sergey P. Chaykovsky, Alexandr A. Yabrov, Victor P. Gaevoy, Svetlana A. Pokrovskaya, Ecaterina M. Sadovskaya, Valentin S. Sheplev, Youry P. Ermakov
  • Patent number: 5378434
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel horizontal fluid bed reactor, which in a single unit, provides for the polymerization of monomer to polymer and mixed monomers to co-polymers. Within one reactor shell the reactor contains a plurality of polymerization stages which permit the achievement of narrow residence time distribution of the produced polymer. This arrangement also creates a sufficiently tight subdivision of the reactor volume which permits a plurality of gas circulation stages of different gas compositions, as well as, polymerization temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignees: Procedyne Corp., David Bruce
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Staffin, David S. Bruce
  • Patent number: 5376339
    Abstract: A riser cyclone separator is positioned external to a containment vessel. The riser cyclone separator discharges separated catalyst to a catalyst stripper and separated vapor to a plenum, both positioned internal to the containment vessel. Means is provided for withdrawing stripping gas from the catalyst stripper and passing it via the riser cyclone separator to the plenum. The riser cyclone separator is inherently pressure stable relative to the containment vessel. The invention is particularly useful for retrofitting a direct-connected riser cyclone separator to a preexisting containment vessel with space limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Leonce F. Castagnos, Jr., Harold C. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5374413
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for the deposition of high-purity silicon on silicon particles from silicon source gases in a fluidized bed reactor which is divided into a heating zone and a reaction zone by a partition. Silicon particles in the heating zone are fluidized by a carrier gas such as hydrogen and are heated by microwaves. On the other hand, the reaction zone for the deposition of silicon, through which reaction gases including the silicon source pass, is heated by particle mixing between the reaction zone and the upper section of the heating zone. Subsequently, a desired reaction temperature at the reaction zone is maintained stable without deteriorating the microwave heating of the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Hee Y. Kim, Yong M. Song, Jong Y. Jeon, Dae H. Kwon, Kang M. Lee, Jae S. Lee, Dong S. Park
  • Patent number: 5348707
    Abstract: A multistage catalytic reactor system for preparing ethers such as methyl t-butyl (MTBE) and t-amyl methyl ether (TAME) from iso-olefin and methanol, comprising a first reactor for contacting the iso-olefin and alcohol with a solid regenerable catalyst, such as medium-pore zeolite conversion catalyst for partial conversion of the iso-olefin and methanol to an unsymmetrical ether, operatively connected for feeding effluent from the first reactor to a second etherification reaction zone containing sensitive catalyst, such as macroreticular polystyrenesulfonic acid resin. In a preferred embodiment, the second reaction zone comprises an inlet means for receiving withdrawn intermediate product, a catalytic distillation column containing solid acid resin etherification catalyst in a plurality of fixed bed catalysis-distillation zones, and outlet means for withdrawing a final etherification product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mohsen N. Harandi, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 5339538
    Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus comprising a pair of separated fluid bed enclosures, each enclosing a fluid bed carried on an air distributor plate supplied with fluidizing air from below the plate. At least one equalizing duct extending through sidewalls of both fluid bed enclosures and flexibly engaged therewith to communicate the fluid beds with each other. The equalizing duct being surrounded by insulation which is in turn encased by an outer duct having expansion means and being fixed between the sidewalls of the fluid bed enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Edward E. Pinske, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5338518
    Abstract: A distillation-reaction apparatus comprises at least one distillation-reaction zone (G,H) having, on a perforated support (5) permitting the passage of fluids at least one element of type J--container (3b) of volume Vt containing a volume Va of solid catalytic particles--and at least one element of type K--(4) of type K1 and/or (3a) of type K2--the element of type K2 being a container not containing solid catalytic particles, the elements having adequate mechanical characteristics to withstand the loading of the elements in the zone and the perforations of the support being sufficiently small to retain the said elements. The apparatus can be used for performing chemical reactions and the fractionation of the reaction mixture, e.g., for the synthesis of ethers from olefins and alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Institute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Marie-Claire Marion, Alain Forestiere, Henri Delhomme
  • Patent number: 5338517
    Abstract: A distillation column reactor is provided having special trays arranged within the column to provide better mixing and thus achieve better mass and energy transfer between the liquid, vapor and catalyst. The trays comprise a slotted support plate for the catalyst with openings to allow vapor passage through the catalyst from the tray below. A draft chimney or riser is provided directly above the slotted openings to increase the vapor velocity and carry the liquid and catalyst upward on the tray. A hood is included at the upper end of the chimney to direct the liquid-vapor-catalyst flow back down onto the tray. The liquid from the tray above is distributed onto the tray about the chimney by distributors which preferably extend below the static catalyst level on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing Company
    Inventors: William T. Evans, III, Karl Stork
  • Patent number: 5334777
    Abstract: Lower monobasic or dibasic alcohols are produced by the following steps:a) reacting a starting material with a metallic halide (wherein the metal is in the higher of two possible valence states) to obtain a reaction product, a corresponding metallous halide (wherein the metal is in the lower of the two possible valence states) and hydrohalic acid, andb) reacting the reaction product of step (a) and hydrohalic acid with magnesium oxide to form the corresponding lower monobasic or dibasic alkanol;wherein the starting material for forming a lower monobasic alcohol is a lower alkane, from which the corresponding lower alkanol is obtained; and the starting material for forming a lower dibasic alcohol is either a lower alkanol or a lower alkene, from which the corresponding lower glycol is obtained. Two continuous fluidized-bed systems are provided for conducting the necessary reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Energia Andina Ltd.
    Inventors: Jorge Miller, Miguel Kling
  • Patent number: 5332553
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor particles are internally circulated, moving down the walls forming the reactor chamber. A particle chamber having a particle gathering top wall with a horizontal projection area A is disposed in the downward flow of particles. Openings (e.g. holes or slots) with a controlling dimension of about 30 mm or less are provided in the top wall, the openings having total open area B less than half the area A. Heat transfer surfaces may be disposed in the particle chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Timo Hyppanen
  • Patent number: 5325797
    Abstract: A staged fluidized-bed combustion and filter system for substantially reducing the quantity of waste through the complete combustion into ash-type solids and gaseous products. The device has two fluidized-bed portions, the first primarily as a combustor/pyrolyzer bed, and the second as a combustor/filter bed. The two portions each have internal baffles to define stages so that material moving therein as fluidized beds travel in an extended route through those stages. Fluidization and movement is achieved by the introduction of gases into each stage through a directional nozzle. Gases produced in the combustor/pyrolyzer bed are permitted to travel into corresponding stages of the combustor/filter bed through screen filters that permit gas flow but inhibit solids flow. Any catalyst used in the combustor/filter bed is recycled. The two beds share a common wall to minimize total volume of the system. A slightly modified embodiment can be used for hot gas desulfurization and sorbent regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Joseph S. Mei, John S. Halow
  • Patent number: 5325606
    Abstract: Damp sodium bicarbonate filter cake is pre-dried and calcined to produce light soda as in a process comprising a carbon dioxide ebullated fluid bed pre-dryer working in connected series relationship with a plurality of carbon dioxide ebullated fluid bed/bag filter calcination systems such that bicarbonate decomposition during pre-drying is minimized and the thermal treatment of small particles during calcination is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Niro A/S
    Inventor: Erik Liborius
  • Patent number: 5308585
    Abstract: Hot solids coming from a fluidized bed reactor are passed through the cooling apparatus and at least in part are recycled to the fluidized bed reactor. In the cooling apparatus the hot solids flow first through a first fluidized bed and then flow downwardly through a gas-collecting space to a second fluidized bed, which is provided with cooling coils and in which the solids flow downwardly to a solids transfer passage and are then raised through a third fluidized bed to a discharge line. The system is controlled to cause solids coming from the first fluidized bed to flow through the gas-collecting space directly to the discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Stroder, Johannes Albrecht, Martin Hirsch, Rainer Reimert, Wladyslaw Lewandowski, Rudolf Kral
  • Patent number: 5306481
    Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being utilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Manufacturing and Technology Conversion International, Inc.
    Inventors: Momtaz N. Mansour, Kanda-Swamy Durai-Swamy, David W. Warren
  • Patent number: 5302361
    Abstract: A packed mass transfer tower for establishing intimate gas/liquid contact and efficient mass transfer that is less susceptible to gas or liquid channeling, gas surging and uneven distribution of gas or liquid across the cross-sectional area of the tower. The packed tower includes a packing arrangement including a lower bed of mobile packing elements, and an adjacent upper bed of fixed packing elements. The packed bed of fixed packing elements acts as a gas distributor, as well as causing good gas/liquid contact, to provide an even flow of gas across essentially the entire cross-sectional area of the packed bed of mobile packing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Ari Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary J. Nagl
  • Patent number: 5299532
    Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system and method in which a plurality of enclosures, each having a furnace section and integral recycle section are joined using common walls. Openings are provided in lower portions of the common walls for permitting the fluidized bed material to flow between adjacent or opposing furnace sections and between adjacent recycle sections. Openings are also provided in upper portions of the common walls for equalizing the gas pressure between the adjacent or opposing furnace sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Dietz
  • Patent number: 5296205
    Abstract: A packed mass transfer tower for establishing intimate gas-liquid contact and efficient mass transfer that is less susceptible to gas or liquid channeling, gas surging and uneven distribution of gas or liquid across the cross-sectional area of the tower. In one embodiment, the packed tower includes a packing arrangement including a loosely packed bed of mobile packing material, and an adjacent, tightly packed bed of mobile packing material. The relatively tightly packed bed of mobile packing material acts as a gas distributor, as well as being a material that causes good gas-liquid contact, to provide an even flow of gas across essentially the entire cross-sectional area of the loosely packed bed of mobile packing material. In another embodiment, mobile packing elements and fixed packing elements are intermixed between the same spaced fluid-pervious grids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: ARI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie C. Hardison
  • Patent number: 5286466
    Abstract: A packed mass transfer tower for establishing intimate gas-liquid contact and efficient mass transfer that is less susceptible to gas or liquid channeling, gas surging and uneven distribution of gas or liquid across the cross-sectional area of the tower. The packed tower includes a mobile bed mass transfer stage including a packed bed of mobile packing material, such as hollow spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: ARI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie C. Hardison
  • Patent number: 5271905
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for achieving turbulent or fast fluidized bed regeneration of spent FCC catalyst in a bubbling bed regenerator having a stripper mounted over the regenerator and a stripped catalyst standpipe within the regenerator. A coke combustor vessel, which may be partially or totally open to the dilute phase above the bubbling bed, is added to the existing regenerator vessel Spent catalyst is discharged into the coke combustor, regenerated in a turbulent or fast fluidized bed, then discharged into the dilute phase region above the bubbling bed, either via a deflector or by simply overflowing the combustor. Regeneration of catalyst is completed in the bubbling dense bed, and/or an annular fast fluidized bed surrounding the coke combustor. Catalyst may be recycled from the dense bed to the coke combustor either by a flow line, or by adjusting relative heights of bubbling to fast fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Hartley Owen, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 5264196
    Abstract: A multichamber type fluid bed reaction apparatus has a series of chambers formed by dividing the fluid bed part and the wind box part thereof with particular walls. Each reaction chamber is supplied with a reaction gas whose composition, flow amount and temperature can be selected arbitrarily. A fluid bed, a moving bed or a fixed bed may be used in each divided chamber. Regulation of particle formation, gas-particle reaction and amount of particles transferring between the chambers results in an improvement of efficiency and a simplification of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Akio Umemura
  • Patent number: 5260034
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapid stripping of fluid cracking catalyst is disclosed. A series of concentric annular beds provide rapid initial removal of hydrocarbons from the interstices of the catalyst particles. Successive stages of stripping allow time for hydrocarbon diffusion from catalyst's pores while maintaining low hydrocarbon partial pressure. Residence times increase as the catalyst passes to the different catalyst beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David A. Van Kleeck, Donald E. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 5245093
    Abstract: A process for reacting a fluid phase (gaseous and/or liquid phase) in contact with a solid phase in a reaction zone, wherein the improvement in said process comprises reacting the fluid phase in contact with the solid phase in a horizontally-oriented fluidized bed vessel. The vessel includes at least two compartments or stages, and includes means for vibrating the vessel. The process of the present invention enables one to effect fluidization of the solid phase independently of the flow rate or velocity of the fluid phase, thus enabling proper contact time of the fluid phase with the solid phase and minimizing the amount of fluid phase reactant to be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Crest Inc.
    Inventor: George Ember
  • Patent number: 5242662
    Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a sealing section is located within the reactor and adjacent a furnace section located in the reactor. A fluidized bed is formed in the furnace section and the sealing section. A mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate materials from the fluidized bed in the furnace section are separated and the separated particulate material is passed to the fluidized bed in the sealing section. When bed materials in the fluidized bed in the sealing section exceed a predetermined volume they are passed to the fluidized bed in the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Toth
  • Patent number: 5236663
    Abstract: A reaction-distillation apparatus is provided comprising at least one reaction-distillation zone including at least one bed of solid elements disposed on a fluid-permeable perforated support having perforations small enough to retain the elements wherein the bed of solid elements includes loose solid catalytic particles and at least one receptacle, containing at least one distillation packing body, the external jacket of which is permeable to fluids and the impermeable to the solid catalytic particles and packing body. The apparatus can be used for carrying out chemical reaction and concomitant fractionation of the reaction mixture, for example, to synthesize ethers from olefins and alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jacques Alagy, Alain Forestiere, Jean-Francois Le Page, Marie C. Marion, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 5232677
    Abstract: Silicon nitride powder is produced in two steps, by supplying metallic silicon powder to a fluidized bed composed of silicon nitride and nitrogen or ammonia gas where primary nitriding reaction is effected until the silicon powder is nitrided to an amount of at least 50% and transferring the nitrided product from the fluidized bed into a moving bed where secondary nitriding reaction is effected for nitriding the unreacted silicon with nitrogen or ammonia gas. This method is adapted for manufacture on a commercial scale because the silicon nitride powder thus obtained is consistent and has a very high degree of nitriding and a minimal variation in quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Fukuoka, Mutsuo Shimizu, Hidemitsu Ochiai, Hideaki Shimizu, Masanori Fukuhira