Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a synthesis gas product having one or more oxygen transport membrane elements thermally coupled to one or more catalytic reactors such that heat generated from the oxygen transport membrane element supplies endothermic heating requirements for steam methane reforming reactions occurring within the catalytic reactor through radiation and convention heat transfer. A hydrogen containing stream containing no more than 20 percent methane is combusted within the oxygen transport membrane element to produce the heat and a heated combustion product stream. The heated combustion product stream is combined with a reactant stream to form a combined stream that is subjected to the reforming within the catalytic reactor. The apparatus may include modules in which tubular membrane elements surround a central reactor tube.

Abstract: Provided are methods for aqueous isolation of depolymerized lignin in high yield from a lignin-containing biomass composition, comprising positioning a lignin-containing biomass composition into a flowthrough thermal reactor chamber to provide for passage of an aqueous fluid therethrough, contacting the lignin biomass composition with the aqueous fluid under elevated temperature conditions sufficient to provide for lignin release and depolymerization, flowing the aqueous fluid through the reactor chamber under the elevated temperature conditions, to provide an output aqueous fluid comprising released depolymerized lignin, and collecting the depolymerized lignin.

Abstract: A device for performing chemical reactions, in which one starting substance is in the liquid phase and one product is in the gaseous phase, is proposed, comprising a reaction zone which includes two catalytic sections, each section having a feed channel and an overflow well which simultaneously acts as the feed channel for the next section, such that liquid from each section passes into the overflow well of this section and via it enters the lower part of the next section, the device being designed to permit removal of the gaseous products of each section, bypassing the remaining sections.

Abstract: In view of the needs of the art, the present invention provides a reaction vessel having two distinct compartments, for separating solid-supported reagents. The present invention also provides a method to perform two step radiochemistry procedures in one reactor in a clean and 10 efficient manner. An example of the chemistry that could benefit from this approach is ‘click’ radiochemistry. The present invention provides a method to form the synthon, and react it with an alkyne without the need to perform a purification step.

Abstract: Plant for urea production from ammonia and carbon dioxide having a so-called high-pressure section which comprises a synthesis reactor and a condensation unit (7, 107) positioned inside the reactor, all substantially operating at the same pressure.

Abstract: A catalytic static mixing reactor has a conduit casing defined about an axis of a fluid flow. A catalyst is deposited on a mixing element. The mixing element is adapted to be inserted in the conduit. The element provides an exceptionally high surface area and is formed to obstacle the primary flow inducing a first order mixing phenomenon. The element is formed with at least one irregular surface or edge capable of inducing a second order mixing phenomenon. The irregular surface is adapted as a catalytic supporting surface. The supporting surface supports the deposition of the catalyst thereon so that a third order chemical reaction phenomenon is coupled with that of said first and second order mixing phenomenon at the catalytic surface so that a reactant to be converted in the fluid flow is converted to at least one predetermined product during said first and second order mixing phenomenon.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, hierarchical, nanometer-precise assembly is performed: A first structural unit is attached to a solid substrate in a first fluidic flow. A second structural unit is attached to the first structural unit in a second fluidic flow, a third structural unit is attached to the second structural unit in a third fluidic flow, and so on, until a target structure comprising the structural units is assembled. The first, second, third and so on fluidic flows are separate and occur in order in a temporal sequence. During the temporal sequence, a specific permutation of nucleobases is used repeatedly, in separate fluidic flows which occur at different times, to form multiple attachments between structural units in an assembly. The assembled target structure is removed from the solid substrate. Attachments between the structural units may be formed by nucleobase pairing.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor and a fuel reformer having the same. The catalytic combustor includes a housing having a cylindrical reaction portion and a second reaction portion surrounding the first reaction portion in a double tube shape. The housing has a first opening for supplying a first fuel and an oxidant to the first reaction portion and a second opening through which an exhaust in the second reaction portion is discharged. The first and second openings are disposed at first sides of the first and second reaction portions, respectively. The first and second reaction portions are connected with each other so that the fluid is communicated with the first and second reaction portions at second sides of the first and second reaction portions. A catalyst is disposed in the first reaction portion, and a mesh layer is inserted into the second reaction portion.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for distributing a mixed phase fluid to a monolith catalyst bed within a reactor, wherein a mixed phase fluid may be generated by a nozzle tray comprising a plurality of nozzles, the mixed phase fluid may be distributed by the nozzles to a mixed phase distributor system, and the mixed phase fluid may be further distributed by the mixed phase distributor system to a plurality of monolith channels within the reactor.

Abstract: A reaction-based process developed for the selective removal of CO2 from a multicomponent gas mixture to provide a gaseous stream depleted in CO2 compared to the inlet CO2 concentration. The proposed process effects the separation of CO2 from a mixture of gases by its reaction with metal oxides. The Calcium based Reaction Separation for CO2 (CaRS-CO2) process consists of contacting CO2 laden gas with CaO in a reactor such that CaO captures CO2 by the formation of CaCO3. CaCO3 is regenerated by calcination leading to the formation of fresh CaO sorbent and the evolution of a concentrated stream of CO2. The “regenerated” CaO is then recycled for the further capture of CO2. This carbonation-calcination cycle forms the basis of the CaRS-CO2 process. This process also may use a mesoporous CaCO3 structure that attains >90% conversion over multiple carbonation and calcination cycles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the gasification of one or more hydrocarbon feedstocks are provided. In the method, a first oxidant can be introduced to a gasifier and a first hydrocarbon feedstock can be introduced to the gasifier downstream of the first oxidant. A second oxidant can also be introduced to the gasifier downstream of the first oxidant and the first hydrocarbon feedstock. The second oxidant can be introduced from a location that is external to the gasifier. At least a portion of the first hydrocarbon feedstock can be gasified to produce a syngas.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for producing ethylbenzene are provided. The method comprises the steps of introducing a first feed mixture comprising benzene and ethylene to UZM-8 zeolite-based catalyst at a first predetermined inlet temperature to form a first intermediate outlet stream comprising ethylbenzene and benzene. Ethylene is added to the first intermediate outlet stream to form a second intermediate feed mixture. The second intermediate feed mixture is introduced to beta zeolite-based catalyst at a second predetermined inlet temperature to form ethylbenzene.

Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrogen generation from solid hydrogen storage compositions which generate hydrogen in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat released can be absorbed by solid endothermic compositions are disclosed. The solid hydrogen storage compositions comprise mixtures of chemical hydrides and water surrogate compounds. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus for continuous manufacturing of porous carbon material by halogenation of carbides is provided. The reactor apparatus comprises a sample loading assembly, a reactor positioned within a metal housing and in closed circuit communication with the sample loading assembly, and a material receiving assembly. The sample loading assembly loads samples of carbides into the reactor. The metal housing maintains an inert atmosphere around the reactor. The reactor defines one or more process paths for transporting samples of carbides through a halogen atmosphere and/or a post-treatment atmosphere for yielding porous carbon material. Process vents, positioned on the reactor and the metal housing, pass inert gases and reactant gases past the samples of carbides at predetermined temperatures and exit process gases through a condenser unit. The condenser unit traps metal halide by-products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process consists of the hydrolytic decomposition of the polychlorinated hydrocarbons: of polychlorinated aliphatics and especially of polychlorinated aromatics and oxidizing the chlorine-free product at elevated temperature in the presence of a carrier gas in one unit characterized by a hot and a transitional temperature zone, whereby the calcium chloride and the exiting gas mixture are removed continuously and the excess heat of the highly exothermic process is utilized. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the process which is carried out in an Apparatus of FIG. 1.

Abstract: The disclosure provides processes and systems for sterilizing an object using a sterilant gas. In some embodiments, the sterilant gas is produced by the thermal decomposition of a salt. Compositions to generate sterilant gasses are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a new catalyst capable of removing carbon monoxide economically without adding particular reaction gas externally. Also provided are a process for producing and an apparatus using such a catalyst. Impregnation of a Ni—Al composite oxide precursor of a nonstoichiometric composition prepared by the solution-spray plasma technique with a ruthenium salt to be supported and performing reduction treatment allows CO methanation reaction to selectively proceed even in the high-temperature range in which CO2 methanation reaction and reverse water-gas-shift reaction proceed preferentially with conventional catalysts. Selective CO methanation reaction occurs reproducibly with another Ni—Al composite oxide precursor or an additive metallic species.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a substitute natural gas stream to be added to a natural gas stream in which at least part of a refinery gas stream is reacted in a catalytic reactor to hydrogenate olefins into saturated hydrocarbons. The extent to which hydrogen and olefins are reacted in the catalytic reactor is controlled to reduce the concentration of olefins in the resulting substitute natural gas stream and to increase the interchangeability of the substitute natural gas stream with the natural gas. This control can be effectuated by by-passing part of the refinery off gas to an intermediate product stream produced by the catalytic reactor and thereby forming the substitute natural gas stream from the by-passed refinery gas stream and the intermediate product stream.

Abstract: A Sabatier process involving contacting carbon dioxide and hydrogen in a first reaction zone with a first catalyst bed at a temperature greater than a first designated temperature; feeding the effluent from the first reaction zone into a second reaction zone, and contacting the effluent with a second catalyst bed at a temperature equal to or less than a second designated temperature, so as to produce a product stream comprising water and methane. The first and second catalyst beds each individually comprise an ultra-short-channel-length metal substrate. An apparatus for controlling temperature in an exothermic reaction, such as the Sabatier reaction, is disclosed.

Abstract: Processes and catalyst systems are provided for dewaxing a light hydrocarbon feedstock to form a lubricant base oil. A layered catalyst system of the present invention may comprise a first hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst disposed upstream from a second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. Each of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts may be selective for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The first hydroisomerization catalyst may have a higher level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins than the second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cyclic, endothermic hydrocarbon conversion process and a catalyst bed system for accomplishing the same. Specifically, the improved process comprises reacting a hydrocarbon with a multi-component catalyst bed in such a manner that the temperature within the catalyst bed remains within controlled temperature ranges throughout all stages of the process. The multi-component catalyst bed comprises a reaction-specific catalyst physically mixed with a heat-generating material.

Abstract: This apparatus for producing trichlorosilane includes: a vessel having a gas inlet that introduces a feed gas into the vessel and a gas outlet that discharges a reaction product gas to the outside; a plurality of silicon core rods provided inside the vessel; and a heating mechanism that heats the silicon core rods, wherein a feed gas containing silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen is reacted to produce a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane and hydrogen chloride. The silicon core rods may be disposed so as to stand upright on the bottom of the vessel, and the heating mechanism may have electrode portions that hold the lower end portions of the silicon core rods on the bottom of the vessel and a power supply that applies an electric current to the silicon core rods through the electrode portions to heat the silicon core rods.

Abstract: A system having a reactor for continuous processing of fluid is provided herein. The reactor, in general, includes an outer vessel to accommodate fluids to be processed or used in connection therewith, an inner vessel situated within the outer vessel to serve as an energy exchange surface, and an annular space defined between the outer and inner vessels and along which processing of the fluids can be implemented. The continuous thin film reactor can be used to perform, for example, distillation and evaporation, fluid-fluid or solid-fluid-fluid reactions, organic reactions, cooling, and desalination.

Abstract: A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process involving stage-wise combustion and multiple reforming chambers. Co-flow and cross-flow occurs under laminar flow conditions. A reformer suitable for small scale production as well as large scale production. A passive stage-by-stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel wherein the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. Heat is captured from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are avoided or localized away from the heat exchangers to locations which can be cost effectively protected. A chemical reactor which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship.

Abstract: A chamber configured to confine a chemical reaction producing liquid biodiesel fuel from a liquid reactant mixture containing oil. The chamber comprises a membrane wall having a pore size capable of allowing flow of liquid biodiesel fuel through the membrane wall and retaining unreacted oil within the chamber. The membrane wall is further layered with one or more heterogeneous coatings of solid particles operable to catalyze the chemical reaction producing liquid biodiesel fuel from the liquid reactant mixture. Most of solid particles have a dimension larger than the pore size of the membrane wall so that they do not enter and clog the pores. Optionally, there are two coatings comprising a basic catalyst for a transesterification reaction and an acidic catalyst for an esterification reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for synthesizing nitroalkanes by reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with aqueous nitric acid. By using an isothermal reactor with multiple input ports for aqueous nitric acid, a hydrocarbon feedstock may be sequentially exposed to a plurality of flows of aqueous nitric acid as it flows through the reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling plastics. The system and method recover materials such as hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbon distillates, various polymers and/or monomers used to produce the original plastics. The system and method allow about one unit of input of energy input to the plastic recycler to be used to create one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components from a plastic that is being recycled. The one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components produce about one corresponding unit of useable output energy recovered from the recycling of the plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidics as used in medical and diagnostic equipment and relates further to means for purifying, abstracting, filtering, detecting and/or measuring analytes in liquid samples.

Abstract: A fuel reformer includes a reforming element (7) having at least one reforming catalyst passage (22) supporting a reforming catalyst which generates reformate gas from fuel; and a combustion element (8) having at least one combustion gas passage (11), which heats the reforming element (7) by the heat of combustion gas generated by burning the generated reformate gas supplied in air introduced in said at least one combustion gas passage (11). The reforming element (7) and combustion element (8) are laminated in the fuel reformer. The fuel reformer further includes plural supply holes (13) arranged in a line along said at least one combustion gas passage (11), each supply hole (13) communicating with said at least one combustion gas passage (11). At least part of the generated reformate gas is supplied to each supply hole, and is burnt downstream of each supply hole.

Abstract: A reformer includes a first body, a second body which is disposed in an inner portion of the first body, a heat source unit which is disposed in an inner portion of the second body to generate heat, a reforming reaction unit which includes a reforming catalyst placed in a space between first and second bodies to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from the fuel through a reforming reaction using the reforming catalyst, and a nozzle member which is disposed in the second body to distribute the fuel and the oxygen to the heat source unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unit, a method, and a renewable material. The unit for producing renewable materials includes a decarboxylation apparatus for converting a ketoacid stream into a ketone stream, and a hydrogenation apparatus for converting the ketone stream and a hydrogen stream into an alcohol stream. The method for producing renewable materials includes the step of converting a ketoacid stream into a ketone stream in a decarboxylation apparatus, and the step of converting the ketone stream and a hydrogen stream into an alcohol stream in a hydrogenation apparatus.

Abstract: A method of converting at least one first alkane to a mixture of at least one low molecular weight alkane (optionally also including additional lower and/or higher molecular weight alkanes) and at least one high molecular weight alkane, comprises: reacting a first alkane in the presence of dual catalyst system comprising a first catalyst (i.e., a hydrogen transfer catalyst) and a second catalyst (i.e., a metathesis catalyst) to produce a mixture of low and high molecular weight alkanes.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and systems for minimizing back-mixing of feedstock flow in converting oxygenates to olefins. In one embodiment, back-mixing is reduced by providing a reactor that includes baffles to reduce the hydraulic diameter of at least a portion of the reactor. Some or all of the baffles can also serve as cooling tubes for reducing temperature gradients in the reactor, and thereby maximize light olefin production.

Abstract: In the gasification process, shredded municipal waste is allowed to descend through a pyrolysis reactor and the waste is pyrolysed in the reactor to form a combustible gas. The waste is contacted in a downdraft with an air supply which has been preheated by heat exchange with the pyrolysis reactor and further heated by heat exchange with combustible exhaust gas from the pyrolysis reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides for the synthesis of a hydride directly from metal and water or metal and hydroxide or metal and aqueous hydrogen chloride. The hydride generated may be used as metal hydride slurry for on-board generation of hydrogen by reaction with water or with aqueous HCl.

Abstract: In various systems and processes, synthesis gas generation may be combined. A partial oxidation reactor (POX) and a gas convectively heated steam/hydrocarbon catalytic reformer (GHR) may be combined to produce synthesis gas. In some implementations, a partial oxidation reactor, a gas convectively heated steam/catalytic reformer, and a waste hat boiler may be combined to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the production of C2 to C8 olefins from gaseous oxygenate and H2O and one or more material flows containing C2 C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 olefin and paraffin at 400° to 470° C., wherein several reaction stages which the material flow can pass through from the top to the bottom, each consisting of a support base with a catalyst layer situated on it, are arranged in a closed, upright container.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for manufacturing trichlorosilane includes a decomposition furnace 2 into which polymers and hydrogen chloride are introduced, the decomposition furnace 2 includes: a heating device 11 which heats an interior of the decomposition furnace 2; a reaction chamber 4 which is formed in the decomposition furnace; a center tube 3 which is inserted in the reaction chamber 4 along a longitudinal direction of the reaction chamber and has a lower-end opening portion 3a; raw-material-supply pipes 5 and 6 which supplies the polymer and the hydrogen chloride to the reaction chamber 4 at an exterior of the center tube 3; and a gas-discharge pipe 7 which leads out reacted gas from the center tube 3, the apparatus 1 further includes a fin 14 that leads the polymer and the hydrogen chloride to the lower-end opening portion 3a of the center tube 3 so as to stir the polymer and the hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen, which comprises: a. a heated steam reforming stage (1) with a reforming catalyst to convert gaseous or vaporizable hydrocarbons and water into hydrogen, carbon monoxide and further reformer products; b. at least one stage downstream of the steam reforming stage for the catalytic conversion of the mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and excess steam leaving the steam reforming stage (shift stage) (2); and c. a fine purification stage (3) downstream of the shift stage(s) for the catalytic lowering of the residual carbon monoxide content of the conversion products by selective methanization, is described. In the apparatus, the shift stage (2) and the fine purification stage (3) are configured as a unitary hollow body (exothermic catalyst stage).

Abstract: A system and method for recycling plastics. The system and method recover materials such as hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbon distillates, various polymers and/or monomers used to produce the original plastics. The system and method allow about one unit of input of energy input to the plastic recycler to be used to create one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components from a plastic that is being recycled. The one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components produce about one corresponding unit of useable output energy recovered from the recycling of the plastic.

Abstract: Processes for making xylene isomer using integrated transalkylation and isomerization reaction zones to enhance xylene recovery and enable reduction in capital costs and energy consumption.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous process for the growth of vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCNT) reinforced continuous fiber preforms for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCNT produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCNT infused with the continuous fiber preform. The continuous process disclosed herein provides denser and more uniform carbon nanotubes and provides the opportunity to fine-tune the variables both within an individual preform and between different preforms depending on the characteristics of the carbon nanotubes desired. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are essentially endless and are high in volume fraction of VGCNT and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. The invention also provides for composites made from the preforms.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing urea are provided. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus for producing urea can include a first zone, which can include a first flow channel in fluid communication with a first tube disposed about a first end of a plurality of trays, a second flow channel in fluid communication with a second tube disposed about the first end of the trays and a second end of the trays, and a third flow channel in fluid communication with a third tube disposed about the first and second ends of the trays. The apparatus can include a second zone, which can include a fixed bed comprising one or more inert packing materials disposed therein to provide additional surface area. The apparatus can include a third zone, which can include a plurality of tubes disposed therein. The second zone can be disposed between the first and third zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of a catalytic system that can be used for the polymerization of at least one conjugated diene monomer, said catalytic system being based on at least: a preforming conjugated diene; an organic phosphoric acid salt of one or more rare-earth metal(s), said salt being in suspension in at least one saturated aliphatic or alicyclic and inert hydrocarbon-based solvent; an alkylating agent comprising an alkylaluminium having the formula AlR3 or HAlR2; and a halogen donor comprising an alkylaluminium halide; characterized in that it comprises successively in one line (L): (i) a reaction between the preforming conjugated diene, with the solution of the salt of rare-earth element(s) and the alkylating agent, with the alkylation reaction being carried out for a characteristic minimum period of at least 5 minutes in an alkylation reactor (30) composed of at least one well-mixed dynamic mixer; (ii) the addition of said halogen donor to the mixtur

Abstract: A reactor in which a multi-phase mixture, including gas and a catalyst slurry or liquid, is to be conducted. The reactor includes a reaction chamber having a substantially unencumbered center portion through which the multi-phase mixture is conducted upwardly. A downcomer arrangement is disposed laterally outwardly of the center portion and adjacent to an inner surface of the reaction chamber. An external pump communicates with a lower portion of the reaction chamber for circulating components of the mixture downward from an upper end of the downcomer arrangement to a lower end thereof. A collection chamber is disposed below the reaction chamber into which the components exiting the downcomer arrangement are introduced and where the gas is separated from the remainder of the components. The separated gas can be reintroduced into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to make biopolymers such as proteins or nucleic acids migrate by applying a spatially distributed magnetic field to a solution containing biopolymers marked with magnetic beads. In this case, marking the biopolymers to be fractionated with magnetic beads of different sizes or materials causes different migration speeds and thus causes different positions of the biopolymers after migration. Molecules to be fractionated can be separated in such a manner as mentioned above.

Abstract: A stable asparaginase solution is disclosed. In one aspect, drinking water is treated to reduce the level of chlorine to enhance the residual enzyme activity of asparaginase. The treatment can occur by removing chlorine constituents or by supplying additives that reduces the level of chlorine. Additives can include reducing agents and chlorine scavengers. Removal technologies can include use of activated carbon, ion exchange, and air stripping.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of operating a NOx abatement system comprises: introducing an exhaust stream to an ammonia generator in a normal flow direction, adsorbing NOx from the exhaust stream in the ammonia generator, diverting the exhaust stream around the ammonia generator, introducing hydrogen to the ammonia generator in a direction opposite the normal flow direction, and generating ammonia within the ammonia generator.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction in a three phase slurry system, the reactor comprising: (a) a reaction vessel having a freeboard zone and a slurry zone, the slurry zone having a diameter of at least 0.5 m, preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 2 m, and a height of at least 15 m preferably at least 10 m; (b) a gas inlet means at or near the bottom of the reaction vessel; (c) a gas outlet at or near the top of the reaction vessel; (d) a plurality of vertical pipes within the reaction vessel slurry zone, therefore pipes having a diameter of from about 1 cm to about 200 cm, and a total perimeter of from about 1400 to about 4000 cm/ra2; and optionally (e) a liquid outlet means.