Abstract: This disclosure describes single and multi-layer woven meshes designed to enable sucking flow condensation and capillary-driven liquid film boiling, respectively, for instance, in use in heat spreaders. The single-layer woven meshes can include a nanostructure coating and a hydrophobic coating, while the multi-layer meshes can include a microcavity coating and optionally a hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a catalyst in a catalytic reactor that operates under non-isothermal conditions includes the steps of: positioning a catalyst basket within a catalyst bed within the catalytic reactor, the catalyst basket containing catalyst material the forms the catalyst bed; operating the catalytic reactor, the catalyst basket having dimensions such that a temperature difference (?T) along an axial direction (height) of the catalyst basket is non-isothermal; and analyzing the catalyst material contained within the catalyst basket. The temperature difference (?T) is, in one embodiment, within a range of 1° C. to 40° C. and preferably, within a range of 5° C. to 25° C.

Abstract: A delayed coking furnace (100) for heating coker feedstock (101) is disclosed. The furnace (100) includes a first heating zone (102) adapted to provide heat to the coker feedstock (101) through a convective heat transfer and then a second heating zone (104) positioned below the first heating zone (102) and adapted to heat the coker feedstock (101) through radiative heat transfer, wherein the second heating zone (104) include a lower portion and an upper portion. Further, said furnace (100) includes a plurality of burners (106) located at the lower portion of the second heating zone (104) and at least one baffle (111) disposed in the upper portion of the second heating zone (104). Further, the present disclosure provides that the at least one baffle (111) is adapted to increase a convective heat transfer coefficient associated with a flue gas flowing from the second heating zone (104) to the first heating zone (102).

Abstract: A nanocomposite including a metal oxide and two-dimensional nanosheets. The metal oxid includes at least one of zirconia and titania, and the two-dimensional nanosheets include at least one of reduced graphene oxide and boron nitride. A weight ratio of the metal oxide to the two-dimensional nanosheets is in a range of 2:1 to 19:1, or in a range or 2:1 to 9:1. Making the nanocomposite includes forming a first aqueous dispersion including zirconia nanoparticles and graphene oxide powder, combining a reducing agent with the first aqueous dispersion, irradiating the first aqueous dispersion with microwave radiation, thereby yielding a second aqueous dispersion including zirconia and graphene, and separating the nanocomposite from the second aqueous dispersion, wherein the nanocomposite comprises zirconia and graphene.

Abstract: A method for heat integration in a sulfur recovery unit, the method comprising the steps of reacting the acid gas stream and the air stream in the reaction furnace to produce a reaction effluent, where the reaction effluent comprises elemental sulfur, reducing the temperature of the reaction effluent in the heating extension to produce an effluent stream, reducing the temperature of the reaction effluent in the waste heat boiler to produce a cooled effluent stream, reducing the temperature of the cooled effluent in the sulfur condenser to produce a liquid sulfur stream and a cooled gases stream, where the liquid sulfur stream comprises the elemental sulfur, and increasing a temperature of the cooled gases stream to produce a hot gases stream, where the heating extension is configured to capture heat from the reaction effluent and release the heat to the cooled gases stream.

Abstract: A method for heat integration in a sulfur recovery unit, the method comprising the steps of reacting the acid gas stream and the air stream in the reaction furnace to produce a reaction effluent, where the reaction effluent comprises elemental sulfur, reducing the temperature of the reaction effluent in the heating extension to produce an effluent stream, reducing the temperature of the reaction effluent in the waste heat boiler to produce a cooled effluent stream, reducing the temperature of the cooled effluent in the sulfur condenser to produce a liquid sulfur stream and a cooled gases stream, where the liquid sulfur stream comprises the elemental sulfur, and increasing a temperature of the cooled gases stream to produce a hot gases stream, where the heating extension is configured to capture heat from the reaction effluent and release the heat to the cooled gases stream.

Abstract: A nanocomposite including a metal oxide and two-dimensional nanosheets. The metal oxide includes at least one of zirconia and titania, and the two-dimensional nanosheets include at least one of reduced graphene oxide and boron nitride. A weight ratio of the metal oxide to the two-dimensional nanosheets is in a range of 2:1 to 19:1, or in a range or 2:1 to 9:1. Making the nanocomposite includes forming a first aqueous dispersion including zirconia nanoparticles and graphene oxide powder, combining a reducing agent with the first aqueous dispersion, irradiating the first aqueous dispersion with microwave radiation, thereby yielding a second aqueous dispersion including zirconia and graphene, and separating the nanocomposite from the second aqueous dispersion, wherein the nanocomposite comprises zirconia and graphene.

Abstract: A reactor (1) for thermochemical reactions is provided comprising a reactor shell (13) having an inlet (2) and an outlet (3). Solid catalyst (16) is provided in reaction zones (4a, 4b, 4c) in which at least a portion of reactants entering the reactor (1) undergo a thermochemical reaction. A heat exchange medium is provided in heat exchange zones such that heat is exchanged between the reaction zones (4a, 4b, 4c) and the heat exchange medium. One or more hollow inserts (11) at least partially extend through the reaction zones (4a, 4b, 4c). The hollow inserts (11) are configured to form a flow path to either: divert a portion of the reactants from the reactor inlet (2) or from one reaction zone to a different reaction zone; or divert a portion of the heat exchange medium from one heat exchange zone to a different heat exchange zone.

Abstract: Incorporating into a fixed bed reactor for an exothermal reaction having a catalyst supported on a support having a thermal conductivity typically less than 30 W/mk within the reaction temperature control limits heat dissipative particles having a thermal conductivity of at least 50 W/mk less than 30 W/mk within the reaction temperature control limits helps control the temperature of the reactor bed.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube assembly manufacturing apparatus includes a synthesis furnace having a carbon nanotube synthesis space inside, and a gas supply unit that is disposed at a lower portion of the synthesis furnace and ejects an inert gas through a plurality of nozzles to converge carbon nanotubes discharged from the synthesis furnace. The plurality of nozzles are arranged along an arc of the gas supply unit so as to surround the carbon nanotubes discharged from the synthesis furnace and are individually adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a PrOx reactor (R) comprising a housing that encloses a reaction space and has a first inlet (E1) for supply of a hydrogenous first gas (G1) to a reaction space, a second inlet (E2) for supply of an oxygenous second gas (G2) to the reaction space and an outlet (A) for discharge of a third gas (G3), wherein there is a multitude of conduits (Kv) extending from the second inlet (E2) into the reaction space, each of which comprises at least one opening (O) for supply of the second gas (G2) to the reaction space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for monomer production, for example, acrylic acid, wherein the methods comprise oxidizing one or more reactant gases, for example, propylene, in a fixed bed reactor, preferably, two fixed bed reactors, in the presence of oxygen and a mixed metal oxide catalyst to form an oxidized gaseous mixture and, at any point in the oxidizing, feeding or flowing the one or more reactant gases or the oxidized gaseous mixture through an inert macroporous material that has a pore volume of from 0.2 cm3/g to 2.0 cm3/g, a surface area of from 0.01 to 0.6 m2/g, and wherein from 30 to 98 wt. % of the total pore volume in the inert macroporous material has a pore diameter of at least 100 ?m.

Abstract: A method and design of providing high temperature heat for an endothermic gasifier without combustion includes flowing a stream of a first hydrocarbon gas sequentially through an annular plenum and a cylindrical plenum while heating the gas using electrical resistance immersion heating elements. These heating elements may be heated by three phase electrical power, minimizing the number of electrical leads emerging from the top of the heating elements. This method and design reduces the risk of extremely hot syngas exiting the gasifier damaging downstream fittings.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.

Abstract: Vertical reactor (1) for chemical reactions, comprising a tube heat exchanger (6) immersed in a catalytic bed (5), wherein said tube exchanger (6) comprises a plurality of straight tube bundles (6.1, 6.2) with respective tube plates for feeding (9.1, 9.2) and collecting (10.1, 10.2) the heat exchange fluid, and wherein the tube bundles and the respective tube plates are vertically staggered so as to allow access to the shell side.

Abstract: A semiconductor package including a heat spreading layer having at least one hole, a first semiconductor chip below the heat spreading layer, a redistribution structure below the first semiconductor chip, a first mold layer between the heat spreading layer and the redistribution structure, a shielding wall extending from the redistribution structure and the heat spreading layer and surrounding the first semiconductor chip, and a first conductive pillar extending from the redistribution structure into the hole may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for the controlled growing of material on substrates. According to embodiments of the present invention, a precursor feed is controlled in order to provide an optimal pulse profile. This may be accomplished by splitting the feed into two paths. One of the paths is restricted in a continuous manner. The other path is restricted in a periodic manner. The output of the two paths converges at a point prior to entry of the reactor. Therefore, a single precursor source is able to fed precursor in to a reactor under two different conditions, one which can be seen as mimicking ALD conditions and one which can be seen as mimicking CVD conditions. This allows for an otherwise single mode reactor to be operated in a plurality of modes including one or more ALD/CVD combination modes. Additionally, the pulse profile of each pulse can be modified.

Abstract: Vertical reactor (1) for chemical reactions, comprising a tube heat exchanger (6) immersed in a catalytic bed (5), wherein said tube exchanger (6) comprises a plurality of straight tube bundles (6.1, 6.2) with respective tube plates for feeding (9.1, 9.2) and collecting (10.1, 10.2) the heat exchange fluid, and wherein the tube bundles and the respective tube plates are vertically staggered so as to allow access to the shell side.

Abstract: In various aspects, methods are provided for hydrogen production while reducing and/or mitigating emissions during various refinery processes that produce syngas, such as power generation. Syngas can be effectively separated to generate high purity carbon dioxide and hydrogen streams, while reducing and/or minimizing the energy required for the separation, and without needing to reduce the temperature of the flue gas. In various aspects, the operating conditions, such as high temperature, mixed metal oxide adsorbents, and cycle variations, for a pressure swing adsorption reactor can be selected to minimize energy penalties while still effectively capturing the CO2 present in syngas.

Abstract: This invention involves the addition of ester bottoms to an asphalt paving composition to improve the usable temperature range (UTR). The ester bottoms are a byproduct of refining a feedstock containing all or a portion of vegetable oil or animal fat.

Abstract: This invention involves the addition of ester bottoms to an asphalt paving composition to improve the usable temperature range (UTR). The ester bottoms are a byproduct of refining a feedstock containing all or a portion of vegetable oil or animal fat.

Abstract: Proposed is a cylindrical reactor (1) having a vertical longitudinal axis for continuous hydroformylation of a C6-C20-olefin or a mixture of C6-C20-olefins with synthesis gas in the presence of a homogeneously dissolved metal carbonyl complex catalyst, having a multiplicity of Field tubes (2) which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reactor (1) and welded into a tube plate at the upper end of the reactor (1), having a circulation tube (3) open at both ends which envelops the Field tubes (2) and at its lower end projects beyond said tubes, having a jet nozzle (4) at the bottom of the reactor (1) for injecting the reactant mixture comprising the C6-C20-olefin, the synthesis gas and the metal carbonyl complex catalyst, wherein the Field tubes (2) are configured in terms of their number and their dimensions such that the total heat exchanger area of said tubes per unit internal volume of the reactor is in the range from 1 m2/m3 to 11 m2/m3 and the cross sectional area occupied by the Field t

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a semi-humic material, and compositions comprising the same, obtained from leonardite ore and a non-humic organic carbon source and a process for obtaining the same. Also described are methods for maintaining more available nitrogen and phosphorus in the plant root zone and minimizing premature leaching and loss of the nitrogen and/or phosphorus into the atmosphere, surface waters and/or subsurface ground water.

Abstract: In a process for producing a silicon single crystal in which carbon is incorporated in order to inhibit crystal defects, provided is a process which easily allows carbon to be mixed and dissolved into a silicon melt. The process for producing a silicon single crystal, which involves allowing a silicon single crystal to grow during its pulling-up from the silicon melt held in a crucible, uses as at least part of a silicon raw material, crushed materials of a polycrystalline silicon rod produced by Siemens process that are obtained by crushing an end of the rod in the vicinity contacting a carbon core wire holding member.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprises a plate package of permanently connected heat exchanger plates that defines a surrounding wall. Two mounting plates are permanently connected to an end surface of the plate package, in spaced relation to each other. Each mounting plate comprises opposing flat engagement surfaces and a peripheral edge that forms a perimeter of the mounting plate. Each mounting plate is arranged with one of its engagement surfaces permanently connected to the end surface, such that the peripheral edge partially extends beyond the outer periphery of the end surface, to define a mounting flange, and partially extends across the end surface in contact with the same. The mounting plates have a decreasing thickness towards the peripheral edge in predefined intersection regions, which are located where the peripheral edge intersects with the perimeter of the surrounding wall as seen in a normal direction to the end surface.

Abstract: Disclosed microscale reactors comprise lamina for carrying out multi-phase reactions for making desired chemical products, such as biohydrogenated diesel (BHD). Microreactor embodiments include a bottom clamp plate, a top clamp plate, and at least one catalyst plate positioned between and operatively associated with the bottom clamp plate and the top clamp plate. Catalyst plates include a catalyst associated for catalyzing the production of product from feedstock. To address the problems encountered when using microchannel reactors, the microscale-based reactors may include a mixer plate assembly and/or at least one catalyst lamina comprising an array of microscale posts. Disclosed microreactor systems for producing BHD include a feedstock source, a hydrogen source and an inert gas source each fluidly coupled to respective microreactor inlets.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for manufacturing a natural gas hydrate. Provided is the device for manufacturing a natural gas hydrate comprising: an ice slurry generation unit for preparing ice slurry having 13-20% of ice at normal pressure; a first pipe, having one end connected to the ice slurry generation unit for withdrawing the ice slurry from the ice slurry generation unit, and in which a high-pressure pump for increasing pressure on the ice slurry is interposed; a hydrate preparation reactor, which is connected to the other end of the first pipe so as to receive the pressurized ice slurry, and to which natural gas is supplied and mixed, for generating natural gas hydrate slurry; a second pipe, having one end connected to the hydrate preparation reactor, for withdrawing the natural gas hydrate slurry; and a dehydrating portion, which is connected to the other end of the second pipe, for dehydrating the natural gas hydrate slurry.

Abstract: Furnace tubes for cracking hydrocarbons that in an embodiment have a longitudinal array of pins having i) a maximum height from about 2 to about 4.8 cm; ii) a contact surface with the tube, having an area from about 0.1% to about 10% of the tube external cross section area iii) a uniform cross section along the length of the pin. (i.e., they are typically not tapered); and iv) a length to diameter ratio from about 4:1 to about 2:1 have an improved heat transfer over bare fins and reduced stress relative to a fined tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit includes tube units arranged within a duct unit for heat exchange with combustion gas supplied from a furnace of a thermal power plant, and heat exchanger fins longitudinally formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the tube units and having different thickness and sizes while heat exchange with the combustion gas is performed through the heat exchanger fin.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of wet biomass. The process comprises heating wet biomass at a pressure in the range of from 22.1 MPa to 35 MPa. The wet biomass is heated from a temperature of at most T1 to a temperature of at least T2 by heat exchange with a first heating fluid. The gasification product is further heated. The further heated gasification product is used as the first heating fluid, upon which the further heated gasification product is cooled down from a temperature of at least T3 to a temperature of at most T4. The temperatures T1, T2, T3 and T4 can be calculated by using certain mathematical formulae. Also claimed: a reaction apparatus for the gasification of wet biomass.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons includes a reactor for reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The apparatus also includes a reactive scrubbing station in fluid communication with the reactor where the blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid at the reactive scrubbing station to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrocarbon conversion process in which an alkane component is catalytically converted in the presence of an oxygen or oxidizing component (i.e., oxidant). The hydrocarbon conversion process can be an oxidative coupling reaction, which refers to the catalytic conversion of alkane in the presence of oxidant to produce an olefin product, i.e., a composition containing C2+ olefin. Reverse-flow reactors can be used to carry out the oxidative coupling reaction.

Abstract: A combined reformer and purifier for converting a hydrogen-rich feedstock into purified hydrogen is described. The combined reformer and purifier can include at least one compression plate as an assembly comprising at least one first cavity comprising a catalyst effective to liberate hydrogen from said hydrogen-rich feedstock and forming a hydrogen-rich mixed gas. The compression plate assembly can also include at least one second cavity enclosing a burner or oxidative catalytic reactor to oxidize said hydrogen-depleted raffinate or said hydrogen-rich feedstock to supply heat to the at least one first cavity containing said catalyst. The compression plate assembly can also include an interior surface proximal to said membrane and an exterior surface distal to said membrane. The compression plate assembly can also include a third cavity effective to preheat said hydrogen-rich feedstock prior to being delivered to said catalyst.

Abstract: Fuel cell systems, e.g. systems including proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, are engineered to have more than one internal electrical resistance that can change according to temperature. Such changes in internal electrical resistance levels allow rapid heat-up of the fuel cells from low temperatures to an elevated temperature that is optimal for water management and fuel cell operation. The fuel cell systems can include at least one fuel cell and at least one resistor-switch unit electrically connected to the at least one fuel cell. The at least one resistor-switch unit includes a resistor and a switch in which the switch is electrically connected in parallel with the resistor.

Abstract: A humic acid composition includes fulvic acid, ulmic acid and black humic acid. Fulvic acid is in an amount ranging from 64% to 98 wt % based on a sum weight of fulvic acid, ulmic acid and black humic acid. The content of phenol hydroxyl groups is in a range from 0.76 mmol/g to 2.42 mmol/g in the humic acid composition. The humic acid composition contains a high content of fulvic acid with small molecular weight and a high content of active functional groups, and a high content of phenolic hydroxyl in the active groups. The humic acid composition can provide microbial organic source for soil directly, and improve the nutrient of crops and the soil environment in rhizosphere to promote the breeding of microorganism and delay the attenuation rate of soil microbes.

Abstract: A thermal swing reactor including a multi-flight auger and methods for solar thermochemical reactions are disclosed. The reactor includes a multi-flight auger having different helix portions having different pitch. Embodiments of reactors include at least two distinct reactor portions between which there is at least a pressure differential. In embodiments, reactive particles are exchanged between portions during a reaction cycle to thermally reduce the particles at first conditions and oxidize the particles at second conditions to produce chemical work from heat.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of improving the activity of an at least partially non-active Fischer-Tropsch (“FT”) catalyst in a tubular FT reactor, which includes heating a heat transfer fluid (“HTF”) to a vapor state, using the heated HTF in the vapor state to achieve and maintain the at least partially non-active FT catalyst at a predetermined stage temperature; and exposing the at least partially non-active FT catalyst to at least one stage FT catalyst activity-related gas for a stage duration of time to increase the activity of the FT catalyst to a desired level. Other methods, systems and apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system including a mixing apparatus configured to produce a reformer feedstock and comprising one or more cylindrical vessel having a conical bottom section, an inlet for superheated steam within the conical bottom section and an inlet for at least one carbonaceous material at or near the top of the cylindrical vessel, wherein the one or more cylindrical vessel is a pressure vessel configured for operation at a pressure in the range of from about 5 psig (34.5 kPa) to about 50 psig (344.7 kPa); a reformer configured to produce, from the reformer feedstock, a reformer product comprising synthesis gas, and also producing a hot flue gas; a synthesis gas conversion apparatus configured to catalytically convert at least a portion of the synthesis gas in the reformer product into synthesis gas conversion product, and to separate, from the synthesis gas conversion product, a spent catalyst stream and a tailgas.

Abstract: A cold storage heat exchanger has refrigerant pipes fins, and cold-storage-medium containers. The cold-storage-medium container is arranged next to the refrigerant pipe. A cold storage medium is accommodated in the cold-storage-medium container in order to leave an air cell, and to provide a filling ratio of less than 90%. The cold-storage-medium container has a plurality of depressions at an inside of the cold-storage-medium container. The depression is a dimple. The plurality of depressions are joined each other at top parts and provide high rigidity. The cold-storage-medium container is positioned on the refrigerant pipe by an engaging projection. An open end of an open depression is covered by the refrigerant pipe. The cold storage medium can flow into the open depression. Therefore, the cold storage medium may directly contact the refrigerant pipe, and is directly cooled with the refrigerant.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, in which a vacuum-pressure airtight chamber is defined by a space between a first substrate and a recessed portion of a second substrate, includes preparing the first substrate and the second substrate both of which contain silicon, joining the two substrates together, performing a heat treatment to emit hydrogen gas from the airtight chamber, and generating OH groups on the substrates before the joining. In the joining of the substrates together, the OH groups are bonded together to generate covalent bonds, and in the heat treatment, a part on which the OH groups are generated is heated at a temperature rise rate of 1° C./sec or smaller until a temperature of the substrate increases to 700° C. or higher, and a heating temperature and heating time are adjusted to emit hydrogen gas from the airtight chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell module is made up of a fuel cell stack and fuel cell peripheral equipment. The fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area around the first area and where a reformer and an evaporator are provided, and an annular third area around the second area and where a heat exchanger is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the decomposition of ammonium dinitramide-based liquid monopropellants into hot, combustible gases for combustion in a combustion chamber, and a rocket engine or thruster comprising such reactor, wherein the reactor comprises a heat bed exhibiting catalytic activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying an organic compound and a method of purifying an organic compound, the apparatus including an inner tube that receives a purification target material therein; a heater that heats the purification target material received in the inner tube; an evacuator that evacuates the inner tube into a vacuum; and a driving device that drives the inner tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel processor. The fuel processor includes: a steam reformer unit configured to be disposed at an upper portion in a casing; a heat exchanger unit configured to be disposed at a lower portion of the steam reformer unit; a high temperature shift reforming unit configured to be disposed at a lower portion of the heat exchanger unit; a low temperature shift reforming unit configured to be disposed while enclosing an outer portion of the high temperature shift reforming unit; and a heat exchange chamber configured to be disposed at a lower portion of the high temperature shift reforming unit and exchange heat between reformed gas and a heat exchange fluid supplied through a channel part formed to drain the reformed gas and combustion gas and supply the heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing at least one object, wherein the object is exposed to a sterilization agent, wherein at least one first support pressure and at least one second support pressure are applied and wherein a sterilization of a first region of the object takes place by the sterilization agent at the first support pressure and a sterilization of a second region of the object takes place at the second support pressure. The present invention furthermore relates to a sterilizing apparatus and to a use herefor.

Abstract: A raw fuel inlet pipe, an air inlet pipe, and a combustion gas exhaust pipe are provided for a casing of a start-up combustor. A raw fuel supply chamber connected to the raw fuel inlet pipe and an air supply chamber connected to the air inlet pipe form double layer structure. A chamber having a partition wall is provided for the raw fuel supply chamber, and a slit connected to the air supply chamber is formed in the partition wall. A plurality of raw fuel through holes are formed on a side surface of the partition wall with which the slit is formed.

Abstract: Reactors and methods for solar thermochemical reactions are disclosed. The reactors and methods include a cascade of reduction chambers at successively lower pressures that leads to over an order of magnitude pressure decrease compared to a single-chambered design. The resulting efficiency gains are substantial, and represent an important step toward practical and efficient solar fuel production on a large scale.

Abstract: A plate apparatus suitable for heat and/or material exchange has plates (P0, P1, P2, P3) contacting each other flush along a peripheral seal (1) while forming respective intermediate spaces (Z0, Z1, Z2, Z3) and having upper (2, 3) and lower (4, 5) through-flow openings for fluids. A group of these upper and lower through-flow openings (2, 5) is allocated to at least two fluids and is connected by correspondingly placed seals to every second plate intermediate space (Z1, Z3) carrying a flow from top to bottom. In flush upper through-flow openings (2) of plates (P0, P1, P2, P3) a distribution lance (6) runs across these openings and has outlet openings (6a) for at least one of the fluids. It is essential that the outlet openings (6a) are directed into those plate intermediate spaces (Z0, Z2) arranged between the second plate intermediate spaces (Z1, Z3) for the fluids to be mixed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for the controlled growing of material on substrates. According to embodiments of the present invention, a precursor feed is controlled in order to provide an optimal pulse profile. This may be accomplished by splitting the feed into two paths. One of the paths is restricted in a continuous manner. The other path is restricted in a periodic manner. The output of the two paths converges at a point prior to entry of the reactor. Therefore, a single precursor source is able to fed precursor in to a reactor under two different conditions, one which can be seen as mimicking ALD conditions and one which can be seen as mimicking CVD conditions. This allows for an otherwise single mode reactor to be operated in a plurality of modes including one or more ALD/CVD combination modes. Additionally, the pulse profile of each pulse can be modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for performing a Fischer Tropsch reaction in a reactor comprising at least two reactor tubes, a coolant chamber, and a gas distribution system below the coolant chamber, whereby at least two reactor tubes extend through the coolant chamber and one or more highly porous catalysts, said catalyst(s) having a size of at least 1 mm and comprising a porous body and a catalyst material, whereby the porous body has a porosity within the range of between 50 and 98 volume %.