Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gas storage device. In an embodiment, the gas storage device includes a cylinder with opposing ends. An endcap is present at each end. The cylinder and the endcaps form an enclosure. Each endcap includes a connector. A diaphragm is located in the enclosure. The diaphragm includes an annular sidewall. The device includes an inner chamber defined by an inner surface of the sidewall, and a storage space between an interior surface of the cylinder and an outer surface of the sidewall. A metal hydride composition is located in the storage space.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, an evaporator for evaporating a mixture of methanol and water to be forwarded through a catalytic reformer for producing portions of free hydrogen. The fuel cell stack being composed of a number of proton exchange membrane fuel cells each featuring electrodes in form of an anode and a cathode for delivering an electric current. The system provides an enhanced system for evaporating the liquid fuel using a pre-evaporator, which partly evaporates the fuel, followed by a nozzle, which atomizes the fuel into a fine mist, before being passed to the final evaporation zone. This configuration ensures minimal fuel accumulation in the system and fast load transition's.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cascade process useful for (fast) ionic polymerisation of liquid monomer(s) containing reaction mixture for the production of the corresponding polymer(s).

Abstract: Electroplating techniques including a system for treating a solution for use in an electroplating application and a method for using the system are provided. The system can have: a gas dispersing portion configured to treat the solution by dispersing a gas into the solution to control a concentration of a predetermined cation of a metal to be electroplated in the electroplating application; a filter portion configured to treat the solution by filtering the solution to remove a quantity of metal residue; and a circulation mechanism configured to divert the solution to one of a plating tool and a combination of the gas dispersing portion and the filter portion based on a result of an analysis of the solution.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a chromium-based catalyst to a mix vessel; introducing a reducing agent through an entrance arrangement into the mix vessel, and agitating a mixture of the chromium-based catalyst, the reducing agent, and a solvent in the mix vessel to promote contact of the reducing agent with the chromium-based catalyst to give a reduced chromium-based catalyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to steam reformers for the production of a hydrogen rich reformate, comprising a shell having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending generally between the first end and the second end of the shell, and at least one heat source disposed about the second end of the shell. The shell comprises at least one conduit member comprising at least one thermally emissive and high radiant emissivity material, at least partially disposed within the shell cavity. The shell further comprises at least one reactor module at least a portion of which is disposed within the shell cavity and about the at least one conduit member and comprises at least one reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A gasification system for the partial oxidation of a carbonaceous feedstock to at least provide a synthesis gas, comprising: a reactor chamber for receiving and partially oxidizing the carbonaceous feedstock; a quench chamber below the floor of the reactor chamber for holding a bath of liquid coolant; an intermediate section at said reactor chamber floor, the intermediate section having a reactor outlet opening through which the reactor chamber communicates with the quench chamber to conduct the synthesis gas from the reactor chamber into the bath of the quench chamber; at least one layer of refractory bricks arranged on and supported by the reactor chamber floor, the lower end section of the refractory bricks enclosing the reactor outlet opening and defining the inner diameter thereof; and a dip tube extending from the reactor outlet opening to the bath of the quench chamber, the dip tube having a widened top section.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, an evaporator for evaporating a mixture of methanol and water to be forwarded through a catalytic reformer for producing portions of free hydrogen. The fuel cell stack being composed of a number of proton exchange membrane fuel cells each featuring electrodes in form of an anode and a cathode for delivering an electric current. The system provides an enhanced catalytic reformer for a fuel cell system, which enables a compact design of the reformer for integration into a flat, rack mountable system.

Abstract: A crystal pulling system for growing a monocrystalline ingot from a melt of semiconductor or solar-grade material includes a housing defining a growth chamber, a crucible disposed within the growth chamber containing the melt of semiconductor or solar-grade material, a vacuum pump for drawing exhaust gases out of the growth chamber, and a fluid-cooled exhaust tube connected between the growth chamber and the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A flow reactor fluidic module (12) includes a reactant fluid module (20) having an internal process fluid passage (22) and a first major planar outer surface (24a) and a thermal resistance R between the internal process fluid passage (22) and the first major planar surface (24); a thermal control fluid module (30) having an internal thermal control fluid passage (32) and a second major planar outer surface (34a); a holding structure (50) holding the reactant fluid module (20) and the thermal control fluid module (30); and a gap (25) separating the first major planar surface (24a) from the second major planar surface (34a). The gap (25) comprises an interchangeable or replaceable substance or sheet (26) having a thermal resistance G across the gap (25), wherein G is not equal to R.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to steam reformers for the production of a hydrogen rich reformate, comprising a shell having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending generally between the first end and the second end of the shell, and at least one heat source disposed about the second end of the shell. The shell comprises at least one conduit member comprising at least one thermally emissive and high radiant emissivity material, at least partially disposed within the shell cavity. The shell further comprises at least one reactor module at least a portion of which is disposed within the shell cavity and about the at least one conduit member and comprises at least one reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A reactor includes a vessel, a gas inlet, a solid outlet, a catalyst support configured to at least partially retain a catalyst material and allow a tail gas to pass therethrough, and a tail gas outlet. The gas inlet is in fluid communication with the solid outlet. A system for producing a solid product includes a reactor, a compressor, a heater, a make-up reactive gas inlet, and a solids discharge means for removing the solid product from the solid outlet of the reactor. Methods of forming solid products include providing a catalyst material in a vessel having a porous catalyst support, delivering a reactive gas to the vessel, reacting the reactive gas to form a solid product and a tail gas in the vessel, passing the tail gas through a portion of the catalyst material to separate the solid product from the tail gas, and removing the solid product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conversion vessel (200) used during amidification step of acetone cyanohydrin (ACH), in the industrial process for production of a methyl methacrylate (MMA) or methacrylic acid (MAA). The thermal conversion vessel (200) is used for converting an hydrolysis mixture of ?-hydroxyisobutyramide (HIBAM), ?-sulfatoisobutyramide (SIBAM), 2-methacrylamide (MACRYDE) and methacrylique acid (MAA), into a mixture of 2-methacrylamide (MACRYDE). It comprises:—at least one compartment (C1, C2, C3, . . . Ci) comprising an inner wall (206a, 206b, . . . 206i) separating said compartment into two communicating parts (C1a, C1b) by a passage provided between the bottom of said vessel and said inner wall,—said compartment having a space above said inner wall, for separating gas phase from liquid phase during thermal conversion,—said compartment being connected to an outlet valve (204a, 204b, . . . 204i). Such vessel allows obtaining a high yield thermal conversion in very safe conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems for processing of carbonaceous compositions. The processing may include the manufacture (or synthesis) of oxidized forms of carbonaceous compositions and/or the manufacture (or synthesis) of reduced forms of oxidized carbonaceous compositions. Some embodiments provide methods, devices and systems for the manufacture (or synthesis) of graphite oxide from graphite and/or for the manufacture (or synthesis) of reduced graphite oxide from graphite oxide.

Abstract: A thermal heat storage system is provided, including a storage tank, a heat injection system and a heat recovery system. The storage tank holds a material for thermal storage. The heat injection system is coupled to an intake on the storage tank. The heat recovery system is coupled to an output on the storage tank and also uses vapor under depressurized conditions for heat transfer.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system further comprises a transport plane to carry the multiple container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The system also comprises at least one transfer device to transfer a sample item, wherein the sample item is a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between the transport plane and a laboratory station such as, for example, a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station.

Abstract: A modular flow reactor is formed of a plurality of modules, wherein each module comprises a body having at least one conduit passing therethrough, and wherein a plurality of said modules are aligned along a longitudinal axis such that said conduits of said modules are aligned to form a passage for fluid, wherein each module has a length along said longitudinal axis which is less than the length of the module perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The modules are “slices” rather than “tubes” and a plurality of said modules can be aligned linearly so that the conduits form a tube.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for removing sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The system includes a reactor having a fuel inlet and fuel outlet. The fuel inlet and fuel outlet are in fluid communication with a fuel path passing through the reactor. The fuel path is defined by an inner helical thread portion and an outer helical thread portion. The inner helical thread portion is complimentary with and has a smaller diameter than the outer helical thread portion. The inner helical thread portion surrounds a heating element and the outer helical thread portion is surrounded by an outer cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a reactant comprises a reactant space and a reservoir space. The reactant space comprises a chemical complex capable of evolving the reactant when heated. The reservoir space, in turn, is in gas communication with the reactant space. The apparatus is operative to heat the chemical complex when a pressure of the reactant in the reservoir space is below a predetermined set-point, and to cool the chemical complex when the pressure of the reactant in the reservoir space is above the predetermined set-point.

Abstract: Compounds, synthesis of, and methods for synthesizing metal alkoxide derivatives; and metal alkoxide derivatives for use as flame retardants are described. Group 13 metal alkoxides having flame retardant properties may be prepared by reacting the group 13 metal trihydroxide with an alcohol.

Abstract: A reactor (1) for preparing phosgene by gas-phase reaction of carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a solid-state catalyst, which is provided in a plurality of catalyst tubes (2) which are arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the reactor (1) and are welded at each of their two ends into a tube plate (3), with introduction of the starting materials at the upper end of the catalyst tubes (2) and discharge of the gaseous reaction mixture at the lower end of the catalyst tubes (2), in each case via a cap, and also with introduction and discharge facilities for a liquid heat transfer medium (7) in the space (4) between the catalyst tubes (2) within the shell, where the flow of the heat transfer medium (7) in the space (4) between the catalyst tubes (2) within the shell is meandering as a result of deflection plates (5), each alternative deflection plate (5) leaves two openings (6) having the shape of a segment of a circle free on opposite sides at the interior wall of the rea

Abstract: A system for converting animal waste into fuel, oil and other useful products is presented and includes a confinement building, a waste storage facility or lagoon for holding animal waste, a solids separating system for separating solids from liquids, a mixing and macerating unit for mixing the proper combination of fluids and solids and for managing the particle size, a pumping unit for pressurizing the system, a first heat exchanger unit, a reactor vessel, a second heat exchanger unit, an oil and water separating unit and an oil storage facility. The reactor vessel includes at least one auger blade that extend around a centrally positioned column that conducts heat into the reactor vessel. The animal waste is pumped through the reactor vessel as heated is applied. The heat and pressure converts the animal waste to oil and water which is later separated.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing hydrocarbon oil from the thermal decomposition of waste plastics in a continuous process which comprises melting of a waste plastic feedstock into an auger assisted melt reactor to remove chlorine and organics contained in the waste plastic, and transferring the melted waste plastic into an heated screw pyrolysis reactor which includes a transitional metal heat transfer medium. The hydrocarbon gas from the pyrolysis reactor is fed into a vessel containing metal trays for a second decomposition which is connected with an alkali treatment 2-step process gas reactor to remove acidic gases, and any inorganic solids. The hydrocarbon gases are separated by three separate condensers. The hydrocarbon fraction of the first condenser is recycled back into the pyrolysis reaction for further thermal treatment, and the hydrocarbon fractions are collected in the remaining condensers.

Abstract: A method of assembling a syngas cooler is provided. The method includes coupling a supply line within a cooler shell, coupling a heat transfer panel within the cooler shell, and coupling a heat transfer enclosure within the cooler shell such that the heat transfer enclosure substantially isolates the heat transfer panel from the cooler shell. A manifold is coupled in flow communication with the supply line, the heat transfer enclosure, and the heat transfer panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides isothermal multitube reactors suitable for the production of chlorinated and/or fluorinated propene and higher alkenes from the reaction of chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkanes and chlorinated and/or fluorinated alkenes. The reactors utilize a feed mixture inlet temperature at least 20° C. different from a desired reaction temperature.

Abstract: A process is described for startup and/or shutdown of a plant for preparation of nitric acid from ammonia and oxygenous gas by the single pressure or dual pressure process, in which the ammonia used is oxidized by means of compressed process air over a catalyst, said process air having been compressed in at least one compressor (6), the nitrous gas formed by the combustion is cooled in one or more process gas coolers (3) equipped with pipe coils for a cooling medium and in one or more feed water preheaters (2) equipped with pipe coils for a cooling medium, and the cooled nitrous gas is subsequently absorbed at least partly by water, forming nitric acid, and the unabsorbed residual gas is expanded in at least one residual gas turbine (11) for the purpose of recovering compressor work.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ethylene cracking furnace having a multi-pass radiant coil, comprising at least one radiant section. In the radiant section there are provided with bottom burners and/or sidewall burners, and at least one set of multi-pass radiant coil longitudinally arranged in the radiant section. The multi-pass radiant coil is a four- to ten-pass type radiant coil. At least one tube of the multi-pass radiant coil is arranged to be spatially adjacent to a tube which is not consecutive to said at least one tube. With this arrangement, the thermal radiation influence between tubes with high temperature can be reduced, so that the tubes with low temperature can absorb the radiation heat from the tubes with high temperature. Therefore, the surface temperature of the tubes with high temperature can be reduced, thus extending the lifetime of the radiant coil and the operational cycle of the cracking furnace.

Abstract: The invention describes features that can be used to control flow to an array of microchannels. The invention also describes methods in which a process stream is distributed to plural microchannels.

Abstract: A reactor that produces polycrystalline silicon using a monosilane process includes a reactor base plate having a multiplicity of nozzles formed therein through which a silicon-containing gas flows, a plurality of filament rods mounted on the reactor base plate, and a gas outlet opening located at a selected distance from the nozzles to feed used monosilane to an enrichment and/or treatment stage, wherein the gas outlet opening is formed at a free end of an inner tube, the inner tube is conducted through the reactor base plate, and the inner tube has an outer wall and an inner wall and thus forms an intermediate space in which at least one cooling water circuit is conducted.

Abstract: A system for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization. includes a heat exchanger configured to receive an elevated-temperature process fluid and an isomerization compound capable of endothermic isomerization. When the system is in operation, heat from the elevated temperature process fluid is transferred to the isomerization compound and the isomerization compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy state form. A vehicle includes an engine and a body. The body houses a catalytic heat exchanger having an output in fluid communication with the engine, a pump for urging an isomerization compound into the heat exchanger, and a heat sink controller for controlling the pump. A method for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization includes providing a compound capable of endothermic isomerization and transferring heat from a process fluid to the compound, such that the compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy level isomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas, and more particularly, to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas containing methane gas from synthetic gas, including a porous nickel plate catalyst part.

Abstract: A tube reactor having a substantially tubular body portion including a conical section, an entry port, an opposing exit port, and an axis extending between the ports through the body portion. The tubular body portion being rotatable about the axis. At least one reactant can be fed into the tubular body portion and directed toward the conical section. An inner surface of the tubular body portion receives the reactants from the conical section, and processes the reactants. An insert may be positioned within the tubular body portion to further process the reactants along the inner surface. A rotating reservoir having a damper can be coupled to the rotating tubular body portion. The damper receives the processed reactants from the inner surface of the tubular body portion, and guides the processed reactants into the rotating reservoir to minimize turbulence. The rotating reservoir then separates the processed reactants by density.

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 process for producing light olefins is provided. A feedstock enters a pre-reaction zone and contacts a catalyst comprising at least one silicon-aluminophosphate molecular sieve and produces a gas-phase stream; the gas-phase stream and the catalyst enter at least one riser, and the gas-phase stream and the catalyst pass from an outlet of the at least one riser and enter a gas-solid rapid separation zone; the separated gas-phase stream enters a separation section; a first portion of the separated catalyst returns to the pre-reaction zone, and a second portion is regenerated in a regenerator; wherein an inlet of the at least one riser extends into the pre-reaction zone, about 60% to about 90% of the height of the at least one riser passes through a heat exchange zone, and the outlet extends into the gas-solid rapid separation zone.

Abstract: System for supporting a plate heat exchanger (10, 100, 200) inside an isothermal chemical reactor (1), comprising a circumferential ring structure (40) fixed at least to top radial sides (19s) of the plates (11), said structure being formed as a single or double ring.

Abstract: A tube isothermal chemical reactor (1), comprising a vessel (2) with a central axis (A-A), and an annular tube heat exchanger (40) embedded in a catalytic reaction space, the exchanger (40) comprising a plurality of concentric ranks (10, 11) of tube packs (10a), each of said tube packs comprising parallel tubes (30), a respective heat-exchange fluid feeder (20) and a respective heat-exchange fluid collector (21).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and recovering CO2 from a CO2 absorbent, includes: a regeneration tower for regenerating the absorbent that has absorbed CO2 by heating it to separate and remove CO2 therefrom and to exhaust CO2 gas; a compressor for compressing the CO2 gas exhausted from the tower; and a heat exchanger for heating the absorbent in the tower by exchanging heat with a part of the compressed CO2 by the compressor which is introduced into the tower. The apparatus may include a plurality of the compressors and a plurality of the heat exchangers. The plurality of compressors is arranged in series to sequentially compress the CO2 gas exhausted from the tower. The plurality of heat exchangers is configured so that each part of the CO2 compressed by the plurality of compressors is introduced to the tower in parallel to exchange heat with the absorbent in the tower.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. The biomass processing system, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: Systems and processes for providing a blended cooling air stream to a cooling zone cooler in a continuous catalyst regeneration system are provided that include removing a first effluent stream from a regeneration tower, providing the first effluent stream to a regeneration cooler; providing a first air stream to the regeneration cooler to form a heated first air stream, combining at least a portion of the heated first air stream with a second air stream to form a blended cooling air stream, and providing the blended cooling air stream to a cooling zone cooler.

Abstract: A Low Temperature Conversion apparatus composed of tri-tubes which simultaneously carries out the functions of vessel and heat exchanger is provided. The apparatus is capable of thermally decomposing any kind of organic material to obtain coal, oil, water and non-condensable gases, and also decontaminating soils and residues contaminated with organochlorides and dioxins and comprises: an outer box (2) with a hermetic lid (19); a thermal insulation layer (5) disposed throughout the inner surface of the outer box (2) and lid; and at least a structure with three concentric tubes disposed internally, positioned substantially vertically and with a wall width suitable for heating by means of gases from an inner side and outer side of said structure. An associated process for thermal decomposition using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An evaporator (e.g., a small-sized high-efficiency evaporator) and a fuel reformer having the same. The evaporator has multi-stage structure (e.g., a four-stage disk structure), in which the respective disks are filled with fin structures. The first two disks through which exhaust gas passes and the second two disks through which water passes are stacked alternately with each other. Also, the first two disks are coupled with each other by a first pipe penetrating through one of the second two disks, and the second two disks are coupled with each other by a second pipe penetrating through one of the first two disks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel and an oxidant, atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant, catalytically reacting the fuel oxidant mixture, providing an ignition source for initiating the catalytic reaction, positioning a heat exchanger in proximity with the catalytic bed, and producing steam which can be fed back into the system thereby eliminating the need for a vaporizer. A hydrocarbon fuel can be mixed with oxygen, as a constituent of air, preferably forming a fuel rich fuel air mixture that passes through a catalytic reactor having an ultra-short channel length metal monolith substrate.

Abstract: Improved design of a catalytic method and reactor for the production of methanol at equilibrium conditions, whereby methanol, as it is formed, is separated from the gaseous phase into the liquid phase within the reactor without reducing the catalytic activity of the methanol catalyst. This is achieved by adjusting the boiling point or temperature of a liquid cooling agent being in indirect contact with the catalyst particles and by providing a specific ratio of catalyst bed volume to cooling surface area. Thereby, condensation of methanol as it is formed in the gaseous phase takes place for the most at the cooling surface arranged evenly distributed within the reactor and if at all within a very limited region of the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A process is described for producing a high molar mass polylactic acid, which comprises the following steps: a) polycondensation in a reactor (R1) of a lactic acid solution, by heating in the form of temperature gradients and under controlled pressure, resulting in a polylactic acid oligomer within the range of 300 to 5000 g/mol; b) conversion, in reactor (200), of the polylactic acid of low molar mass obtained in step a) to a lactide, in the presence of a depolymerization catalyst; c) separation of the volatile fractions; d) recrystallization of the lactide in the vessel (R3), in order to obtain ethanol; e) polymerization, in a tube reactor (300), of the recrystallized lactide obtained in step d), via ring opening in the presence of the catalyst, producing a high molar mass polylactic acid; f) devolatilization, at (400), of the polymeric mass obtained in step e); and g) recovery of the final polylactic acid product with a high degree of purity, with a molar mass of between 50 000 and 200 000 g/mol and a reac

Abstract: A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) reactor includes at least one FT tube. The FT tube may include a catalyst that is designed to catalyze an FT reaction, thereby creating a hydrocarbon from syngas. The FT reactor also includes a primary cooling fluid flow path that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the FT tube. A secondary cooling fluid flow path extends in a direction that is different than the direction of the primary cooling fluid flow path.

Abstract: An isothermal chemical reactor (1) comprising an array of radially arranged plate-like heat exchange elements (11) inside a reaction space, each element comprising feeding and collecting ducts and a bundle of parallel tubes (15) defining channels (12) for a heat exchange medium, the tubes (15) having an elongated cross section and being disposed with a variable orientation relative to the radial direction of the reactor, so that inner tubes near the axis of the reactor have the cross-section major axis aligned with said radial direction, and outer tubes have the same axis perpendicular to the radial direction. The preferred structure of a plate-like heat exchange element is also disclosed.

Abstract: At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas, and more particularly, to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas containing methane gas from synthetic gas, including a porous nickel plate catalyst part.

Abstract: A heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system can include a body configured to be disposed in the reactor system having an inner replaceable reactant container is disclosed. The body can further include at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the inner replaceable reactant container to facilitate heat transfer. Furthermore, the heat exchange module can include a heat exchanger disposed within the module body and can include a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated.

Abstract: Isothermal vertical reactor (1) for a chemical reaction, comprising a shell (2) with internal gas-permeable walls (16, 18) defining an inlet distribution chamber (17) and a product collecting chamber (19), an open-top catalytic bed between said gas-permeable walls, and a tube heat exchanger (5) embedded in said catalytic bed, the tube heat exchanger (5) comprising a bundle of U-tubes, where an inlet (14) is disposed to direct a fresh charge in an upper chamber (21) over the catalytic bed and the U-shaped top portion of the tube bundle; a portion (F1) of the fresh charge passes through the catalytic bed with a mixed axial-transversal flow, and another portion (F2) of the fresh charge enters the inlet gas-distribution chamber (17) and passes through the catalytic bed with a substantially transversal flow.