Abstract: A method for making fuel cells is disclosed and includes placing catalyst strips on an anode side and a cathode side of a proton exchange membrane disposed between carbon bases. The method includes metalizing at least two collectors, and drilling a plurality of paths through the body portions to form a first and second metalized collectors, which are placed on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly. The metalized collectors are connected to form an electrical circuit for operating the fuel cell. A flexible fuel plenum and a flexible oxidant plenum are disposed on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel manifold and an oxidant manifold of a sealable two-part housing engage the membrane electrode assembly to provide oxidant to the flexible oxidant plenum and fuel to the flexible fuel plenum forming an operational singe unit fuel cell.

Abstract: A sulfur-bearing residue treatment system is provided for the recovery of valuable organic components and the reduction of capital costs and operating costs. The treatment system involves the use of a stripping vessel in conjunction with a heating apparatus. All elements of the treatment system may be coupled together to form one integral piece of equipment.

Abstract: A synthesis plant includes a separation system upstream of a synthesis loop that removes excess nitrogen and other gaseous compounds from a feed gas having a ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen of less than 3:1, thereby producing a syngas with a ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen at about 3:1. Particularly preferred separation systems include a coldbox with a refrigerant other than air, or a pressure swing absorption system.

Abstract: A polyester production system employing a vertically elongated esterification reactor. The esterification reactor of the present invention is an improvement over conventional CSTR esterification reactors because, for example, in one embodiment, the reactor requires little or no mechanical agitation. Further, in one embodiment, the positioning of the inlets and outlets of the reactor provides improved operational performance and flexibility over CSTRs of the prior art.

Abstract: A reactor including a reactor vessel and heat exchange tubes provided in the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel includes a tubesheet and is configured to receive a reaction fluid. The tubesheet has a first plate member configured to contact the reaction fluid and a second plate member configured to not contact the reaction fluid. Heat exchange tubes are provided in the reactor vessel and fixed to the first plate member. The heat exchange tubes are configured to receive a heat exchange medium. At least a portion of the first plate member configured to contact the reaction fluid is made of a metal that has a high corrosion-resistance against the reaction liquid, and the second plate member is made of a metal that has a low corrosion-resistance against the reaction liquid. The second plate member is detachably fixed to a remainder of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A flow directing insert for a reactor chamber in a reactor may have a mainly square-shaped cross-section. The chamber has an inlet at one end of the chamber and an outlet at the other end of the chamber and at least one of the walls of the reactor chamber consists of a heat conductive material or of a membrane. The insert comprises a number of units arranged in rows, which units together with the walls of the chamber define a channel for a fluid. The channel extends from a first side of the chamber to a second side of the chamber and back again to the first side backwards and forwards a number of times. The units are arranged such that the fluid is forced to flow between the units in a serpentine path. A reactor comprises at least one reactor chamber containing a flow directing insert as described above.

Abstract: A method of cooling syngas in a gasifier is provided. The method includes channeling cooling fluid through at least one platen that extends at least partially through a reaction zone of the gasifier, and circulating reactant fluid around the at least one platen to facilitate heat transfer from the reactant fluid to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A method of cooling syngas in a gasifier is provided. The method includes channeling cooling fluid through at least one tube-bundle that includes at least three tubes coupled together within a radiant syngas cooler and extends through a reaction zone of the gasifier, and circulating reactant fluid around the at least one tube-bundle to facilitate transferring heat from the reactant fluid to the cooling fluid.

Abstract: An integrated structure of multilayer flow microchannel, which comprises a plurality of microchannels in which parallel multilayer flow that involves the interface of fluids is formed, arranged on various positions of a substrate, wherein each of the multilayer flow microchannels is communicated with another multilayer flow microchannel. A plurality of unit operations can be carried out continuously with high efficiency on a microchip, enabling high-degree microanalysis or precise chemical synthesis using the highly integrated structure of multilayer flow microchannel.

Abstract: A reactor for testing catalyst systems which has a plurality of catalyst tubes (2) which are arranged parallel to one another in the interior space of the reactor and whose ends are welded into tube plates and also has caps (3) at each end of the reactor which each bound a cap space (4), with a fluid reaction medium (5) being fed via one cap space (4) into the catalyst tubes (2), flowing through the catalyst tubes (2) and being discharged via the other cap space (4), and is also provided with a heat exchange medium circuit in which the heat exchange medium (6) is fed in at one end of the reactor, flows through the intermediate space between the catalyst tubes (2) and flows out at the other end of the reactor, wherein the catalyst tubes (2) are arranged in two or more catalyst tube regions (7) which are thermally separate from one another, is proposed.

Abstract: A method of cooling hot fluid flowing through a chamber is provided. The method includes channeling cooling fluid through at least one cooling tube that extends through a passage of the chamber, and circulating the hot fluid flowing within the passage around the at least one cooling tube using at least one fluid diverter.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel processing reactor for generating a hydrogen-enriched reformate from hydrocarbons is disclosed. A plurality of shells are arranged coaxially having a gap defined between each of the successive shells, thereby forming a plurality of coaxial zones. The shells are configured to permit heat transfer from one zone to another. Fluid streams for reactions within the reactor are preheated by heat transfer from adjacent zones.

Abstract: Described are a reactor for carrying out a chemical conversion process in a catalytic bed with mechanism for supplying heat integrated into the reactor, and with a very compact reaction zone, combined with efficient use of the catalyst, and a process for converting a feed, such as a hydrocarbon feed, undergoing an endothermic reaction using the disclosed reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in internal loop reactors. The reactor of the invention is characterized by a plurality of cooling tubes which form the annulus between the riser and the downcomer path of said internal loop reactor. The reactor also provides improvements in hydroformylation reactions using the improved reactor.

Abstract: An heterogeneous chemical reactor of the type with a partial opening, incorporating a catalytic cartridge comprising a substantially cylindrical basket (11) suitable for containing a predetermined amount of a predefined catalyst is distinguished by the fact that the basket (11) is modular and is made of a plurality of containers (14) which are structurally independent from each other, which can be manipulated individually and which are associated with each other to form the basket (11) in a reciprocally removable way, each container (14) being of a suitable size to pass through the partial opening (9) of the corresponding reactor (1).

Abstract: A multitube reactor, wherein tubes having smaller tolerance between a nominal size and actual sizes are used as reaction tubes to stably perform a high yield reaction for a long period, a catalyst is filled into the reaction tubes so that the catalyst layer peak temperature portions of the reaction tubes are not overlapped with the connection sites thereof with baffles to effectively prevent hot spots from occurring and stably perform a reaction for a long period without the clogging of the reaction tubes, a heat medium and raw material gas are allowed to flow in the direction of a countercurrent and a specified type of catalyst is filled into the reaction tubes so that activity is increased from the inlet of the raw material gas to the outlet thereof to prevent the autooxidation of products so as to prevent equipment from being damaged due to the reaction, and, at the time of starting, gas with a temperature of 100 to 400° C.

Abstract: A process and reaction unit for isothermal shift conversion of a carbon monoxide containing feed gas. The process comprises the steps of introducing the feed gas in a reaction unit into reactor tubes with a fixed bed of a shift conversion catalyst in a reaction zone, contacting the feed gas with the catalyst at conditions being effective in carbon monoxide shift conversion reaction with steam reactant to hydrogen and cooling the reaction by indirect heat exchange with a cooling agent by passing the cooling agent in a falling film along shell side of the reactor tubes and removing heated cooling agent from the falling film, passing hydrogen when it is formed by the shift conversion reaction through a hydrogen selective membrane to a permeate zone, and withdrawing hydrogen from the permeate zone and carbon monoxide depleted feed gas from the reaction zone.

Abstract: A fired heater is adapted for increasing the output of a plant where the furnace capacity is considerably improved without corresponding increase in the pressure drop. The described technique utilizes a parallel thermal path in contrast to the conventional series thermal path for heating a hydrocarbon fluid. The fluid is divided into at least two paths where the fluid in the first path is heated primarily by radiation heat transfer mechanism and the fluid in the second path is heated primarily by convection heat transfer mechanism. The at least two fluid streams may then be combined to continue with other desired processing of the fluid.

Abstract: Chilled coolant is prepared by liquid coolant utilizing the latent heat generated by a gasification of liquefied propylene, for example, and this chilled coolant is used in heat exchangers which are used in a process for production of acrylic acid or acrolein. This method allows effective utilization of the latent heat which used to be discarded and permits a reduction of energy consumption of cooling required separately in the step for production. By recovering the chilled coolant with the liquid coolant, it makes possible to stabilize the gasification of propylene, etc. and consequently stabilize the production of acrylic acid. This invention consists of providing the method for the production of acrylic acid, etc. and the apparatus which make effective use of the latent heat generated in the steps of production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of solid and liquid fuels to a synthesis gas, steam and/or electricity in which about 10% to about 40% of a solid fuel and/or a liquid fuel is introduced into a gasifier and gasified, resulting in formation of a synthesis gas. The remaining portion of the solid fuel and/or liquid fuel is introduced into a first stage of a multi-stage combustor, resulting in formation of products of combustion and ash and/or char. The synthesis gas is introduced into a second stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the first stage and overfire oxidant is introduced into a third stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the second stage. The ash and/or char from the multi-stage combustor is then recycled into the gasifier.

Abstract: Method for carrying out in continuous, under so-called pseudo-isothermal conditions and in a predetermined reaction environment, such as a catalytic bed, a selected chemical reaction, comprising the steps of providing in the reaction environment at least one tubular heat exchanger fed with a first flow of a heat exchange operating fluid at a respective predetermined inlet temperature, the fluid passing through the at least one tubular heat exchanger according to a respective inlet/outlet path, which method also provides the step of feeding into the at least one tubular heat exchanger and at one or more intermediate positions of said path, a second flow of operating fluid having a respective predetermined inlet temperature.

Abstract: A device has a reaction chamber with at least one feed inlet (5) and at least one evacuation outlet (10). An outside jacket (2a) that is resistant to internal pressure is positioned around the device and contains at least one module (44) through which a reagent and formed products circulate. The module (44) has walls (11) and (12) made of refractory material that are included in a sealed jacket (40). The sealed jacket (40) is connected by a flexible connection to the jacket (2a) and to a heat exchanger that is also linked to the module (44) and to the jacket (2a) by a flexible connection.

Abstract: In an exhaust heat recovery system, electric power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric conversion element can be improved, and warming-up of a catalyst can be completed early, without using a complicated device. The exhaust heat recovery system according to the invention includes an exhaust pipe in which exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine flows; a catalyst which purifies the exhaust gas; a heat recovery portion which is fitted to the exhaust pipe, and which recovers heat contained in the exhaust gas; a thermoelectric conversion element which generates electric power using thermoelectric conversion; and a heat pipe which connects the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element, and which transfers the heat recovered in the heat recovery portion to the thermoelectric conversion element. An operation starting temperature of the heat pipe is set so as to be higher than an activation temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: A multitube reactor, wherein tubes having smaller tolerance between a nominal size and actual sizes are used as reaction tubes to stably perform a high yield reaction for a long period, a catalyst is filled into the reaction tubes so that the catalyst layer peak temperature portions of the reaction tubes are not overlapped with the connection sites thereof with baffles to effectively prevent hot spots from occurring and stably perform a reaction for a long period without the clogging of the reaction tubes, a heat medium and raw material gas are allowed to flow in the direction of a countercurrent and a specified type of catalyst is filled into the reaction tubes so that activity is increased from the inlet of the raw material gas to the outlet thereof to prevent the autooxidation of products so as to prevent equipment from being damaged due to the reaction, and, at the time of starting, gas with a temperature of 100 to 400° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pyrolysis furnace with new type heat supply and a method of high temperature cracking using the same. The present invention employs top burners and bottom burners combined heat supply; the inlet of crossover section is connected from middle-upper portion of side wall of radiant section wall; and the present invention has the feature of uniform heat supply, high effectiveness, flexible and simple operation and control, and small investment, it is suitable for cracking reaction of hydrocarbons feedstock.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one absorber, at least one cold separator from which is extracted a gaseous phase that feeds the absorber, at least one recycling to said cold separator of at least a portion of liquid effluent that is obtained from the absorber and which is mixed with the feedstock, at least one heat exchanger for cooling the mixture prior to the recycling, at least one conduit for recovering a light hydrocarbon-enriched liquid fraction obtained from the cold separator and at least one conduit for evacuating gases from the absorber, said device being useable for the treatment of a hydrogen-rich gas or for the recovery of a hydrocarbon-enriched liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for providing controlled heat to a process utilizing a flameless distributed combustion.

Abstract: Process for increasing the capacity of a urea plant comprising a compression section, a high-pressure synthesis section, a urea recovery section, in which a urea melt is formed, and optionally a granulation section, the capacity of the urea plant being increased by the additional installation of a melamine plant and the urea melt from the urea recovery section of the urea plant being fed wholly or partly to the melamine plant and the residual gases from the melamine plant being returned wholly or partly to the high-pressure synthesis section and/or the urea recovery section of the urea plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for the selective catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide contained in a hydrogen-rich mixed gas flow, includes a reaction chamber filled with a catalyst and a cooling chamber through which a coolant flows formed between successive plates. The plates have openings that form inlet and outlet channels for the mixed gas flow and the coolant. An oxidizing gas is supplied directly into the inlet channel for the mixed gas flow. For two-stage apparatuses, a separating plate without an opening for the inlet channel for the mixed gas flow is arranged between the first and the second stage, and an apparatus for supplying the oxidizing gas to the second stage is passed into the outlet channel for the mixed gas flow from the first stage.

Abstract: Method for carrying out in continuous, under so-called pseudo-isothermal conditions and in a predetermined reaction environment, such as a catalytic bed, a selected chemical reaction, comprising the steps of providing in the reaction environment at least one heat exchanger fed with a first flow of a heat exchange operating fluid at a respective predetermined inlet temperature, the fluid passing through at least one heat exchanger according to a respective inlet/outlet path, which method also provides feeding into at least one heat exchanger and at one or more intermediate positions of said path, a second flow of operating fluid having a respective predetermined inlet temperature.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preparation of synthesis gas by catalytic steam and/or CO2 reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) heating the reaction mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and steam and/or CO2 in the flue gas containing waste heat section from the fired tubular reformer (b) adiabatic reforming of the reaction mixture outside the waste heat section by contact with a solid reforming catalyst (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the desired reaction mixture composition and temperature is reached (d) feeding the reaction mixture to the fired tubular reformer and further reforming the mixture to the desired composition and temperature, wherein the adiabatic reforming of the reaction mixture is conducted in the process gas piping system in the flue gas-containing waste heat section, the piping system having adiabatic zones outside the heating section and containing solid reforming catalysts comprising one or more catalyzed structured elements.

Abstract: A thermally-integrated lower temperature water-gas shift reactor apparatus for converting carbon monoxide in the presence steam comprises a catalyst bed that is disposed within an outer region surrounding a waste heat recovery steam generator operating at a selected pressure corresponding to the optimum temperature for conducting the catalytic water-gas shift reaction and a process for useful recovery of the exothermic heat of reaction to generate steam that is used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock into useful gases such as hydrogen.

Abstract: A reactor with integrated heat for carrying out a chemical conversion process in the presence of a gaseous diluent supplied through one or more ports at the upper and/or lower ends of a catalytic bed through which a feed moves substantially horizontally, and a process for converting a feed, such as a hydrocarbon feed in the reactor.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor for exothermic liquid phase reactions comprises a reaction zone which is divided into a plurality of channels by thermally conductive heat transfer fins which are conductively mounted on one or more heat pipes for the removal of heat of reaction from reactants and reaction products flowing between the heat transfer fins. The reactor of the invention is capable of maintaining essentially isothermal conditions without the use of complicated and maintenance intensive agitators. The reactor is particularly useful when viscosity of the reactants and/or reaction products is high, when the reaction conducted has a fast reaction rate and when consistent polymer properties are desired.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer for producing diatomic hydrogen gas is disclosed. The reformer includes a first reaction vessel, a shift reactor vessel annularly disposed about the first reaction vessel, including a first shift reactor zone, and a first helical tube disposed within the first shift reactor zone having an inlet end communicating with a water supply source. The water supply source is preferably adapted to supply liquid-phase water to the first helical tube at flow conditions sufficient to ensure discharge of liquid-phase and steam-phase water from an outlet end of the first helical tube. The reformer may further include a first catalyst bed disposed in the first shift reactor zone, having a low-temperature shift catalyst in contact with the first helical tube.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide rich gas by steam reforming of hydrocarbon feedstock in presence of a steam reforming catalyst supported as thin film on the wall of a reactor, comprising steps of (a) optionally passing a process gas of hydrocarbon feedstock through a first reactor with a thin film of steam reforming catalyst supported on walls of the reactor in heat conducting relationship with a hot gas stream; (b) passing effluent from the first reactor to a subsequent tubular reactor being provided with a thin film of steam reforming catalyst and/or steam reforming catalyst pellets and being heated by burning of fuel, thereby obtaining a partially steam reformed gas effluent and a hot gas stream of flue gas; (c) passing the effluent from the second reactor to an autothermal reformer; and (d) withdrawing from the autothermal reformer a hot gas stream of product gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a processing furnace used by the oil industry to heat feedstocks that are to be treated thermally, which is provided with bi-pivotal support columns to carry the radiation exchange tubes which form the coil of radiation exchange tubes. The support columns are provided with a lower bearing and an upper bearing means, which pivot, respectively, on a lower support and an upper guide, in such a way that all the stresses from the support and the radiation exchange tubes are transmitted to the base, causing no thermal stress from bending momentum to be transmitted to the base of the furnace.

Abstract: Reactors and processes are disclosed that can utilize high heat fluxes to obtain fast, steady-state reaction rates. Porous catalysts used in conjunction with microchannel reactors to obtain high rates of heat transfer are also disclosed. Reactors and processes that utilize short contact times, high heat flux and low pressure drop are described. Improved methods of steam reforming are also provided.

Abstract: A reactor comprises a plurality of reaction zones divided by heat exchanger panels but in fluid communication via the panels, the reaction zones being arranged in a spiral configuration whereby the reaction zones form a flow path for reactants that extends between a central part of the reactor and an outer peripheral part thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of melamine by pyrolysis of urea in a high-pressure reactor having a vertical central pipe is provided. The melamine flows upwards into the reactor from below, mixes in the lower part of the reactor with a urea melt, and optionally NH3, introduced into the reactor from below, and emerges from the central pipe in the upper part of the central pipe. Part of the melamine formed flows downward in the annular space between the central pipe and reactor wall, and the remainder is expelled for further work-up. The off-gases are removed at the top of the reactor. A reactor for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A reactor (1) for carrying out exothermic or endothermic heterogeneous reactions comprising an outer shell (2) of substantially cylindrical shape and at least a heat exchanger (9) embedded in a catalytic layer (10) supported in said shell (2), is characterized in that the heat exchanger (9) is a plate (14) heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing continuous flow chemical reactions such as oxidation, oxidative dehydrogenation and partial oxidation processes involving a reactor design characterized by controlled/optimized addition of a reactant with the objective of: (i) avoiding the explosion regime of the reactant mixture (e.g., hydrocarbon/oxidant mixture); (ii) maximizing the selectivity of the reaction to the desired product; (iii) limiting the reactor temperature gradient and therefore the threat of reaction runaway; and (iv) controlling the operating temperature of the reaction zone so that desirable temperature range is maintained over the entire zone.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out endothermic catalytic reaction is provided. The reactor features a metallic ingot with at least one tubular reaction passage extending through the ingot. The reaction passage is adapted to hold a catalyst for endothermic conversion of a feedstock. Provided are inlet passages for introduction of the feedstock into the reaction passage, and outlet passages for withdrawing feedstock. The inlet and outlet passages are provided within the ingot. An electrical heater supplies to the ingot and the reaction passage the heat for the catalytic endothermic conversion of the feedstock.

Abstract: An isothermal reactor for carrying out heterogeneous exothermic or endothermic reactions, includes within a catalytic bed (3) housed in an appropriate outer shell (2), at least one tube (13) for the passage of a cooling or heating fluid which advantageously extends within the bed (3) along a plane substantially perpendicular with respect to opposed perforated side walls (4, 5) of the catalytic bed.

Abstract: An isothermal reactor for carrying out heterogeneous exothermic or endothermic reactions, includes within a catalytic bed (3) housed in an appropriate outer shell (2), at least one tube (13) for the passage of a cooling or heating fluid which advantageously extends with a cone shaped helicoidal.

Abstract: Rapid response to a fuel cell system of the type including a reformer (32) in response to a change in load is achieved in a system that includes a fuel tank (24), a water tank (20) and a source (42) of a fluid at an elevated temperature. A heat exchanger (28) is provided for vaporizing fuel and water and delivering the resulting vapor to the system reformer (32) and includes an inlet (64) and an outlet (66) for the fluid. It includes a plurality of fluid flow paths (100), (102), (104) extending between the inlet (64) and outlet (66) as well as a fuel inlet (56) and a fuel outlet (58) spaced therefrom. The fuel inlet (56) and outlet (58) are connected by a plurality of fuel flow paths (52) that are in heat exchange relation with the fluid flow paths (100), (102), (104) and the fuel water inlet (56) is located adjacent the upstream ends of the fluid flow paths (100), (102), (104).

Abstract: A reactor, in particular for exothermic reactions, of the type including: a shell (2) of substantially cylindrical shape, at least one catalytic bed (3) in the shell, including a perforated cylindrical outer side wall (4), which forms a free space (8) with the shell, and an inner side wall (5) coaxial to the previous one, a heat exchanger (13) in the bed (3), the heat exchanger (13) being formed by a plurality of tubes (15) in the form of a spiral, a coil or alike in fluid communication with feed and discharge collectors (14, 16) for a cooling fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: A reactor of the staged adiabatic reactor type, comprises at least one heat exchanger panel, preferably a printed circuit heat exchange (PCHE) panel, interposes between adiabatic beds of catalyst, wherein the facial area of the panels and the superficial facial area of the corresponding catalyst are substantially similar, and the panels include means defining discrete passages for handling of reactants and heat transfer media, wherein the means defining passages for heat transfer media provide for at least two differing flow path directions for the heat transfer media through the heat exchanger panel whereby the occurrence of temperature bias or differentials is reduced.