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

Abstract: A process for preparing malonic diesters by carbonylation of haloacetic esters and reaction with monohydric alcohols and a base in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, preferably a catalytic cobalt carbonyl complex, using a stirred reactor with one or more internal heat exchangers. The stirred reactor preferably contains a sparging stirrer.

Abstract: A vapor-phase tubular reactor in a shell heat exchanger for removal of the heat of reaction at essentially isothermal conditions has porous wicking surface applied to the external surface of reactor tubes. The porous wicking surface on the reactor tubes draws liquid heat transfer fluid from a reservoir at the bottom of the wicked tube section and provides enhanced evaporative cooling. The invention is particularly useful for highly exothermic reactions or when reaction selectivity is negatively affected by high temperature excursions.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube reactor has a plurality of reaction tubes incorporated therein, a circulation path for the heating medium formed outside the reaction tubes, a heating medium introducing section provided on the upper part of the shell in the reactor and a heating medium discharge section provided on the lower part of the shell in the reactor, a back pressure applying means for the heating medium is further provided in the heating medium discharge section.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus is provided for generating a hydrogen-rich gas. The fuel reforming apparatus includes an evaporator comprising an evaporation chamber for evaporating the fuel vapor by evaporating a hydrocarbon fuel-water mixture by an evaporator using a combustion gas formed in a combustor; a heating chamber for heating the fuel vapor by a combustion gas output from the evaporation chamber; and a guiding path for guiding the combustion gas output from the evaporation chamber to the heating chamber along the floor of the evaporating room. In the heating chamber, the fuel vapor generated in the evaporation chamber is uniformly heated in an atmosphere with a homogeneous temperature of the combustion gas output from a heating medium tube, while the fuel vapor is circulating in the vapor tube.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for the production of synthesis gas that contains four subassemblies: (1) a first heat exchanger that transfers heat between two low pressure streams (an oxygen containing stream and an oxygen depleted stream); (2) a second heat exchanger that transfers heat between two high pressure fluid streams (a hydrocarbon-containing reactant stream and a synthesis gas product stream); (3) mixed conductor ceramic membranes; and (4) a catalyst bed. Each of these subassemblies are configured so that they freely expand or contract independently from each other, and to thus avoid inducing high mechanical loads and damaging material stresses.

Abstract: In a system and method for accurately calculating a steam-carbon ratio in a steam reformer or the like, a level control device operates a control valve to maintain the water in the steam reformer at a substantially constant level. A meter upstream of the heat exchanger measures the amount of water entering the heat exchanger. With a reading from that meter, the steam-carbon ratio at the reformer can be accurately counted. In another embodiment of the present invention, a process gas inlet incorporates an elongated body extending at least partially through the process portion of the heat exchanger. Openings spaced apart along the length of the body distribute the process gas along the length of the heat exchanger. In still another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dividers is spaced apart along a width of the process portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor, which includes: a unitary shell assembly having an inlet and an outlet; a flow path extending within the shell assembly from the inlet to the outlet, the flow path having a steam reformer section with a first catalyst and a water gas shift reactor section with a second catalyst, the steam reformer section being located upstream of the water gas shift reactor section; a heating section within the shell assembly and configured to heat the steam reformer section; and a cooling section within the shell assembly and configured to cool the water gas shift reactor section. The present invention also provides a simplified hydrogen production system, which includes the catalytic steam reforming and subsequent high temperature water gas shift of low-sulfur (<100 ppm by mass) hydrocarbon fuels followed by hydrogen purification through the pressure swing adsorption (PSA).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing substances by coexisting an object matter with water held at temperature above 200° C. to carry out chemical reactions such as severing of molecular chains, recombination and decoupling occluded molecules, oxidation and reduction reactions. A mixture phase containing an object matter and a liquid medium is subjected to a super-critical state of a medium in a super-critical reaction apparatus, where feed inlets are provided on the upper end, and a product outlet is provided on the lower end. In the interior of the apparatus, the super-critical zone is provided above and the sub-critical zone is provided below, and the object matter and the reaction products are progressed towards a lower end of a reaction chamber in one direction.

Abstract: A catalytic process and apparatus therefor for the manufacture of hydrogen cyanide. In the process an oxygen rich oxidant stream and at least one oxidant-free feed stream containing methane and ammonia are separately preheated and rapidly mixed to form a detonable mixed stream at a temperature which is at least 50° C. below the autoignition temperature of the mixed stream. The mixed stream is then conveyed to a catalyst capable of catalyzing the formation of hydrogen cyanide at such a velocity that detonation is avoided. The process is more energy efficient and gives rise to an effluent stream containing more hydrogen than the conventional Andrussow process.

Abstract: A reactor for the gasification of carbon-containing fuels, residues and waste by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent in a reaction space designed as a fly stream reactor, at pressures of between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the reaction space contour being delimited by a refractory lining within a pressure casing, wherein the temperature of the pressure casing can be regulated, the pressure casing having cooling ducts affixed to an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A steam-cracking unit comprises at least one multitube quenching exchanger, equipped with a non-obstructive impact separator for preventing the erosion of the tubular input plate. The impact separator is at least 50% opaque when viewed from transfer pipe. It is arranged inside of an input cone in such a way that there is free passage of at least 40 mm between the periphery of the impact separator and the cone.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor, which can stably produce an aimed product for a long period when a solid particulate material such as a catalyst is packed and used for each substance; and its usage. The fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor comprises a plurality of reaction tubes that are packed with a solid particulate material and arranged in parallel, wherein the solid particulate material is weighed so as to be uniform volume, and is packed in each reaction tube in a packing time of not shorter than 30 seconds per liter.

Abstract: A reactor for gas-phase reaction having a catalyst-unloading structure, comprising:

Abstract: A reactor and heat exchanger assembly is provided with the heat exchanger integrally affixed to the reactor exit head and adapted to immediately cool reactor gases from the reactor.

Abstract: A pyrolysis heater has the inlet sections of the process coils grouped together and the outlet sections of these same process coils also grouped together. High heat liberation hearth burners are located adjacent to the inlet sections of the coils and lower heat liberation burners are located adjacent to the outlet sections. The secondary fuel tips of the burners are inclined toward the adjacent heater wall. The high heat liberation hearth burners adjacent to the inlet coils are arranged in spaced apart pairs with the secondary burner tips of each of the pair being inclined toward the other burner of the pair.

Abstract: A reforming apparatus of the type including an indirect heat exchange zone for the reforming reaction of a gaseous flow comprising methane and steam into CO, CO2 and H2, is provided with a plurality of floating-head tubes containing a reforming catalyst, a chamber for collection of the reaction products positioned downstream of the reaction products from the apparatus.

Abstract: A compact endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus for converting hydrocarbon feedstock and methanol to useful gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, comprising a tubular endothermic catalytic reactor, a radiant combustion chamber and an annular convection section. Thus tubular endothermic catalytic reactor receives radiant energy from a metal fiber burner that is disposed within the radiant combustion chamber. Combustion products from the radiant chamber enter an annular convection section wherein heat is transferred by forced convection to the tubular endothermic catalytic reactor. The combination of radiant and convective heat transfer results in a compact design of high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel processor including a hydrogen generating apparatus, a single vessel heat-integrated multi-stage water-gas shift reactor, a multifunctional heat exchanger, a multiple heat source boiler, and a single vessel water exchanged multi-staged preferential oxidation reactor is integrated with a fuel cell stack. Hydrogen is manufactured by the fuel processing apparatus and is consumed by the fuel cell stack, thereby providing one means of integration. The portion of the hydrogen that is not utilized within the fuel cell stack is subsequently burned in the combustion chamber of the fuel processing apparatus thereby providing a second means of integration. The warm cooling water that exits from the fuel cell stack is used as a heat sink for the exothermic heat of reaction in the preferential oxidation reactor, thereby providing a third means of integration.

Abstract: A fuel processing reactor is provided, comprising a shift catalyst bed disposed in a shell and tube reactor. The thermal stress on the present reactor during normal operation is reduced by cooling/heating both the shell and the tubes in the reactor. The present reactor may further comprise other beds such as hydrodesulfurizer catalyst beds, metal oxide beds, or sulfur polisher beds.

Abstract: A curved tubular flow reactor designed for carrying out chemical reactions continuously, for preparing mixtures and as a liquid-phase heat exchanger comprises a plurality of successive bends having alternating directions of curvature.

Abstract: Reactor for carrying out endothermic catalytic reactions consisting of a metallic ingot and comprising at least one tubular reaction passage extending through the ingot and being adapted to hold a catalyst for endothermic conversion of a feedstock;

Abstract: A device for utilizing heat generated by a catalytic reaction has a first area for heating (vaporizing) at least one starting material which is to be reacted, particularly a reaction mixture. A second area is provided for at least partially carrying out the catalytic reaction or for further reaction of reaction products formed during the catalytic reaction and/or for at least partial cooling of reaction products formed during the catalytic reaction. The first area and the second area are in thermally conductive communication.

Abstract: A cracking furnace within the firebox of which is located a ceramic structure presenting opposing wall surfaces which thereby define a slot-like passageway through which hydrocarbons may be fed through the firebox of the furnace. This ceramic structure is capable of service under much greater heat loads and temperatures than are metallic reaction lines as have heretofore been used, allowing for a greater firebox temperature which in turn produces an even more rapid cracking of saturated hydrocarbon into ethylene at millisecond residence times within the firebox limits.

Abstract: A catalytic process and apparatus therefor for the manufacture of hydrogen cyanide. In the process an oxygen rich oxidant stream and at least one oxidant-free feed stream containing methane and ammonia are separately preheated and rapidly mixed to form a detonable mixed stream at a temperature which is at least 50° C. below the autoignition temperature of the mixed stream. The mixed stream is then conveyed to a catalyst capable of catalysing the formation of hydrogen cyanide at such a velocity that detonation is avoided. The process is more energy efficient and gives rise to an effluent stream containing more hydrogen than the conventional Andrussow process.

Abstract: A reactor (1) is described in which a catalytic reaction, associated with a thermal effect, is performed on substances contained in a gas flow, in particular the recovery of sulphur from gases containing hydrogen sulphide. A housing (2) of the reactor (1) comprises a gas inlet (6) and a gas outlet (9). Inside the housing (2) is arranged a bed of catalytically active material, heat being supplied to or withdrawn from said material by means of a temperature regulating device (23) depending upon the nature of the reaction. The temperature regulating device (23) is formed by a plurality of tubes (24) bent in a U-shaped formation. In each case one side of all these U-tubes (24) leads into a first distribution chamber (17) which can be supplied with a heat carrier medium. The other side (24aa, 24ba) of the U-tubes (24) in each case leads into a second distribution chamber (18) from which the heat carrier medium can be discharged again.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing one or more organic acids in high purity which process comprises (i) oxidizing in a liquid oxidation reactor one or more organic liquids with essentially pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air containing at least about 50% oxygen, at a temperature sufficiently stable to prevent cycling of reaction rate, to produce a crude reaction product fluid, and (ii) refining said crude reaction product fluid to give said one or more organic acids in high purity. The oxidation temperature is preferably controlled to within about ±3° C. of a target temperature. The organic acids described herein is useful in a variety of applications, such as intermediates in the manufacture of chemical compounds, pharmaceutical manufacture and the like.

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: A process heater is provided utilizing flameless combustion, the process heater having: an oxidation reaction chamber, the oxidation reaction chamber having an inlet for oxidant, an outlet for combustion products, and a flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a fuel conduit capable of transporting a fuel mixture to a plurality of fuel nozzles within the oxidation reaction chamber, each nozzle providing communication from within the fuel conduit to the oxidation chamber, with each nozzle along the flowpath between the inlet and the outlet; a preheater in communication with the oxidation chamber inlet, the preheater capable of increasing the temperature of the oxidant to a temperature resulting in the combined oxidant and fuel from the fuel nozzle closest to the oxidation chamber inlet being greater than the autoignition temperature of the combined oxidant and fuel from the fuel nozzle closest to the oxidation chamber inlet; and a process chamber in a heat exchange relationship to the oxidation reaction cha

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of hydrogen bromide by direct combustion of bromine in hydrogen comprising a burner, a combustion chamber of impregnated graphite and a cooling zone defined by a steel jacket in which are piled blocks of impregnated graphite.

Abstract: A furnace construction for cracking of saturated hydrocarbon feed stocks to olefinic product mixtures, wherein the reaction lines of such furnace are fabricated of a ceramic refractory feed inlet pipe coaxially located with a ceramic refractory tube to define an annular space there between which in part is located without and within the radiant heating firebox volume of such furnace, this to provide for a zone wherein hot cracked olefin product gas is quenched in temperature in such annular space outside of such firebox and a cracking zone within the firebox within which hydrocarbon feed is cracked to an olefin containing product gas composition. The ceramic refractory material construction permits of such pipe-tube reaction line structure to be exposed to a much greater heat/temperature content of which the firebox is capable than reaction lines of metallic construction.

Abstract: A method for quickly starting up a reactor and a reactor system therefor are provided. A shell-and-tube reactor in the system is adapted to circulate a heat medium having a solid point in the range of 50-250° C. to the outside of the reaction tubes and characterized by initiating temperature elevation of the reactor by introducing a gas of a temperature in the range of 100-400° C. to the reaction tubes' side and then circulating the heat medium in a heated state to the outside of the reaction tubes. By introducing a gas of an elevated temperature preparatorily to the reaction tubes, it is made possible to prevent the heat medium after circulation from being solidified again and enable the reactor to be quickly started up.

Abstract: Used oil is treated in a reactor to remove contaminants. The reactor comprises a rotating vessel forming an internal reaction chamber. The vessel is housed within a heating chamber. The inside of the vessel is indirectly heated by conduction through the vessel walls. The reaction chamber contains a permanently resident charge of non-ablating, granular coarse solids. Within the reaction chamber, the oil is vaporized and pyrolyzed, producing a hydrocarbon vapour. Coke is formed as a byproduct. Contaminants, such as metals and halides, become associated with the coke. The coarse solids scour and comminute the coke to form fine solids. The fine solids are separated within the reaction chamber from the coarse solids and are removed from the vessel through a pipe located at the axis of the vessel. The hydrocarbon vapours are also removed from the vessel through the axial pipe, as a separate stream. Residual fine solids are separated in a cyclone from the vapour stream.

Abstract: A steam-cracking unit and a steam-cracking process with controlled injection of solid particles in a quenching exchanger (3) is described. The particles are injected through a single axial injection pipe that is arranged on the axis of input cone (2) of the quenching exchanger, just upstream from an impact separator-diffuser (6) that comprises solid surfaces that are arranged opposite the transfer pipe of the cracked gases toward the exchanger; this impact separator-distributor is located in input cone (2) of the exchanger and is gas-permeable along a number of passages and at least 70% opaque when viewed from the transfer pipe.

Abstract: A reactor comprising: a hollow shell defining a hermetic enclosure; a plurality of tube sheets disposed within said hermetic enclosure, a first one of said plurality of tube sheets defining a first chamber; at least one reaction tube each having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being fixedly attached and substantially hermetically sealed to one end of said plurality of tube sheets and opening into said first chamber, the second end being axially unrestrained; each of said reaction tubes is comprised of an oxygen selective ion transport membrane with an anode side wherein said oxygen selective ion transport membrane is formed from a mixed conductor metal oxide that is effective for the transport of elemental oxygen at elevated temperatures and at least a portion of said first and second heat transfer sections are formed of metal; each of said reaction tubes includes first and second heat transfer sections and a reaction section, said reaction section disposed between said first and second

Abstract: Reactor for chemical reactions which are carried out in triphasic systems (liquid, gas, solid) which includes a bottom head into which the reagent gas is fed, through an inlet nozzle; one or more superimposed thermal exchange sections, each of these sections being immersed in the corresponding synthesis sections; a head containing outlet nozzles for discharging the suspension and outlet nozzles for discharging the non-reacted gas and a group of inclined transversal diaphragms for separating the particles of liquid and/or solid drawn therein.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The invention utilizes a vessel containing a riser-reactor conduit, an acid settler and an acid cooler. Hydrocarbons are introduced beneath said riser-reactor conduit, mixed with acid catalyst, and passed generally upwards through the riser-reactor conduit to enter the acid settler. Within the acid settler, alkylate is separate from the acid catalyst and is removed from the vessel. Acid catalyst from the acid settler is cooled in the internal acid coolers and returned to the region beneath the riser-reactor conduit.

Abstract: The metal surface protected against metal-dusting corrosion has an insulating layer of a gas-permeable, thermally insulating material. The side of the thermal insulating layer that is colder during operation is in direct vicinity of the metal surface, and the side of the insulating layer that is hotter during operation is heated by a gas stream containing carbon monoxide, which in addition contains hydrogen and/or steam and has a temperature in the range from 300 to 1700.degree. C. In the region between the metal surface to be protected and the hot side of the insulating layer a catalyst is provided for reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen and/or steam.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a sulphuric acid manufacturing plant to effect heat transfer between desired gas streams selected from air, sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide. The exchanger provides for hot or cold split flow gas streams through the exchanger shell with either mixing or splitting into two or more streams to provide for reduced condensible material condensation, corrosion, metal thermal differential stress and capital equipment cost. A preferred exchanger is used in combination with a sulphur burning furnace to provide an improved preheater.

Abstract: A method for producing acrylic acid from propylene at high efficiency by two-stage catalytic oxidation using a single fixed bed shell-and-tube heat exchanger type reactor is provided. The method comprises dividing the shell space of said reactor into an upper space and lower space with a partition plate, allowing a heating medium to circulate in each of the spaces substantially independently of each other, and carrying out the vapor phase oxidation under specific conditions. Said specific conditions including providing a first stage catalyst layer at lower portion of each of the reaction tubes, a second stage catalyst layer at upper portion thereof and an inert substance layer therebetween, and making void ratio of the inert substance layer 40-99.5%.

Abstract: A heat exchange catalytic process and reactor of the shell-and-tube type having a plurality of tubes extending longitudinally through the shell from a tube fluid inlet region to a tube fluid outlet region and baffles extending transversely across the shell dividing the shell between said inlet and outlet regions into at least three heat exchange zones through which each tube passes in sequence in heat exchange with that zone. A shell fluid is passed through the heat exchange zones in heat exchange with the tube fluid passing through the tubes. Transfer passages are provided connencting the heat exchange zones and are disposed so that the shell fluid passes through the second zone before or after it has passed through both the first and third zones. A particulate catalyst is disposed in either the shell heat exchange zones or, preferably, the tubes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pyrolizer are disclosed in which carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed in a two stage process. In the first stage the materials are moved through a pretreater using augers and are heated to between 180 and 220 degrees C. In the second stage the materials are moved through a pyrolysis reactor using augers and are heated to between 500 and 1,100 degrees C.

Abstract: In a reactor of the type having a vessel, an agitator for agitating the contents of the vessel, and a heat exchange system within the vessel, the improvement wherein the heat exchange system comprises: a first substantially annular header which comprises pipe; a second substantially annular header comprising pipe and being spaced from the first header; a third substantially annular header comprising pipe and being spaced from the first header and adjacent to the second header; a first set of tubes extending between and connecting the first header and the second header; and a second set of tubes extending between and connecting the first header and the third header.

Abstract: A flexible steam cracking process for hydrocarbon feeds comprises injection of particles with an average size of between 0.02 mm and 4 mm, at a circulation rate in indirect transfer line exchangers (4) of 20 to 180 m/s, and in a sufficient quantity to limit the increase in temperature at the outlet to the exchangers (4) to a value of less than 100.degree. C. per month, into at least one point upstream of an indirect transfer line exchanger (4), cracking zone (2) remaining in communication with downstream means (6) for the treatment of cooled effluents. At least 70% by weight of the quantity of injected particles is introduced between the outlet to the cracking zone (2) and the tubes of the indirect transfer line exchanger (4). Chemical decoking is carried out in the tubes of the cracking zone at time intervals of less than 4 months by establishing accelerated coke gasification conditions, for example by injecting compounds which catalyse gasification by steam, or by decoking in air and/or steam.

Abstract: A facility and a process for steam cracking include controlled injection of solid particles into a transfer line exchanger (3). The particles are injected via injection lines, numbering between 1 and 8, just upstream of an impact-diffuser (6) comprising solid surfaces disposed on either side of the line for transfer of the cracked gases to the exchanger; this impact-diffuser is located in the inlet cone (2) of the exchanger, is permeable to the gases via a plurality of passages and at least 70% opaque viewed from the transfer line.

Abstract: Reactor for containing high pressure, high temperature, corrosive reactions, especially supercritical water reactions. The reactor comprises an inner reactor vessel which houses the corrosive reaction, an outer containment vessel which contains a substantial level of the pressure, and insulating means to contain the high temperature of the inner reactor, which prevents the outer containment vessel from rising above a specified maximum temperature. Using this reactor, the lifetime and reliability of the materials of construction are increased because the outer pressure-containing vessel does not experience the high temperatures which tend to cause metals and alloys to lose ductility, and the inner reactor vessel does not experience a high pressure drop across its walls and, therefore, can be made of temperature and corrosive-resistant materials which are not required to sustain high stress without failure.

Abstract: A point-of-use catalytic oxidation system, for treatment of a VOC-containing gas stream, including: a heat exchanger for heat exchange of a VOC-containing gas stream and a VOC-reduced gas stream at higher temperature than the VOC-containing gas stream, for heat recovery from the VOC-reduced gas stream for cooling thereof, to preheat the VOC-containing gas stream; a supplemental heater for supplemental heating of preheated VOC-containing gas, if and as required, to an elevated temperature for catalytic oxidation of VOC therein; and a bed of catalytic oxidizer material for catalytic oxidation of VOC in the VOC-containing gas stream, to yield the VOC-reduced gas stream. The heat exchanger, supplemental heater, and bed of catalytic oxidizer material are sized, constructed, arranged, and operated to effect autothermal catalytic oxidation of VOC in the bed of catalytic oxidizer material.

Abstract: In a method of modernizing a heterogeneous exothermic synthesis reactor (1) of the type comprising an external shell (2), in which at least one catalytic bed (15, 16, 17) is supported, the catalytic bed (15, 16, 17) is connected to an external boiler (21), for generating high pressure steam, by means of a reacted gas outlet nozzle (4) and a conduit (29) extending in said nozzle (4) thereby forming an annular airspace (30). Advantageously, the airspace (30) defines an outlet flowpath of the gases cooled in the boiler (21) which avoids overheating of the nozzle (4).

Abstract: Disclosed are a fixed-bed, catalytic reactor wherein reaction heat can be exchanged against a heat exchange medium circulating indirectly through the catalyst bed, and a catalytic process comprising operation of the reactor. The reactor comprises a catalyst bed having internally embedded banks of heat exchange tubes. An inlet distributor distributes reactants for flow through the bed. The distributed fluid passes through the bed in a flow path wherein a catalytic reaction occurs. The reaction effluent is then collected from the bed by an outlet product collector. A heat exchange medium circulated through the internal heat exchange tubes adds or removes reaction heat as required for enhanced conversion in the reactor. Multiple heat exchange tubes can be used, and inlet and discharge manifolds are provided for distributing the circulating heat exchange medium. The heat exchange tubes can be spaced in accordance with the heat interchange required to optimize the reaction rate.