Abstract: A compact endothermic reaction apparatus employing metallic reaction tubes in a close-pack arrangement using offset nozzle tubes and an air distribution plate for introducing fuel and air into a combustion chamber to produce long and thin flames thereby to avoid excessive localized heating of the reaction tubes and provide high reaction tube life expectancy. Also, excessive localized heating of the reaction tubes at the inlet ends of exhaust tubes is eliminated and provision is made for preventing buckling of individual reaction tubes that may be subjected to higher than average reaction tube temperatures.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having an interactive dilution control system for continuous treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture having a shell vessel for enclosing a central volume of generally circular cross-section, a combined catalyst chamber and spiral heat exchanger integrally connected and coaxially positioned within the shell vessel, also of cylindrical configuration, for providing a continuous transverse flow path from an inlet header to the exhaust header including a spiral heat exchanger for providing counter-flow heating of vapor, a catalyst chamber centrally positioned in said shell vessel an inlet plenum, a central core for containing a catalyst means, and an exhaust plenum; and interactive dilution control apparatus for automatically maintaining a concentration of inlet vapor at a selected optimum operating level including a microprocessor control sub-system for sensing the temperature in each zone of the catalyst chamber connected to the dilution control means; by-pass apparatus connecting the exh

Abstract: A supercritical water oxidation reactor is described having first and second reaction zones connnected in series and through which an aqueous feed stream to be oxidized can be passed in either direction. A self-contained heat exchange fluid system allows supercritical and subcritical temperatures to be maintained in either reaction zone. When supercritical water oxidation is occuring in one reaction zone the effluent is being cooled to a subcritical temperature and used to flush the second reaction zone to remove inorganic scale.

Abstract: A high pressure and high temperature reactor, especially operating under supercritical water conditions combined with corrosive atmosphere. The reactor comprises a reaction chamber and a pressure vessel, which surrounds the reaction chamber. It has high integrity since it has only one penetration in the pressure vessel, and its size is minimized due to induced turbulent flow of the ignited reaction mixture.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous synthesis of vanadium oxide from ammonium metavanadate, ammonium metavanadate is fed to the interior of a dryer apparatus through an inlet opening. The interior of the apparatus is maintained at a temperature of approximately 440.degree. C. and an inert carrier gas flows through the interior of the apparatus. The ammonium metavanadate is conveyed through the interior of the dryer apparatus on a conveyer to an outlet opening over a period of approximately two hours, during which period the ammonium metavanadate is continuously agitated so that it is uniformly exposed to heat and to the carrier gas, thereby synthesizing homogeneous vanadium oxide. The vanadium oxide is continuously removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An aftermarket catalytic converter for motor vehicle exhaust gas systems has a clamshell housing with an upper heat shield and stainless steel inlet and outlet bushings and contains a catalyst coated substrate cushioned and supported inside of it by a heat expandable mat, the features and parts of the converter being constructed and arranged to enable one converter construction to be used as a replacement converter in a substantial number of different applications for the original equipment converters.

Abstract: A liquid deposition source delivery system (22) includes a reactant source (50) of a liquid chemical reactant, a first heater (54) positioned adjacent to the reactant source (50) , and a vapor collection system (56) in communication with the reactant source (50) to collect vapor evolved from the reactant source (50). A flow controller (64) has an upstream side (66) in communication with the vapor collection system (56). A line (70) of a vapor distribution system is in communication with the downstream side (68) of the flow controller (64). A second heater (76) is positioned adjacent to the flow controller (64), at least a portion of the vapor collection system (56), and at least a portion of the vapor distribution system, to prevent the vapor from condensing in the lines (70) of the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place sterilization of a fermentation vessel assembly and media. Media can be contained in reagent bottles placed on the fermentation vessel assembly or can be contained in a fermentation vessel which is part of the fermentation vessel assembly. A removable shroud covers the fermentation vessel assembly and media during sterilization. Steam is applied inside the shroud for raising the temperature within the shroud to a sterilization temperature.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for carrying out reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures which minimizes the heat-up and cool-down times by rapid transport of the reactants using pressurized gas through a preheater to a preheated reactor, agitating the reaction mixture and discharging the reactants with high pressure gas through a precooler.

Abstract: In a process for carrying out non-adiabatic catalytic reactions in a tubular heat exchange reactor by indirect heat exchange between a process stream and a heat conducting medium, the wall temperature at the critical outlet end of the reactor tube is decreased, by progressively supplying the heat conducting medium to the external surface of the reactor tube in increasing amounts from a region close to the outlet end to a region between the outlet end and the inlet end of the tube.

Abstract: An enhanced hydrocarbon pyrolysis reactor for the production of olefins. The reactor provides enhanced heat transfer, reduced pressure drop, and reduced energy requirements while increasing selectivity and olefin yield. The radiant section tubes of the reactor, according to the invention, are shaped to provide a continuously increasing volume per unit length from inlet to outlet of the reactor. This increase in volume may be achieved by either expanding the effective inside radius of the reactor tube and/or increasing the outside radius of the tube while increasing the inside effective radius. Alternatively, since embodiments of reactors according to the invention have internal fins, the fin size and shape may be modified to provide the required increasing volume per unit length.

Abstract: An isothermal reactor design uses interleaved layers of plate heat exchange elements to improve heat transfer in a radial flow arrangement that offers a simple and compact design for fluid flow and catalyst transfer.

Abstract: The catalytic reactor has a catalyst member in the form of a stage of different orientations from one another and with flow-guiding elements which form crossing subflow ducts and which have a catalyst thereon. The flow-guiding elements are at an angle of inclination W of at least 10.degree. to the main flow direction and form partly open flow-crossing places between the subflows. The height H of a stage corresponds to a displacement factor H/HO of at least 1/2 where HO=Dctg W and D equals the diameter (or width) of the catalyst member. Satisfactory homogenization of the catalytic reaction and satisfactory heat removal via the heat-conductive rector wall are therefor achieved. The selectivity of the chemical reaction is improved and slip substantially obviated.

Abstract: The average size of ammonium sulfate crystals is increased by passing undersized ammonium sulfate crystals through a multistage apparatus in which the crystals are contacted with an aqueous ammonium sulfate spray in a first heated chamber to increase the average size of the crystals, the enlarged crystals thereafter passing through a second heated chamber to dry the enlarged crystals.

Abstract: A system for containment of a supercritical water oxidation reactor in the event of a rupture of the reactor. The system includes a containment for housing the reaction vessel and a communicating chamber for holding a volume of coolant, such as water. The coolant is recirculated and sprayed to entrain and cool any reactants that might have escaped from the reaction vessel. Baffles at the entrance to the chamber prevent the sprayed coolant from contacting the reaction vessel. An impact-absorbing layer is positioned between the vessel and the containment to at least partially absorb momentum of any fragments propelled by the rupturing vessel. Remote, quick-disconnecting fittings exterior to the containment, in cooperation with shut-off valves, enable the vessel to be isolated and the system safely taken off-line. Normally-closed orifices throughout the containment and chamber enable decontamination of interior surfaces when necessary.

Abstract: A catalytic oxidizer having a combined central catalyst chamber and a spiral heat exchanger for treatment of air hydrocarbon vapor mixture including an outer shell of circular cross section having a tangentially directed longitudinal inlet aperture, a parallel exhaust aperture, an end cover plate and having a catalytic chamber centrally and coaxially positioned in the outer shell including an inlet port and an outlet port, the catalytic chamber including an upstream plenum, a catalyst core member and a downstream plenum, having perforated partitions for separating the catalyst core member from the inlet plenum and the exhaust plenum, and a coaxial spiral plate heat exchanger surrounding the catalytic chamber including a spiral inlet passage formed by coiled plates connected at one end to the inlet aperture and at the other end to an outlet associated with the inlet plenum defining a first heat exchange region, the coiled plates being spaced apart to create an intermediate spiral exhaust passage, the heat exch

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with upgrading the BTU values of carbonaceous materials. The carbonaceous material is introduced into a heat exchanger and is injected with gas such as an inert gas or carbon dioxide at a high pressure to raise the pressure at which the upgrading process is carried out. The carbonaceous material is then heated to the desired temperature by circulating a heat exchange medium throughout at least one vessel which is in contact with the carbonaceous material. Water and other by-products such as tar and gases are recovered during this process. The heated water may be used as a source of pre-heating feed material in another vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for producing ceramic products in a reactor so as to minimize deposits therein. The reactor has a chamber defined therein which is divided into a combustion zone, into which a combustible mixture is injected, and a reaction zone in which the ceramic product is produced from at least one reactant injected into the chamber at the boundary between the zones. At least a portion of the wall defining the reaction zone is surrounded by at least one passageway through which coolant fluid is passed during ceramic production. Either carbide product or nitride product can be produced in the reaction zone according to the invention.

Abstract: A high temperature high pressure furnace has a hybrid partially externally heated construction. A metallic vessel fabricated from an alloy having a composition of at least 45% nickel, 15% chrome, and 10% tungsten is utilized (the preferred alloy including 55% nickel, 22% chrome, 14% tungsten, 2% molybdenum, 3% iron (maximum) and 5% cobalt (maximum). The disclosed alloy is fabricated into 11/4 or 2 inch, 32 mm or 50 mm bar stock and has a length of about 22 inches, 56 cm. This bar stock has an aperture formed therein to define a closed high temperature, high pressure oxygen chamber. The opposite and closed end of the vessel is provided with a small blind aperture into which a thermocouple can be inserted. The closed end of the vessel is inserted into an oven, preferably heated by standard nickel chrome electrical elements and having a heavily insulated exterior.

Abstract: An apparatus for the direct fluorination of solid particles of polymeric resins capable of being fluorinated in which the solid particles are contacted by a flow of a mixture of fluorine and carrier fluid in a solid-gas reactor. In the solid-gas reactor, the fluid flow continuously agitates or fluidizes the solid particles to maintain the solid particles in motion. The degree of motion of the solid particles is a function of the linear velocity of the fluid and of the physical properties of the solid particles such as the solid bulk density, particle size, geometry of the solid particle, and adhesion or agglomeration of solid particles. The solid-gas reactor can be arranged with single or multi-reactors in batch or continous mode.

Abstract: A diffusion process from steam reforming of a hydrocarbon to produce H.sub.2, Co and CO.sub.2, that includes: providing a generally tubular, porous, ceramic membrane, and providing a heated reaction zone in a container into which the membrane is received; the membrane carrying a catalytically active metallic substance; passing a hydrocarbon and steam containing first fluid stream into the zone and into contact with one side of the membrane, to produce CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 ; and passing a second fluid stream adjacent the opposite side of the membrane in such manner as to promote hydrogen diffusion through the membrane from said one side to said opposite side thereof; and removing hydrogen from the opposite side of the membrane. Such a process may be combined with operation of a heat engine or gas turbine, producing heat transferred to the referenced reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for recuperation and utilization of exhaust heat from a reformer, in which a plurality of arc passageways are formed respectively on the opposite outside walls of the reformer body with a plurality of arc-shaped steel sheet or zinc-plated steel sheet, said arch passageways together with the bottom chamber under the reformer body serve as preheating duct, and at least one air inlet above each passageway is disposed above the top of the reformer. Under the effect of a blower, the air above the reformer top passes through the said preheating duct, and absorbs the heat dispersed from the reformer body. The preheated air makes indirect heat exchange with the flue gas through a heat pipe excharger. The temperature of the air after heat exchange rises from the environmental to about 220.degree. C. and the air is then introduced to the reformer and auxiliary boiler for combustion. The temperature of the flue gas drops from about 300.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A plastic light conduit of cross-linked polymer material having good light transmitting characteristics, without voids or noticeable bubbles, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of manufacture and an apparatus, involving progressive heating of reactive monomer mixture in a tube which is submerged in a progressive reactor utilizing cold oil to maintain a cold, non-reacting zone, and hot water to create a hot zone that causes reaction, while simultaneously carrying away the excess exothermic heat of reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for catalytic reaction containing a heating chamber having a hearth, side wall(s) and a roof, and an inlet and outlet for a heat source gas; a substantially vertically mounted concentric double cylindrical tubular reactor mounted in said roof and protruding into the space within said heating chamber; a gas-permeable dividing means which divides the space within the heating chamber into an upper convection heat transfer space and a lower radiant heat transfer space is useful in steam reforming and similar processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of alkali metal monofluorophosphates is disclosed. The apparatus includes a melting crucible of a platinum/rhodium alloy, devices for feeding the alkali metal fluoride and alkali metal metaphosphate or alkali metal polyphosphate raw materials into the upper part of the crucible, an outflow orifice for molten alkali metal fluorophosphate in the bottom of the crucible, a corresponding discharge orifice in the furnace, and a cooling arrangement, wherein a direct voltage is applied between the cooling arrangement and the melting crucible which is connected as the anode.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a subterranean well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A dual-wall pressure balanced vessel for processing high viscosity slurries at high temperatures and pressures having an outer pressure vessel and an inner vessel with an annular space between the vessels pressurized at a pressure slightly less than or equivalent to the pressure within the inner vessel.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming apparatus having a furnace casing, a combustion gas passage formed in the furnace casing, a cylindrical reactor which is made up of multi-layered passages arranged concentrically around the combustion gas passage, with the multilayered passages being filled with catalysts, a combustion gas discharge passage communicating with the combustion gas passage, and a feedstock gas intake passage communicating with any one of the multilayered passages, characterized in that the combustion gas discharge passage is arranged on the inside of either of the outer passage of the multilayered passages or the feedstock gas intake passage, so that the combustion gas discharge passage is separated from the furnace casing.

Abstract: A stream of process gas is indirectly heated in an elongated reaction chamber (1) with a longitudinal axis, a first end (12) and a second end (13) and defined by an outside shell (2) and a thermally conductive inner wall (4). The inner wall defines at least one recess or cavity (3) which extends substantially between the first and second end of the chamber and parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. A process feed line (6) and a product-gas discharge line (7) are provided at opposite ends (12, 13) of the chamber. A heat conductive and heat resistant barrier (8) which defines an interior space extends coaxially with the recess or cavity (3) substantially along the entire length of the inner wall (4) and forms an annular space (9) therewith. A hot flue gas feed line (10) and a flue gas discharge line (11) is provided at one end (13) of the chamber.

Abstract: A catalyst bed for conducting exothermal reactions between gases and/or other fluids is disclosed. The catalyst bed includes at least two cooling elements arranged in parallel relationship with each other. A space is thereby defined between the two cooling elements, and one opening at each opposite end of the cooling elements is also defined by the arrangement of cooling elements. The space created is adapted to receive a catalyst mass through either of the openings. The cooling elements cool the gases and/or other fluids, as well as the catalyst mass to keep the reaction temperature low enough to maintain a desired state of equilibrium.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for hydrogenating a stream of hydrocarbons is provided. The pressure and temperature of the stream are elevated and the stream is passed through two or more serially connected hydrogenation reaction zones. While passing through the reaction zones hydrogen is dispersed in the stream and the stream is caused to flow along successive downward and upward paths. The reacted stream is cooled prior to reducing the pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for the conversion of hydrocarbons. According to the invention, at least one first gas containing at least 20% of oxygen by volume and a type of hydrocarbon are first all circulated in separate streams which are parallel to each other, without their being mixed, according to a spatial distribution such that the first gas is surrounded by the hydrocarbon; these substances are introduced into a mixing/reaction chamber at a first given circulation level, and while the substances are then allowed to mix, the oxygen and the hydrocarbon are ignited so as to give rise to the conversion reaction and then, at a second given circulation level situated downstream of the first, a quenching of the resultant mixture is performed in a chamber, the resultant quenched conversion products are recovered. The invention applies particularly to the manufacture of conversion products such as acetylene and ethylene.

Abstract: An endothermic reaction apparatus for converting a raw gas, or a feed gas, into a reaction gas or a produced gas, under the influence of an endothermic reaction catalyst includes a reaction tube having a pair of inner and outer vertical tubular spaces which are separated by a vertical partition wall and communicate with each other at their lower ends. The endothermic reaction catalyst is disposed in the inner and outer tubular spaces to form a continuous catalyst structure. The catalyst structure has an inlet portion for introducing the raw gas into the catalyst structure and an outlet portion for discharging the reaction gas from the catalyst structure. The inlet and outlet portions of the catalyst structure are disposed generally at the same level. A burner is disposed inwardly of the inner tubular space for heating the catalyst structure.

Abstract: A reactor system and process for conducting exothermic or endothermic chemical reactions achieves greater kinetic efficiency through transfer of heat between adjacent feed temperature modification and reaction zones.

Abstract: A new anhydrous sodium dichromate in flakes, Na.sub.2 Cr.sub.2 O.sub.7, m.p. 356.degree. C. (dec. 400.degree. C.) is described, characterized in that it comes in flakes with an area of approx. 1 cm.sup.2, thickness 0.5 mm and apparent specific gravity 1.10 (absolute 2.748) at 25.degree. C; it is not deliquescent, nor does it become powdery. It is prepared from dihydrate sodium dichromate or aqueous solutions thereof using a new process in two stages, namely a) evaporation-melting of the dihydrate salt or concentrated aqueous solution at a strictly controlled temperature of around 380.degree. C. and no higher, and b) flaking of the melted mass obtained thereby, as it is being rapidly cooled to 150.degree.-160.degree. C. The apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed; the apparatus includes a dehydrator-melter oven, a flaker rotating at 10-20 revs per minute and a heat recovery system.

Abstract: In an ammonia synthesis process a nitrogen-hydrogen gas is reacted partially over a catalyst at a pressure in the range 30.degree.-120.degree. C., ammonia is separated as liquid after cooling the reacted synthesis gas and unreacted synthesis gas is recycled. The liquid ammonia is evaporated in heat exchange with reacted synthesis gas to provide the required cooling effect. Such heat exchange is effected using a heat exchange surface (as in a plate-fin heat exchanger) of at least 1.5 m.sup.2 per kg mol per hour of ammonia to be condensed, with cold-end temperature approach of less than 80.degree. C. and a hot-end temperature approach of less than 5.degree. C. whereby exploit the heat effect of, inter alia, the non-ideality of ammonia to provide product gaseous ammonia at a convenient pressure with minimal mechanical refrigeration.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the preparation of carbon polymonofluoride.The reaction of fluorine diluted with at least one inert gas with carbon particles is performed in a reaction zone in which the particles travel as a thin layer. Diluted fluorine is introduced into the reaction zone in the form of a plurality of gaseous mixtures delivered at a plurality of points close to the layer of the particles and distributed in the reaction zone. The weight content of fluorine and the flow rate of each of the gaseous mixtures are controlled independently and such that the volume content of fluorine in the gaseous phase at the gaseous phase/particles interface in the vicinity of each of the points is lower than the minimum content causing the inflammation of the particles.For a space time output higher than 10 kg.multidot.h.sup.-1 m.sup.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerization reaction apparatus which is composed of a vertical cylindrical vessel, a rotating shaft inside the vessel, a plurality of agitating blades attached to the shaft, and a large number of plate-like heat transfer elements attached to the inner wall of the vessel, disposed radially between the agitating blades, and internally equipped with a passage for a heat transfer fluid, and in which apparatus a polymerizing mass passes through a gap between the rotating shaft, the agitating blades, and a large number of the plate-like heat transfer elements and exchanges heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating inside the plate-like heat transfer elements, effecting uniform removal of the reaction heat or uniform heating of the polymerizing mass and preventing vertical mixing.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen cyanide which comprises reacting methane or a gas containing methane as a main component, ammonia and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a platinum-containing catalyst, wherein the reaction gases are quenched by using an indirect heat-exchanger, preferably an indirect heat-exchanger made of a nickel alloy having an iron content of not more than 4.0% by weight, without quenching them directly with water.

Abstract: The system to reduce the energy consumption of heterogeneous synthesis reactors, particularly of ammonia reactors, f.i. the "Chemico"-type reactor, foresees the insertion of two cylindrical walls at least partially perforated in order to annularly delimit the catalytic beds; the first outer wall (Fe) having a diameter (Di) slightly smaller than diameter (Dc) of the cartridge (C), has a height (Hi) higher than (H'i) of the internal cylindrical wall (Fi) which has a diameter inferior to the above mentioned (Di), but superior to the external diameter (Dt) of the central feed pipe (T) of the quench gas (QG). The top (SO) of the internal cylindrical wall (Fi) is closed by a cover (CO) that has a distance from the bottom (FO) of the basket equal to the mentioned height (H'i) of the internal cylindrical wall. The catalytic bed is therefore annular in diameter (Di-D'i) on all of the said height (H'i), but is substantially cylindrical (of diameter Di) on the height (Hi-H'i).

Abstract: A reaction vessel has a catalytic core, with an inlet for a first gas and for a second gas. The first and second gasses react in an exothermic reaction during passage through the catalytic core. The first gas passes through conduits which extend through the catalytic core, so as to be preheated and also so as to cool the catalytic core so that the catalyzed reaction proceeds in a preferred temperature range. The gasses are mixed at one end of the vessel in a mixing chamber, and are drawn through the catalytic core into a gathering chamber, from which the reacted gasses exit. A cooling chamber is provided for introduction of a cooling fluid about the periphery of the catalytic core, for drawing away any excess heat during operation.

Abstract: A cooling fluid is utilized to withdraw heat from a KOH treater. The passing of the cooling fluid in heat exchange with the KOH treater is controlled so as to maintain desired operating pressures for the cooling fluid and also to substantially maximize heat transfer. Bypassing of the feed around the KOH treater to prevent temperature runaway is utilized only if sufficient cooling cannot be provided by the cooling fluid to prevent temperature runaway.

Abstract: A reactor for single-layer, exothermic catalytic synthesis in the gaseous phase under pressure, is made up of a main casing under high pressure, comprising a cylindrical part and two hemispherical ends containing an enclosure for the catalyst carrier, including a single catalyst layer concentric to the body of force and whose external wall is covered with an insulator, a space being located between the internal wall of the main casing under high pressure resting on a helical metal winding from one end of the casing to the other, said main casing under high pressure and the enclosure for the catalyst carrier being provided with means for introducing and withdrawing gas streams, located at the ends of the main axis and arranged facing each other on the hemispherical ends. The enclosure for the catalyst carrier furthermore is equipped with a vertical pipe for filling and emptying the catalyst. The reactor can be used for synthesizing ammonia and methanol.

Abstract: An improved heated fluidized bed reactor and a method of heating such reactor wherein a means defining an annular heated fluidized bed reaction zone is heated by a first heat source supplying heat to the outer periphery of the fluidized bed reaction zone and a second heat source supplying heat to the inner boundary of the annular fluidized bed reaction zone. The present invention is useful for reactions carried out in a fluidized bed reactor, such as the pyrolysis of silane containing gas into silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new biocatalytic reactor to utilize succfully insoluble biocatalysts to carry out enzymatic reactions. It is especially adequate for the processing of enzymatic reactions using gel-like structure insoluble biocatalysts by eliminating the problems of high pressure drops, microbial contamination and mechanical disintegration which arise when conventional packed columns or agitated tanks are used.It is also adequate to utilize rigid insoluble biocatalysts to process enzymatic reactions with viscous or particulate substrates.

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of chemical reactions, microbial fermentations, and other processes of industrial importance is described. The present invention also relates to a method of operation of this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an oxygen-free working atmosphere wherein the waste gases from a conventional gas burner heating unit are compressed and used as buffer and propellant gases for spray guns for spraying molten metal or ceramic material onto a workpiece, where an expansion chamber is provided between the gas burner and the compressor and a constant pressure is maintained in the expansion chamber which is not less than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The flow rates for the gas and liquid components of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid such that the liquid tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants; and the containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a reaction tube for causing endothermic reaction for converting a fuel gas with hydrocarbon, steam, and the like mixed therein into a hydrogen-enriched gas using a catalyst, a combustor for generating a combustion gas for heating the reaction tube, a heat insulating layer for preventing the radiation of the combustion gas, and a combustion gas passage disposed around the reaction tube and allowing the combustion gas to flow therethrough, and a passage for air or fuel gas disposed around the fuel gas passage, a heat insulating layer being disposed around the outer peripheral surface of this passage.

Abstract: Heat is more efficiently transferred to the catalyst tubes in a fuel cell power plant reformer by mounting sleeves about the individual catalyst tubes. The sleeves define helical hot gas flow paths on the outside of the catalyst tubes. Adjacent flow paths are separated from each other by arcuate ribs between the tubes and sleeves that provide line contact with the outer surface of the tubes for improved heat transfer. The ribs may be formed with circular rods attached to the tubes or sleeves, or by helical grooves with semi-circular configurations formed in the sleeves. Approximately fifty percent greater heat transfer can be achieved using the line contact ribs to form the hot gas flow paths. The sleeves, tubes and ribs are all made of metal.