Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of thermally decomposing a hydrocarbon and a thermal decomposition tube used therefor. A plurality of spiral fins are formed on the inner wall surface of the thermal decomposition tube. Since no-fin portions are formed on portions of the inner wall surface, the flow of a hydrocarbon through the no-fin portions is made turbulent to a suitable degree. For this reason, coke is prevented from adhering to the inner wall surface of the thermal decomposition tube.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater containing bentazon by decomposing the bentazon therein and thus eliminating or substantially reducing the bentazon content. This apparatus includes means for adjusting the pH of the wastewater to a value of less than 7 and heating it to a temperature of at least about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for effecting chemical syntheses in gaseous phase, under pressure, in the presence of a solid catalyst, for instance for ammonia synthesis from hydrogen and nitrogen or for the synthesis of methanol or higher homolog alcohols from hydrogen and at least one carbon oxide.The reactor of substantially cylindrical shape contains a plurality of elongate compartments of parallelipiped shape, adjacent to each other, the adjacent walls of the compartments or the common walls of the adjacent compartments being gas-tight walls, said tight walls forming hollow plates wherein are provided channels for the flow of a fluid heat carrier flowing through said walls under a pressure substantially equal to the pressure to which are subjected the reaction gases.

Abstract: A vertical apparatus for continuously carbonizing and activating various types of fiber materials. The apparatus comprising a chamber having openings at upper and lower portions thereof, at least one port through which an activating gas is passed for activation of the fiber material and a heater for keeping the temperature in the chamber, a means for vertically passing the fiber material in a continuous manner for the carbonization and activation, and a means for supplying the activating gas into the chamber. A method for continuously carbonizing and activating fiber materials in an efficient manner is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting an endothermic catalytic reaction wherein closed ended, i.e., double pass, externally heated reformer tubes are employed. The inner return tube are insulated so that there is only a small temperature drop between the reacted gas leaving the catalyst zone and entering the return tubes and the gas leaving the return tubes. The outer, closed end, tubes preferably have fins to increase the surface area, and are surrounded by sheaths through which a heating medium passes. The heating medium is preferably hot gas obtained by subjecting the primary reformed gas to secondary reforming.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a reaction apparatus having an externalized heat exchange mechanism by which heat may be added to or withdrawn from a reactant mixture. In one aspect, the present invention includes a cased well which extends approximately 5000 feet vertically into the earth in which at least one reaction vessel is suspended from a support plate at substantially ground level surface. The reaction vessel comprises an outer closed-end tube in which an inner open-end tube is disposed in a concentric manner to define an annulus which is in flow communication with the bore of the inner tube. Substantially parallel to the reaction vessel and also suspended from the ground level support plate, is a conduit which extends into the chamber defined by the well-casing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a reaction section made of a porous heat-conductive material and a heat transfer section which is connected with the reaction section by a gas-tight highly heat-conductive boundary layer with the heat-conductive material of both sections made preferably of sintered metal; the reaction section sintered metal can be coated with a catalyst substance; fluid medium conduits are provided to pass a heat transfer medium through the heat transfer section while the reaction section is provided with supply and exhaust conduits for a medium to be reacted in the reaction section.

Abstract: An oxygen generating system for continuously generating oxygen gas by the catalytic decomposition of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide, includes a catalyst having a platinum group catalyst component carried on a highly porous sintered ceramic support of a large pore size and a reaction chamber for accommodating the catalyst. The system further includes a control device for controlling the operation of the hydrogen peroxide supplying based on a detection signal from a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the generated oxygen gas.The oxygen generating system is compact and reduced in weight due to the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at high concentration, which can be carried out effectively and safely under an increased temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon fibers in a vertical carbonizing furnace and an apparatus for producing carbon fibers using such a method are disclosed. The furnace includes a heating chamber for carbonizing fibers, the furnace including,(i) a fiber inlet at the upper end of the chamber(ii) an air tight sealed fiber outlet at the lower end of the furnace,(iii) an inert gas inlet provided on the wall of the chamber and above the fiber outlet,(iv) at least one inert gas injection portion, formed on the wall of the chamber, each capable of forming a curtain of inert gas across the heating chamber, each injection portion being provided between the gas inlet and the fiber inlet,(v) at least one outlet each being provided below each inert gas injection portion, and(vi) a heating member capable of controlling the temperature in the heating chamber in such a manner that the temperature gradually increases from the upper end toward a lower end of the heating chamber.

Abstract: A tubular reactor for thermally cracking fluorohydrocarbons has a burner system (1) with feed lines (3, 4, 6, 7) for a mixture of fluorohydrocarbon and fuel gas and for flushing gas and oxygen or air provided at one end of the tubular reactor. This burner system delimits the end face of a combustion chamber (2) which, near the burner system, is provided with an ignition branch (9) and devices (10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) for feeding and distributing a liquid. The combustion chamber is adjoined by an absorber of cylindrical blocks (21) with bores (22) parallel to the reactor axis for a liquid product stream and a gas discharged from the combustion chamber. The bores lead into a downstream annular chamber (28) which is provided with a branch (29) for discharging gas and liquid. The other end of the reactor has a pressure relief orifice (33) which is connected via a duct (32) to the combustion chamber (2).

Abstract: An upright reactor for the generation of methanol comprises a cylindrical housing closed by a removable hood, where several catalyst beds, arranged one over the other and each carried by a detachable gas-permeable bottom or net, are surrounded by a cylindrical jacket of finned tubes into which open the ends of the exchanger tubes traversing the catalyst bed. According to the invention, horizontal gas-impermeable partitions are arranged below the gas-permeable bottoms or nets of the second lowest and of the next highest catalyst beds at the level of inflow or outflow openings for the gas.

Abstract: A vessel for the generation of synthesis gas at a high pressure, using hydrocarbons, includes a catalytic endothermic reforming section with a plurality of reformer tubes heated externally and filled with a catalyst, and a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam entering the reformer tubes which are positioned by a common plate. The reforming gas generated in the tubes flows from the tubed section into a partial oxidation section which has a larger diameter than the tubed section and the shape of a pressure vessel closed at one end, the free ends of the reformer tubes penetrating into the partial oxidation section, and in which inlet gas such as additional hydrocarbons and oxygen or oxygen-rich gas are mixed with the reforming gas. A plurality of inlet devices for the inlet gas are positioned in the cylindrical shell of the partial oxidation section with the axes of the gas flow streams being inclined away from the radial.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus (10) adapted for continuously producing molten, solar grade purity elemental silicon by thermal reaction of a suitable precursor gas, such as silane (SiH.sub.4), is disclosed. The reactor apparatus (10) includes an elongated reactor body (32) having graphite or carbon walls which are heated to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of silicon. The precursor gas enters the reactor body (32) through an efficiently cooled inlet tube assembly (22) and a relatively thin carbon or graphite septum (44). The septum (44), being in contact on one side with the cooled inlet (22) and the heated interior of the reactor (32) on the other side, provides a sharp temperature gradient for the precursor gas entering the reactor (32) and renders the operation of the inlet tube assembly (22) substantially free of clogging. The precursor gas flows in the reactor (32) in a substantially smooth, substantially axial manner.

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 waste stream includes gas and liquid components. The flow rates for the reactants 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 component such that the liquid component tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants. 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: An improved reactor is disclosed wherein a high temperature product gas discharged from a catalyst bed within the reactor is cooled in a central heat exchanger installed within the reactor by heat exchange with a low temperature feed gas comprising gaseous raw materials for the reaction, and the product gas is thereafter flowed along the inner surface of an outer pressure vessel in order to maintain the outer pressure vessel at a low temperature. Inlet and outlet pipes for a coolant which coolant is circulated through a coolant passage structure which penetrates the catalyst bed in order to absorb the heat of reaction, both penetrate the top cover of the outer pressure vessel so that the coolant passage structure can be readily removed for maintenance and inspection, and the overall design of the reactor is simplified.

Abstract: A device useful for heating of samples taken in small amounts, comprising a sample holding rod engaging in a tubular liner while leaving a reduced dead or wasted space. The rod has an elongate cavity opening at its upper part and receiving the sample which is in contact with a vector gas. The sample holding rod has two positions one of which places the sample in a moderate temperature zone and the other of which places the sample in a heating zone.

Abstract: A feeder of oxygen gas containing steam comprising a combustion chamber, an oxygen gas induction tube for inducing oxygen gas to the combustion chamber, a hydrogen gas chamber separated from the combustion chamber by a hydrogen osmotic film between it and the combustion chamber, a hydrogen gas induction chamber which induces the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas chamber, an exhaust tube communicated with the hydrogen gas chamber and a heater.

Abstract: An oven for heating a distillable material in a preselected gas atmosphere. The oven comprises an inner heating chamber adapted to receive a spherical gravity lid, the heating chamber being connected to and in communication with a gas exhaust tube having a condensate trap at the termination thereof. The inner heating chamber is also in communication with and surrounded by an outer gas flow chamber, the outer gas flow chamber having a plurality of heater elements therein. The gas exhaust tube is surrounded by an ante chamber which is in communication with the outer chamber. The heater elements are continuously monitored by a programmable controller and a thermocouple in communication therewith. During oven operation, a purge gas is introduced to the ante chamber and flows therefrom into the outer gas flow chamber around the heater elements and into the top of the inner heating chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing tantalum halide supported catalysts which comprises a container for holding the support, a container for holding the tantalum pentahalide, a heating means to provide the proper temperature for reactive sublimation, and an optional means for transferring vapor from the halide container.

Abstract: The temperature regulating apparatus for a laboratory reaction vessel arrangement, comprises a reaction vessel and a thermal chamber for a fluid heat exchange medium which at least partially surrounds the reaction vessel. A jacketing vessel is provided with at least one inlet aperture for said fluid heat exchange medium and at least partially surrounds the thermal chamber. The at least one inlet aperture is arranged to extend through the jacketing vessel and into the thermal chamber, and a nozzle is arranged in a region of the at least one inlet aperture. This nozzle has an outlet orifice and is arranged in the region of the at least one inlet aperture such that the fluid heat exchange medium flows through the nozzle and out of the outlet orifice and such that the fluid heat exchange medium flowing out of the outlet orifice subsequently flows into said thermal chamber.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out exothermic and endothermic catalytic reactions includes a contact tube bundle and radial admission and removal of a heat transfer medium via an annular duct for each, and a circulation through an external heat exchanger. Two or more circulating pumps are connected to the annular ducts and are distributed over the circumference. The heat exchanger can be arranged in shunt to the main circulation and be connected with individual sections of at least one annular duct via setting elements.

Abstract: Integrated primary-secondary reforming operations are carried out with the partly reformed product effluent from the reformer tubes of the primary reforming zone passing to a catalyst-free reaction space at the feed end of a catalyst bed in the secondary reforming zone. The exothermic heat of reaction generated in said reaction space supplies the necessary heat for the endothermic reforming reaction that occurs in the catalyst bed of the secondary reforming zone, and the still hot secondary product effluent leaving the secondary reforming zone is passed in the shell side of the primary reformer zone to supply the endothermic heat of reaction required in said primary reforming zone. Essentially autothermal operating conditions are thereby achieved so as to essentially eliminate the necessity for employing an external fuel-fired primary reformer and/or for consuming a portion of the hydrocarbon feed material for fuel purposes.

Abstract: A reactor comprises a vertically elongated cylindrical housing with at least one bottom in the housing which supports a catalyst bed which is permeable to gas and through which heat exchanger tubes extend. The construction includes a cylindrical wall within the housing which encloses the catalyst. The housing is constructed so that a cover thereof may be removed to lift the bottom together with the cylindrical wall and the catalyst bed with the tubes out of the housing. The cylindrical wall is advantageously formed by finned tubes. The construction advantageously includes upper and lower header portions and the heat exchanger tubes which extend through the bed are bent at each end and extend into these headers. In an alternate embodiment, the reactor has more than one bottom at spaced vertical locations. Coolant is advantageously supplied through one of the headers of the heat exchanger tubes, for example, a lower one for exit out through the upper one.

Abstract: A process for the production of crystalline dextrose monohydrate in which the mass M subjected to crystallization traverses from above downwards continuously and under malaxation, a vessel inside which it is subjected to a temperature gradient globally decreasing from above downwards. The crystalline mass is recovered continuously at the lower part of the vessel, means being provided to take up at the intermediate level a fraction of the mass and to recycle it to a level situated in the vicinity of the upper end of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing carbon black wherein a refractory reactor lining is effectively cooled. A combustible gaseous mixture is injected into a chamber defined by the refractory lining, oil feedstock also being injected into the chamber. Coolant fluid is passed through a passageway in the refractory material.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for the efficient production of gaseous chlorine dioxide by the reaction between gaseous sulfur dioxide and an aqueous solution of a metallic chlorate. The chlorate solution and a highly concentrated sulfur dioxide gas are introduced into a packed columnar chamber at closely adjacent locations at the bottom of the chamber so as to flood the chamber and maximize both the contact area and contact time of the two reactants. Throughout the reaction the chamber is subjected to high vacuum imposed by an eductor which exhausts the chlorine dioxide gas and spent reactants. For use of the chlorine dioxide to produce potable water or treat foodstuffs, the chlorine dioxide and spent reactants are exhausted from the chamber separately by respective eductors substantially balanced with respect to each other to impose comparable vacuums upon the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trap for a vapor species, particularly a pnictide.sub.4 vapor species, for a vacuum system of the type including a vacuum chamber communicating with a forepump through a vacuum line. The trap may be positioned within the vacuum chamber itself, or in the alternative, the trap may be located between the vacuum chamber and the forepump. The trap includes a housing for a cracker, which may be a heated filament or a plasma, which cracks the pnictide vapor species into pnictide.sub.2. The walls of the housing are cooled so that the trapped pnictide species readily forms a film and adheres to the walls of the housing. The pnictide.sub.4 vapor species, which may be harmful to the operation of a forepump, is prevented from entering the forepump. A removable sleeve can be positioned in the housing so that the cracked species adheres to it. The sleeve may be removed from the housing for maintenance and replacement purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for making phosphorus pentoxide by subjecting elemental yellow phosphorus to combustion with dried air inside a steel-made combustion chamber with utilization of the reaction heat for the production of energy.

Abstract: The invention provides pressure protection for the interior casing of hydrogenation reactors by the use of a manifold interconnecting the annular chambers of the aforesaid reactors with the processed-gas vapor path whereby process-conditioned pressure changes generated during the reaction process are simultaneously balanced. As a result, the interior casings of the reactors which define the reaction vessel can be made of relatively thin material as compared to conventional reaction vessels.

Abstract: A mono-stage device for generating gaseous sulphuric anhydride from melted sulphur, of the kind having two chambers, one inside the other and preferably concentric. The internal chamber contains spherical refractory material and has a duct feeding hot air into the bottom of the chamber. It opens at its upper end into the external chamber. Molten sulphur is fed into the upper end of the inner chamber and is burned to form SO.sub.2 which flows down in the external chamber containing catalytic material to form SO.sub.3 which is extracted through an outlet near the bottom of the external chamber.

Abstract: A high density magnesia fine powder having an improved sintering property is produced in such a manner that magnesium is vaporized at 700.degree. C. or more in a magnesium-vaporizing refractory tube while an inert gas flows through the magnesium-vaporizing tube; the flow of the vaporized magnesium-containing inert gas is introduced into a magnesium-oxidizing tube; a molecular oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the magnesium-oxidizing tube in a concurrent relationship to the flow of the vaporized magnesium-containing inert gas to provide a reaction mixture, while the temperature of the magnesium-oxidizing region is adjusted to 800.degree. C. to 1600.degree. C. and the partial pressures of the vaporized magnesium and oxygen in the magnesium-oxidizing region are regulated to 0.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for making phosphorus pentoxide by subjecting elemental yellow phosphorus to combustion with dried air inside a steel-made combustion chamber with utilization of the reaction heat for the production of energy. To this end, the disclosure provides for the combustion to be effected inside a combustion chamber of which the walls are arranged so as to form a cooling system with cavities therein; for a liquid or liquid/steam-mixture as a heat carrier abstracting the reaction heat to be circulated through the cooling system, the liquid or liquid/steam-mixture assuming an increased temperature being preferably so circulated under increased pressure; for steam formed in the cooling system to be continuously taken therefrom; for an equivalent proportion of fresh liquid to be introduced into the cooling system; for hot P.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dehydrogenating alkanes such as iso-butane comprises contacting the alkane in admixture with steam under dehydrogenation conditions with a dehydrogenation catalyst. The catalyst is substantially free of Group VIII metals of Atomic Number 27 and higher. The catalyst is provided in a heated tubular reactor which preferably contains groups of tubes mounted in a furnace each group of tubes having a common header, to enable continuous dehydrogenation, while permitting catalyst reactivation.

Abstract: Slab-shaped high efficiency catalytic reformer configurations particularly useful for generation of fuels to be used in fuel cell based generation systems. A plurality of structures forming a generally rectangular peripheral envelope are spaced about one another to form annular regions, an interior annular region containing a catalytic bed and being regeneratively heated on one side by a hot combustion gas and on the other side by the gaseous products of the reformation. An integrally mounted combustor is cooled by impingement of incoming oxidant.

Abstract: A process of leaching ores, ore concentrates, intermediate metallurgical products and the like, which contain acid-soluble constituents, by a treatment in an acid aqueous solution under pressure in a tubular reactor. The slurry contains suitably 300 to 1100 g starting material per liter of water and a velocity of flow of 0.5 to 4.0 m/sec. is suitably maintained throughout the flow path in the tubular reactor of the slurry and of the leached suspension.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing a modified carbohydrate material, preferably starch, in fluid form. In the process a starch slurry is continuously moved through a confined tubular preheat zone where heat is very rapidly transferred to the slurry, whereby the slurry passes through a gelation stage and forms into a hot free flowing liquid. The heat transfer is from superatmospheric steam surrounding at least part of the tubular heating zone, the temperature of the steam and the cross-sectional area of each tubular preheat zone being selected to rapidly transfer heat from the steam throughout the slurry and minimize the magnitude of the zone of high viscosity gel formed during the gelation stage. The hot liquid formed is immediately forced through a restrictive opening and into a confined tubular reaction zone accompanied by a sudden decrease in pressure whereby the starch is made highly reactive.

Abstract: Vortex apparatus for the continuous production of a precipitate by reacting together at least two reactants wherein it comprises a rotary bowl, having a vertical axis a fixed cylinder arranged coaxially within the bowl in order to define with the latter an annular raising chamber, thus providing a fluid flow connection with a reaction chamber defined within the fixed cylinder, reactant inlet pipes issuing into the upper part of the reaction chamber in the vicinity of the axis of the bowl, at least one weir fixed to the rotary bowl at the upper end of the raising chamber and a turbine fixed to the rotary bowl in the lower part of the reaction chamber, so as to produce a vortex in the latter and ensure the raising of part of the precipitate into the raising chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing molecular oxygen in the excited singlet delta oxygen electronic state for use as an excited species reactant in a high energy, continuous-wave, chemically pumped laser. In this invention, small amounts of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide are continuously mixed, reacted, cooled and then combined with chlorine to form a mixture which is injected into a mixing chamber as very fine droplets to provide an efficient means for effecting a reaction which produces excited molecular oxygen.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for the efficient production of gaseous chlorine dioxide by the reaction between gaseous sulfur dioxide and an aqueous solution of a metallic chlorate. The chlorate solution and a highly concentrated sulfur dioxide gas are introduced into a packed columnar chamber at closely adjacent locations at the bottom of the chamber so as to flood the chamber and maximize both the contact area and contact time of the two reactants. Throughout the reaction the chamber is subjected to high vacuum imposed by an eductor which exhausts the chlorine dioxide gas and spent reactants. For use of the chlorine dioxide to produce potable water or treat foodstuffs, the chlorine dioxide and spent reactants are exhausted from the chamber separately by respective eductors substantially balanced with respect to each other to impose comparable vacuums upon the chamber.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus comprising a vessel having a centrally disposed vertical draft tube and a centrifugal impeller at the lower end of the draft tube. A plurality of vertical heat exchanger tubes surround the draft tube. Ports are provided for the inlet of raw material and the outlet of product. The impeller draws liquid down through the draft tube, mixes it in an area of turbulence below the impeller and forces it up the heat exchanger tubes. Materials react in the heat exchanger tubes as in a plug flow reactor and elsewhere in the vessel the liquids mix and react as in a back mix reactor.The equipment is usable for continuous as well as batch operations.

Abstract: The disclosed invention pertains to an autoclave apparatus for receiving parts to be bonded or cured which includes a removable cover on the end of a pressure vessel having radiant heat means that directs heat directly onto the surface of a product to effect a bonding or curing temperature without substantially heating the pressure vessel and its parts.

Abstract: A tubular container is traversed axially by a gas tube the interior of which is continued beyond the end enclosure of the container. The gas tube is provided with apertures filled with metal wool and closed by a compacted ceramic wool plug. The interior of the container is compartmentized by a plurality of bulk head like annular partitions each having a cylindrical inner flange and a cylindrical outer flange, whereby the inner flanges sit tightly on the gas tube and the outer flanges bear tightly against the inside wall of the tubular container. A single vessel may be traversed by heat exchange tubes, or a bundle of such vessels may be immersed in heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: Slab-shaped high efficiency catalytic reformer configurations particularly useful for generation of fuels to be used in fuel cell based generation systems. A plurality of structures forming a generally rectangular peripheral envelope are spaced about one another to form annular regions, an interior annular region containing a catalytic bed and being regeneratively heated on one side by a hot comubstion gas and on the other side by the gaseous products of the reformation. An integrally mounted combustor is cooled by impingement of incoming oxidant.

Abstract: A device to disassociate combustion product compounds such as water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is provided, including a tube to pass steam through a layered P-N semi-conductor system by which excess electrons are added to the steam, heat is added to the steam, a sweeping magnetic field to accelerate the steam ions in a swirling motion to cause the steam mass to accumulate high velocity kinetic energy and a porous plug of a catalyst metal, such as platinum, splitting the steam ions into oxygen and hydrogen.

Abstract: A gas generator which is structurally and functionally integrated with a fluid heat exchanger. A liquid which is to be heated, vaporized, and used as pressurized gas is introduced into the integrated apparatus where the liquid absorbs heat from the adjacent, but separated, hot gas flow from the gas generator. Unlike the prior art, this integrated gas generator/fluid heat exchanger is useable to pressurize an oxidizer tank of a liquid engine missile.

Abstract: A metal hydride reactor including at least one sealed chamber, the chamber being divided into two compartments by a partitioning wall made of a material permeable to hydrogen gas but impermeable to metal hydrides, the compartments containing different metal hydrides. In one embodiment, the metal hydride reactor including a sealed vessel rotatable about a central shaft, the vessel being divided into a plurality of sealed chambers by at least one sealing wall along a plane containing the central shaft and extending diametrically thereof, each of the sealed chambers being divided into two compartments by a partitioning wall made of a material permeable to hydrogen gas but impermeable to metal hydrides, the compartments containing different metal hydrides, and each of the compartments having a heat conducting surface facing exteriorly thereof.

Abstract: A method of recovering or extracting chemicals, such as furfural, formic acid, acetic acid and other organic compounds from acidic hydrolysates of plants or vegetable matter, especially spent sulfite liquors after conversion of the pentosans into pentoses and then into furfural by heating the hydrolysate in an acidic environment. The conversion of the pentosans pentoses into furfural, preferably with acidulation, is accomplished in a counterflow or countercurrent flow heat exchanger and a reactor, preferably a tubular reactor. The hydrolysate which has additionally been heated and converted in the reactor is used as a heating medium or heat carrier for heating up the hydrolysate which is converted in the counterflow heat exchanger, whereupon there is recovered as the distillate furfural in conjunction with the formic acid, acetic acid and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and the thermolysis equipment setup for certing tetraethylammonium tetrahydridoborane to bis(tetraethylammonium) decahydrodecaborane by a thermolysis reaction which increases the yield in the range between about 22% to 64%, and, perhaps higher. The heat transfer control is maintained by employing triethylamine borane in the reaction mixture between about 175.degree. C. and 186.degree. C. for a reaction time from about 1 hour to about 2.5 hours. The disclosed thermolysis procedure is successful in dissipating a major portion of the exothermic heat. The control of the generated heat serves to minimize the formation of the byproduct bis(tetraethylammonium) dodecahydrododecaborane while increasing the yield of the desired product, bis(tetraethylammonium) decahydrodecaborane.

Abstract: A continuous-stream zeolite crystallization apparatus comprising a combination of a tubular reactor, a central stirring element contained therein, ingress and egress means for the reactor for charging crystalline zeolite forming reactants therein and recovering crystallized zeolites therefrom, respectively, recovery vessels for collecting and processing crystallized zeolites continuously, the reactor and recovery vessels optionally being subjected to a controlled pressure system.

Abstract: A thermal shielding for covers and bottoms of gas generators and other reaction vessels intended to operate at elevated temperature and pressure is disclosed wherein the cover or bottom comprises an extension, integral with the reaction vessel, with an outer closure supporting a plurality of spaced guide tubes having fluid jackets at the inner ends thereof, the fluid jackets of a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide tubes being interconnected by concentrically spaced heat transfer tubes substantially aligned with the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the fluid jacket of one of said guide tubes being divided by baffle means into separate chambers respectively connected with supply and discharge lines for cooling fluid to be circulated through said plurality of fluid jackets and concentric connecting tubes whereby effective cooling is achieved at inner ends of said guide tubes with a minimum of congestion externally of the vessel cover or bottom.