Abstract: A reformate clean-up reactor. The reactor takes a reformate stream and passes it through multiple subreactors that are integrated into a common reactor housing to reduce reformate stream by-product concentration prior to use of the reformate in a fuel cell. The reactor includes a gas shift subreactor to promote the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, a gaseous diffusion membrane subreactor to provide a hydrogen-rich portion of the reformate stream, and a methanation subreactor to convert carbon monoxide into methane and water. In applications where space for a fuel cell system is limited, the integration of the clean—up devices into a common housing provides significant improvements in structural and volumetric efficiency. Moreover, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juxtaposition of the gaseous diffusion membrane and the gas shift reactor improves membrane robustness.

Abstract: An apparatus having a baffle device and used for treating an exhaust gas, the apparatus comprising: (a) an inlet duct through which the exhaust gas is flowed in, (b) a bend portion, and (c) a catalyst duct connected to the inlet duct through the bend portion and having a catalyst disposed therein and used for purifying the exhaust gas and, the baffle device being a baffle lattice having a height of A and disposed at the inlet of the catalyst duct in the direction of the cross section of the catalyst duct, wherein the baffle lattice is provided, for supporting the lattice, with an outer frame having a height of B and disposed so that the upper ends of the outer frame become the same level with the upper ends of the baffle lattice; the outer frame is provided, on its lower ends for supporting the frame, with beams; and the relation between the height A and the height B satisfies the following equation: A<B, in which apparatus, occurrence of channeling (nonuniform flow distribution) of an exhaust gas at

Abstract: A horizontal chemical reactor comprises at least one catalytic bed (5a-5d) arranged horizontally in the reactor and comprising a lower gas-permeable wall (6) for gas outlet, and a holding element (2) of the at least one catalytic bed.

Abstract: A reactor including a bundle of catalyst tubes through which a reaction mixture is passed, and wherein a heat exchange medium is passed through a space surrounding the catalyst tubes and including ring lines at both reactor ends with jacket orifices for feeding in and removing the heat exchange medium by at least one pump. The heat exchange medium is fed to the upper ring line and is sucked in via the lower ring line by the at least one pump having at least one vertical pump shaft mounted and operated at its upper end. The at least one pump includes a diagonal rotor and a restrictor gap in the longitudinal direction of the at least one pump shaft, within the heat exchange medium, on the pressure side of the at least one pump for sealing and mounting the at least one pump shaft and reducing axial shear of the diagonal rotor.

Abstract: The CO remover of this invention includes an air mixer for mixing air with hydrogen-rich gas including carbon monoxide and a selective oxidative catalytic device in which a selective oxidative catalyst bed is formed by filling selective oxidative catalyst into a gas passing tube. The selective oxidative catalytic device includes a gas blending unit for blending gas passing through the central part of the gas passing tube with gas passing through the peripheral part at a point in the selective oxidative catalyst bed in the direction of gas flow. As a result, the reaction apparatus and the CO remover have simple structures. In addition, gas passing through the central part upstream is blended with gas passing through the peripheral part upstream to uniformize the temperature of gas in the gas blending unit, so that high CO selectivity is obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for abating a simultaneous flow of silane and arsine contained in an exhaust gas of DRAM processing chamber (12). The system includes a CVD abatement apparatus (20) and a resin-type absorber (22). The CVD abatement apparatus comprises an enclosure (24) that defines a chamber (26) for receiving the exhaust gas. The enclosure contains a plurality of removable substrates (32) arranged as a series of baffles inside the enclosure. As the exhaust gas flows through the CVD abatement apparatus, the silicon within the silane is deposited as a film upon the substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The arsine continues to flow through the CVD apparatus to the absorber where it is adsorbed by the resin contained therein. After the film has reached a particular thickness, the substrates can be removed from the enclosure, cleaned of the film and returned to the enclosure for further use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger comprising: first tubes, through the inside of which a first object for heat transfer with a heat transfer medium is passed, some of the first tubes being provided in a zone in which a flow of the heat transfer medium (parallel flow) parallel to the axis of the tubes is present; and a second tube, through the inside of which the first object is not passed, the second tube being provided in said zone such that it is parallel to the axis of the first tubes. Also disclosed is a method for producing an oxide, comprising using said shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger, and causing a catalytic vapor-phase oxidation reaction in first tubes, through the inside of which the first object for heat transfer with the heat transfer medium is passed.

Abstract: A fuel conversion reactor includes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of a hot gaseous mixture produced by catalytic or non-catalytic reaction of a fuel with a gaseous fluid, and for controlling the temperature of the gaseous fluid and/or the fuel prior to the reaction. The reactor is either a catalytic or non-catalytic burner, or a fuel reformer for converting a fuel to hydrogen. A preferred reactor includes an outer shell having first and second ends and an inner surface, a primary inner shell extending into the outer shell, the primary inner shell defining a heat exchanging chamber and having primary and secondary ends, and a secondary inner shell having a first end located adjacent the secondary end of the primary inner shell. One or more outlet apertures are formed between the two inner shells for passage of the gaseous fluid out of the heat exchanging chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic compound to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound in a tubular reactor incorporating a spiral flow path. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide processes for the production of styrene or divinylbenzene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene or diethylbenzene, respectively. A feedstock containing a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst and comprising a hydrogen permeable outer wall. The alkyl aromatic compound is dehydrogenated to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound with the attendant production of hydrogen. The feedstock and products of the dehydrogenation reactor are flowed along a longitudinal spiral flow path providing for an outward radial flow of hydrogen to provide a pressure gradient through the hydrogen permeable outer wall of the reactor with the flow of hydrogen therethrough. Hydrogen is removed from the outer wall of the reactor.

Abstract: In a method for catalytic oxidation of a gas, the outlay required is kept at a low level for reliably treating even relatively large quantities of gas and/or high concentrations of the gas fraction that needs to be treated. For this purpose, a gas stream including the gas being treated is circulated through a reaction zone and a return-flow zone, which is in communication with the inlet and outlet sides of the reaction zone. The circulation of the gas stream can be maintained effectively in the form of a passive system if the gas stream which includes the gas to be treated is guided in the upward direction in the reaction zone and the upward flow is assisted by convection resulting from the heat released during the oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the gas stream is preferably cooled locally in the return-flow zone by spray cooling.

Abstract: A system for treating a treatable material containing a noxious component, which comprises a mixer for mixing a treatment agent containing alkali material with the treatable material to form a mixture, at least one first heat treating furnace for producing a low oxygen concentration atmosphere, a first heating device located outside the first furnace to heat it at a first temperature at which the treatable material is decomposed to generate a substance containing the noxious component, at least one separate second heat treating furnace, and a second heating device located outside the second furnace for heating the treatable material residue at a second temperature at which carbonization of the treatable material residue takes place.

Abstract: In a shell-and-tube type reactor, the leakage between the upper and lower chambers is substantially decreased by tightly fitting the reaction tubes to the shield. The present invention provides a reactor for use in catalytic gas phase oxidation characterized by expanding reaction tubes to at least one groove formed in the reaction tube-fixing part of an intermediate tube sheet to form a shield, thereby forming plural of chambers with the intermediate tube sheet, and forming an expansion joint around the periphery of each of the chambers.

Abstract: A reactor for fluorinating an organic compound comprising (a) an outer vessel; (b) a reactor vessel being disposed within said outer vessel to define an annular space, said reactor vessel at least partially comprising a fluoropolymer, said annular space being adapted to receive a fluid; (c) at least one pathway for introducing said heating fluid into said annular space; (d) at least one pathway for inputing reaction materials into said reactor vessel; and (e) at least one pathway for ouputing a product stream from said reactor vessel.

Abstract: A tubular reactor (2) for catalytic reactions with a heat carrier that inside a reactor jacket (10) circulates around a contact tube bundle (8), which extends between a tube plate (4; 6; 80; 82) at the reaction gas inlet side and one at the reaction gas outlet side with gas inlet and gas outlet hoods (12, 14) spanning the face sides of the two tube plates and containing reaction-inhibiting media in the zone of the tube plate on the gas inlet side, characterize themselves in that the reaction-inhibiting media consist entirely or in part of a heat insulation layer (46; 50; 64; 80) with openings for the tube cross-sections on at least one of the two sides of the respective tube plate (4; 60; 82). In this manner, either the respective tube plate (4; 60; 82) is insulated against the hot heat carrier or the reaction gas entering into the reactor is prevented from having contact with the comparatively hot tube plate in order to prevent harmful secondary reactions at the reactor inlet.

Abstract: A method and device for oxidization of materials in supercritical water. The method involves a) introducing a fluid containing water and an oxidizing agent in a ring-shaped area and through a first end of a substantially tube-shaped reactor comprising an external wall and an internal tube, b) heating the fluid in the ring-shaped area, c) introducing the heated fluid into the internal tube and simultaneously introducing material to be treated into said internal tube at a second end of the reactor, d) mixing the fluid and the material to be treated in a first portion of the internal tube, followed by cooling the obtained mixture in a second portion of the internal tube, and e) isobarically discharging the fluid/oxidized material from the internal tube of the reactor.

Abstract: In an apparatus 10, a space is formed by a pair of impermeable supports 16 and a pair of spacer members 12 for providing a predetermined distance between the impermeable supports 16. A permeable membrane is provided within the space and outlets 15 are provided on each of the pair of impermeable members 16. A stirrer 20 is provided within the space where the permeating object is present, and comprises a stirring axis 22, a driving source for oscillating the stirring axis 22, and a plurality of stirring blades 24 mounted on the stirring axis 22. Cut sections 26 are provided at a portion of each of the stirring blades 24 so that the permeating object can be circulated at the space between the stirring blade 24 and the inner wall of the spacer member 12 or at the space between the stirring blade 24 and the permeable membrane 14. The cut sections are alternately provided at the right and left sides of the layered stirring blades.

Abstract: Syngas production process and reforming exchanger. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.

Abstract: The temperature distribution of a heating medium in the reactor is allayed and the occurrence of hot spots is repressed. In a shell-and-tube type reactor provided with donut type and disc type baffle plates, reaction tubes are disposed even in the holes formed in the donut type baffle plates and an empty space devoid of a configuration of the reaction tubes is formed at the center of the shell. According to this invention, (meth)acrylic acid and/or (meth)acrolein can be produced at a low energy by catalytic gas phase oxidation of propylene- or isobutylene-containing gas.

Abstract: The invention proposes a reactor (1) having a contact tube bundle (2) through whose space surrounding the contact tubes a heat-exchange medium circuit is passed, with ring lines (3, 4) at both ends of the reactor with jacket apertures (5, 6) for the supply and discharge of a heat-exchange medium by means of a pump via an external heat exchanger, where the heat-exchange medium is fed to the lower ring line (4) and is discharged to the heat exchanger via the upper ring line (3), and with baffle plates (7) which leave a passage cross section alternately in the reactor center and at the reactor edge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fired heater for heating a process fluid that uses U tubes provided with increased internal heat transfer surface to reduce tube metal temperatures and coking. and at the same time is not prone to plugging from coke. The fired heater comprises a radiant section enclosure with a number of U tubes in the radiant section. The U tubes are formed by connecting one or more tubular sections, and the U tubes are provided with internal generally longitudinal fins. The invention also is directed towards a process utilizing a fined heater with U tubes as disclosed for producing olefins from hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating system regulates its rate of hydrogen generation by monitoring one or more parameters of the hydrogen generation process and then providing relative movement between the fuel tank and the catalyst chamber so as to increase or decrease the rate of hydrogen generation.

Abstract: A process for rejuvenating reversibly deactivated catalyst particles in a three-phase slurry body of gas bubbles and catalyst particles in a slurry liquid, includes passing slurry from the top down to the bottom of the body through a slurry catalyst rejuvenating means. The slurry is sequentially passed through a first gas bubble reducing zone, a catalyst rejuvenating gas contacting zone, a second gas bubble reducing zone and then a downcomer transfer zone. The gas bubble reducing, contacting and at least a portion of transfer occur in slurry body. At least part of the means is in the slurry body.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrate includes supplying hydrate producing substance in a gas state into an aqueous phase in a hydrate producing vessel, thereby providing the hydrate producing vessel having a gaseous phase including the hydrate producing substance and the aqueous phase, and spraying water including methane dissolved therein into the gaseous phase containing the hydrate producing substance in the hydrate producing vessel, thereby reacting the water and the hydrate producing substance to produce hydrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an organohalogen compounds includes a catalyst container containing a catalyst layer, a supplying path for supplying a carrier gas containing organohalogen compounds and steam through the catalyst container, a cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the catalyst container, a spraying apparatus mounted in the cooling chamber for spraying a cooling liquid to cool exhaust gas containing a decomposed gas of the organohalogen compounds exhausted from the catalyst layer and a baffle member forming a bent path which introduces the exhaust gas containing the decomposed gas into the cooling chamber from the catalyst layer and mounted in the cooling chamber for preventing mists generated by spraying cooling liquid from the spraying apparatus from back flowing into the catalyst container.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste gas from semiconductor manufacturing process includes a decomposition chamber having an inner wall and having a heater therein, a cleansing chamber and a waste water treating device; the inner wall of the decomposition chamber being mounted with a temperature sensor for servo control of the heater to operate at a constant temperature, and an aluminum foil layer to reflect heat to shorten decomposition time, the bottom end of the decomposition chamber being mounted with a detachable dust collector; the top section of the cleansing chamber being provided with a plurality of short metallic tubes to allow condensation of residual moisture of the discharged gas on the wall of the short metallic tubes, and the waste water treating device included a G-shaped tank mounted with a slurry removing device comprising a conveyor, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a combing roller, a scrape board, and a speed-reducing motor, thereby precipitated slurries at the bottom of a storage tank is disc

Abstract: An axial conveyor is described, in particular for conveying gas/liquid dispersions, wherein the conveying elements comprise a wall-sweeping edge pointing in the direction of the pressure side of the conveying elements. The axial conveyor is particularly suitable as a circulating member in loop reactors. A process comprising conveying gas/liquid dispersions as well as a process for carrying out chemical reactions directly reacting gas with gases not completely dissolved in a liquid medium, or optionally in the presence of finely divided solids, through the use of an axial conveyor, is also disclosed.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen, and to the conversion process. Fuel processors, or reformers are often used for large-scale conversion of natural gas to hydrogen containing mixtures. Although large fuel processors perform well, small reformers still have some major drawbacks. The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen rich gas mixtures, that operates at a relatively low temperature, uses air instead of pure oxygen, can be operated at atmospheric pressure, has a low pressure drop, is compact, has low thermal mass and having high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: In a reactor (1) which has a bundle of catalyst tubes (2) and in which a heat transfer medium is circulated through the space surrounding the catalyst tubes, with the ring lines (3, 4) at both ends of the reactor with openings (5, 6) through the wall for introduction or removal of a heat transfer medium by means of one or more pumps, where the heat transfer medium is introduced into the lower ring line (4) and is returned via the upper ring line (3) to the pump(s) and the heat transfer medium or a substream of the heat transfer medium may, if desired, be passed over one or more external heat exchangers, and with deflecting plates (7) which alternately leave free an open cross section in the middle of the reactor and at the edge of the reactor, the lower ring line (4) is divided by means of a horizontal dividing wall (8) into two regions between which material can pass via preferably uniformly distributed openings (9) having a regulatable open cross section.

Abstract: A fuel gas reformer assemblage for use in a fuel cell power plant is formed from a composite plate assembly which includes spaced-apart divider plates with interposed columns of individual gas passages. The reformer assemblage is constructed from a series of repeating sub-assemblies, each of which includes a core of separate regenerator/heat exchanger gas passages. The core in each sub-assembly is sandwiched between a pair of reformer gas passage skins, which complete the sub-assembly. Adjacent reformer gas/regenerator/reformer gas passage sub-assemblies in the composite plate assembly are separated from each other by burner gas passages. The burner gas stream and the process gas stream flow in opposite directions through the assemblage. A varying heat transfer fin density population is disposed in the burner gas passage so as to control the peak burner wall temperatures encountered during operation of the assemblage. The burner wall peak temperature is preferably no greater than about 1,700° F.

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: A method and an apparatus for treating flue gas by injection of an aqueous liquid in the form of droplets and subsequent separation thereof are described. In the treatment, the flue gas and droplets are conducted towards a baffle means, on which droplets are deposited and form a liquid film, and the flue gas is made to pass through the liquid film. The apparatus comprises a quencher having an inlet for the flue gas, nozzles for injecting an aqueous liquid in the form of droplets into the flue gas, and an outlet for the flue gas. The apparatus is characterized in that a baffle means is arranged in the path of flow in the flue gas for depositing liquid droplets and forming a liquid film, and that deflection means are arranged under the baffle means.

Abstract: An annular heat-exchange reactor vessel allows for selectively controlled heat transfer between a first fluid and second fluid flowing through the vessel. Optionally, catalyst means may be added to further convert either fluid into a desired end product. In this regard, it is envisioned that the present invention will have particular utility in fuel processing systems. Additional, in-line upstream or downstream annular modules may also be incorporated to create a more complete, efficient and/or compact system. Various methods for constructing this reactor system are also disclosed.

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: 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 reactor, which includes:

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fired heater for heating a process fluid that uses U tubes provided with increased internal heat transfer surface to reduce tube metal temperatures and coking and at the same time is not prone to plugging from coke. The fired heater comprises a radiant section enclosure with a number of U tubes in the radiant section. The U tubes are formed by connecting one or more tubular sections, and the U tubes are provided with internal generally longitudinal fins. The invention also is directed towards a process utilizing a fined heater with U tubes as disclosed for producing olefins from hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A carbonizing apparatus permits effective use of an organic gas generated in a carbonizing vessel by utilizing an exhaust gas obtained by defusing the organic gas from the carbonizing vessel, as a heating source of the carbonizing vessel. The carbonizing apparatus has a carbonizing vessel having a carbonizing vessel jacket, into which a heating medium flows, a heat transmission surface forming an inner peripheral wall of the carbonizing vessel to be heated by the heating medium, a carbonizing object flowing means for flowing a carbonizing object charged thereinto, in contact with the heat transmission surface and a combustion furnace for burning an organic gas to be generated within the carbonizing vessel for defusing. The heating medium heating the heating surface is an exhaust gas as a heating gas after burning the organic gas in the combustion furnace, and the exhaust gas flowing into the carbonizing vessel jacket and discharging into an ambient air.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in which a feedstock containing ethylbenzene and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogehation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting styrene product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

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 (20) and a process for upgrading solid materials, such as coal, having low thermal conductivity are disclosed. The reactor includes an outer shell (10) that defines an internal volume for retaining a packed bed of solid materials to be treated and a plurality of plates (12a to 12h) of a thermally conductive material positioned within the internal volume. Each plate includes one or more passageways (14a to 14h) through which a heat transfer fluid can flow. In use, each plate defines one or more thermally conductive bypass or bypasses between the heat transfer fluid and the solid materials in the region of the plate so that in use substantially all of the solids are heated or cooled to a desired temperature range by heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the solids via the plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the thermal treatment of material in a rotating conical chamber (4) placed in a housing (1). According to the invention material, brought into the rotating chamber (4) and ejected due to the conical shape, is returned to the chamber (4) for further thermal treatment, without leaving the housing (1). By applying the method of the invention, the thermal efficiency is increased. In addition, wear of the means required for returning material that is to be treated again into the housing (1), is avoided. The invention also relates to two installations for putting the method into practice.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feedstock (1) involving the use of at least one hydrotreatment, particularly hydrodesulfurization, reactor (2) and a fractionation unit (3), which latter contains two distinct injection zones (4,5) for the hydrocarbon feedstocks, a common zone (8) of vaporization of the light fractions and two distinct draw-off lines (6,7) for the liquid bottoms;

Abstract: The amount of limonene produced during pyrolysis of scrap tire carcass or polyisoprene rubber can be increased by decreasing residence time of the isoprene gas produced during the thermal degradation of polyisoprene rubber in the high temperature reactor region of an oven. This is achieved by using a novel oven design which permits rapid expansion of the isoprene gas away from the high temperature reactor region of the oven to a cooler region where the gas forms limonene and condenses. This pyrolysis method also decreases the amount of soot produced while increasing the amount of limonene produced. Furthermore, this system readily enables separation of the solid, liquid and gas phases produced during pyrolysis.

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: A multi-stage, isothermal, carbon monoxide preferential oxidation (PrOx) reactor comprising a plurality of serially arranged, catalyzed heat exchangers, each separated from the next by a mixing chamber for homogenizing the gases exiting one heat exchanger and entering the next. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the air used in the PrOx reaction is injected directly into the mixing chamber between the catalyzed heat exchangers.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and process, including a baffle, for contacting a first fluid with a second fluid of lower density than the first fluid in counter-current flow in a manner that increases the contacting efficiency.