Abstract: For manufacturing micro-structured reactors with passageways loaded with catalyst using the pre-coat method, a method is provided which comprises the following method steps: a) producing reactor layers having bonding areas as well as passageway areas in which the passageways are formed, b) applying at least one bonding layer onto the reactor layers in the bonding areas, c) loading the reactor layers in the passageway areas with the catalyst and d) bonding the reactor layers, the bonding layer being applied and masked before the reactor layers are loaded with the catalyst. As a result, it is ensured that the efficiency of the catalyst will not be affected during manufacturing. The reactor may be used as a methane and methanol reformer in particular.

Abstract: Methods for controlling series or series-parallel reactions are described. Novel microchannel apparatus having mesoporous structures adjacent to bulk flow paths are described. Methods of synthesizing formaldehyde from methanol are also described.

Abstract: A microreactor includes a filament comprising a supporting core having an axial length and a plurality of webs extending radially from the core and axially along said length. The filament forms a radially internal, electrically conductive first electrode. The microreactor also includes a radially external membrane having a radially internal envelope surface separated from the core by the webs, thereby forming flow channels in which a fuel component flows against the filament.

Abstract: A reactor system for the epoxidation of ethylene, which reactor system comprises an elongated tube having an internal tube diameter of more than 40 mm, wherein contained is a catalyst bed of catalyst particles comprising silver and a promoter component deposited on a carrier, which promoter component comprises an element selected from rhenium, tungsten, molybdenum and chromium; a process for the epoxidation of ethylene comprising reacting ethylene with oxygen in the presence of the catalyst bed contained in the reactor system; and a method of preparing ethylene glycol, an ethylene glycol ether or an ethanol amine comprising obtaining ethylene oxide by the process for the epoxidation of ethylene, and converting the ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol, the ethylene glycol ether, or the ethanol amine. Preferably, the internal tube diameter is at least 45 mm.

Abstract: The invention describes a laboratory reactor for the kinetic study of catalytic reactions calling for a gaseous reaction phase and a liquid reaction phase, characterized by a capillary shape, a substantially uniform arrangement of the catalyst grains along the reactor, with, on average, every cross-section of the reactor comprising a defined and constant number of catalyst grains, and this number of grains being between 1 and 4. The reactor that is the object of the invention is especially well suited for studying reactions of hydrogenation, hydrotreatment, and hydrocracking.

Abstract: A method for in-situ modernization of a heterogeneous synthesis reactor, comprises the steps of providing an unperforated cylindrical wall (15) coaxial to the gas outlet wall (8) in a catalytic bed (6) of the radial or axial-radial type, the unperforated cylindrical wall (15) extending from an upper end (8a) of the gas outlet wall (8) for a portion of the same of a prefixed length, so as to define a free-space (16) between the gas outlet wall (8) and the unperforated wall (15), for the passage of a part of the gas leaving said catalytic bed (6), and of providing means of closing the free-space (16) between the unperforated wall (15) and the gas outlet wall (8), in proximity of the upper end (8a) of the latter, preventing thereby a bypass of the catalytic bed or a recycling to the same of the gas entering respectively leaving the reactor.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated in a reactor, of a hydrogen generating apparatus, in which a catalyst is installed and the catalyst and a borohydride fuel are reacted. The hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a rotating disk to which the catalyst is fixed, a motor for rotating the rotating disk, and a fuel injector for flowing out the borohydride fuel against the catalyst. A compound generated from the borohydride is prevented from adhering to the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and extracting a liquid sample by sorbing an aqueous liquid sample, including an organic analyte and an acid or a base, in a solid sorbent material, and at least partially neutralizing the acid or base by reaction with neutralizing ions retained on a support surface, and contacting the liquid sample-sorbed sorbent material at elevated temperature and pressure with an organic solvent to extract the analyte into said solvent, preferably in a vessel having an extraction chamber with a zirconium metal interior surface.

Abstract: Packed bed reactors that have a series of alternating layers of packing. A first packing layer has open body packing elements randomly packed in a layer up to about 10 packing elements deep; and a second packing layer has porous support elements of hydrophobic foam. The porous support elements are randomly packed up to about 10 porous support elements deep. Further, the packing elements of the first layer include substantially cylindrical shapes and the porous support elements of the second layer include substantially rectilinear shapes. In some embodiments, the second layer supports microbial organisms in a biological reactor, and the first layer of open body packing provides fluid flow spaces to facilitate fluid flow and distribution, mass transfer, and to minimize channeling.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas comprising the steps of releasing pulses of a compressed hydrocarbon gas into an expansion chamber (8) and passing the expanded hydrocarbon gas over a catalytic converter (11) to oxidize the hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel processor for use in a fuel cell system, may have a bottom plate, having a regenerator having a first inlet to receive an air flow, a burner flow chamber within the regenerator, the burner flow chamber having a second inlet to receive the air flow from the regenerator, and a reformer flow chamber positioned between the regenerator and the burner flow chamber, the reformer flow chamber having a third inlet to receive the air flow from the burner chamber, wherein the burner flow chamber and the reformer flow chamber is formed of a monolithic structure having an elongated, rounded baffle in the center of the monolithic structure. The fuel processor may also have a top plate coupled to the bottom plate to enclose the fuel processor, the top plate having a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel stream. In one embodiment, the disclosed process requires passing the post refinery fuel stream through a fuel filter to provide a clean fuel stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur-containing compounds relative to the post-refinery fuel stream, wherein the fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of less than or equal to ?3.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a reforming catalyst, a filtering member, a raw material supply flow passage and a processed gas flow passage. The filtering member has a plurality of cells. A reforming catalyst is carried on a surface of a partition on the side of the processed gas flow passage. If raw gas including hydrocarbon fuel is supplied to the fuel reforming apparatus and filtered by the filtering member, soot included in the raw gas is trapped by gaps in the partition, and the hydrocarbon fuel is reformed into reformed gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide on the reforming catalyst. By increasing the amount of air supplied from a blower at intervals of time, the soot trapped by the partition is removed by combustion.

Abstract: A reactor supplied with a reactant to cause reaction of the reactant includes a reaction device which has a hollow box type member having a top plate and a bottom plate opposed to each other and side plates connected to an edge of the top plate and an edge of the bottom plate. A partition member is housed in the box type member, the partition member coming into contact with at least internal faces of the side plates of the box type member and partitioning a space in the box type member into a plurality of reaction chambers to which the reactant is to be supplied. A penetrating region is provided in the partition member to connect the adjacent reaction chambers to each other, the penetrating region having the reactant passed therethrough.

Abstract: Complex metal oxide-containing pellets and their use for producing hydrogen. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets are suitable for use in a fixed bed reactor due to sufficient crush strength. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets comprise one or more complex metal oxides and at least one of in-situ formed calcium titanate and calcium aluminate. calcium titanate and calcium aluminate are formed by reaction of suitable precursors in a mixture with one or more complex metal carbonates. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets optionally comprise at least one precious metal.

Abstract: A catalytic filter system is disclosed. The catalytic filter system contains a catalyst including a ternary nitride and at least one of gold, osmium, iridium, palladium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium, or cesium. The catalytic filter system may further include an energy source situated to impart energy to the catalyst.

Abstract: A reformer system (11) having a hydrodesulfurizer (12) provides desulfurized natural gas feedstock to a catalytic steam reformer (16), the outflow of which is treated by a water gas shift reactor (20) and optionally a preferential CO oxidizer (58) to provide reformate gas (28, 28a) having high hydrogen and moderate carbon dioxide content. To avoid damage to the hydrodesulfurizer from overheating, any deleterious hydrogen reactants, such as the oxygen in peak shave gas or olefins, in the non-desulfurized natural gas feedstock (35) are reacted (38) with hydrogen (28, 28a; 71) to convert them to alkanes (e.g., ethylene and propylene to ethane and propane) and to convert oxygen to water in a catalytic reactor (38) cooled (46), below a temperature which would damage the reactor, by evaporative cooling with pressurized hot water (42). Hydrogen for the desulfurizer and the hydrogen reactions may be provided as recycle reformate (28, 28a) or from a mini-CPO (67), or from other sources.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing peroxides from an exposed naphtha stream is shown and described. The process includes the catalytic reactive oxygen stripping of peroxides thereby generating hydrocarbons and oxygen. Numerous conventional catalysts may be employed. The catalytic stripping reaction can be carried out at substantially lower temperatures than conventional reboiled oxygen strippers thereby resulting in substantial energy savings. Further, the disclosed reactor vessels are substantially smaller and less expensive to build than conventional oxygen stripper columns. The disclosed energy efficient reactive oxygen stripping process and equipment is intended to be utilized upstream of a naphtha hydrotreating unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atmospheric pressure, reactive separation column packed with a solid acid zeolite catalyst for producing cumene from the reaction of benzene with propylene. Use of this un-pressurized column, where simultaneous reaction and partial separation occur during cumene production, allow separation of un-reacted, excess benzene from other products as they form. This high-yielding, energy-efficient system allows for one-step processing of cumene, with reduced need for product purification. Reacting propylene and benzene in the presence of beta zeolite catalysts generated a selectivity greater than 85% for catalytic separation reactions at a reaction temperature of 115 degrees C and at ambient pressure. Simultaneously, up to 76% of un-reacted benzene was separated from the product; which could be recycled back to the reactor for re-use.

Abstract: A system for treatment of one or more flowing materials includes a support bed (32) comprising a plurality of support elements (34). The support bed may have a void fraction of at least 45%. An active bed (36), such as a bed of catalytic elements, may be supported by the support bed. The void fraction of the support bed may be larger than that of an equivalent bed of conventional, spherical elements, enabling significant improvements in the flow rate of reactants through the bed and/or a reduced pressure drop across the support bed.

Abstract: A support system for catalyst gauzes in an ammonia oxidation burner and a method of reducing movement of particulate ceramic material due to thermal dilatation includes the catalyst gauzes (1) and possibly support screens (2) being supported by ceramic fillings contained in a burner basket with metal walls and a perforated bottom plate. A “wave breaker” (9, 11) is fixed to the metal wall (4) and/or the outer part/periphery of the bottom plate (5).

Abstract: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.

Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and an apparatus for regenerating an ionic liquid catalyst, which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers during any type of reaction producing conjunct polymers as a by-product, for example, isoparaffin-olefin alkylation. The system and apparatus are designed such that solvent extraction of conjunct polymers, freed from the ionic liquid catalyst through its reaction with aluminum metal, occurs as soon as the conjunct polymers de-bond from the ionic liquid catalyst.

Abstract: A safe, reduced pressure apparatus for generating water vapor from hydrogen and oxygen and feeding high purity moisture to processes such as semiconductor production. The apparatus eliminates the possibility of the gas igniting by maintaining the internal pressure of the catalytic reactor for generating moisture at a high level while supplying moisture gas from the reactor under reduced pressure. A heat dissipation reactor improvement substantially increases moisture generation without being an enlargement in size by efficient cooling of the reactor alumite-treated fins.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for thermally cracking hydrocarbon feeds containing paraffin insoluble compounds by selectively adsorbing paraffin-insoluble compounds with solid particulate adsorbents, prior to cracking. An aromatics-containing stream such as one derived from cracked product is used to desorb the paraffin insoluble compounds from the adsorber stage.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a molecular sieve for a catalyst for isomerizing xylenes. Generally, the molecular sieve, including at least one of an MFI, MEL, FER, MOR, TON, MTW, EUO, and MTT zeolite, can include: at least about 40%, by weight, silicon; about 0.5-about 7.0%, by weight, gallium; and about 0.1-about 2.0%, by weight, of another IUPAC Group 13 element wherein the silicon, gallium and the another IUPAC Group 13 element are calculated on an elemental basis.

Abstract: A method includes liberating carbon atoms from hydrocarbon molecules by reaction with or in a reactant liquid and maintaining the liberated carbon atoms in an excited state. The chemically excited liberated carbon atoms are then enabled to traverse a surface of the reactant liquid and are directed across a collection surface. The collection surface and the conditions at and around the collection surface are maintained so that the liberated carbon atoms in the excited state phase change to a ground state by carbon nanostructure self-assembly.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor having a mixing section connected to a downstream reaction section containing a catalyst to promote a reaction of oxygen and a hydrocarbon fed to the catalytic reactor. The mixing section is provided with a flame arrestor to prevent a stable flame from propagating should any reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbons occur during mixing. The flame arrestor permits flow in both axial and radial directions to promote mixing. Baffle elements and a downstream static mixer can also be used. The catalyst is preferably in the form of monolithic blocks enclosed by a ceramic tube that is maintained as a unitary catalyst assembly that can be removed for replacement and installation of the catalyst as a single unit.

Abstract: A process for contacting a bed of particulate material, usually catalyst, with a transverse flow of fluid is disclosed. The particulate material moves or is prevented from not moving, while the fluid passes through the bed at a rate greater than the stagnant bed pinning flow rate. This invention is applicable to hydrocarbon conversion processes and allows for higher fluid throughput rates compared to prior art processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and catalyst for the oxidative desulfurization of hydrocarbonaceous oil. In one aspect, solid carbon materials are provided having stable sulfur trioxide and nitrogen dioxide oxidative species on the surface thereof. Such materials are useful in the production of low sulfur hydrocarbon feedstocks and in the removal of refractory sulfur compounds.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides methods and apparatus for producing one or more C1-C4 alcohols (such as ethanol) from syngas, while simultaneously removing CO2, thereby providing low CO2 yields. The present invention provides reactors for producing one or more C1-C4 alcohols from syngas, the reactors containing a first composition capable of catalyzing the conversion of syngas to C1-C4 alcohols under reaction conditions and a second composition capable of (a) adsorbing CO2 under the reaction conditions and then (b) releasing at least some of the CO2 under different regeneration conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with openings disposed within the partitions. The openings are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the openings to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet openings, and the design prevents the loss of particles through the openings during cooldown of the apparatus.

Abstract: Microreactor for carrying out methanol reforming for hydrogen production. The microreactor consists of a network of catalyst-packed parallel microchannels of cross-sectional dimensions from 400 to 1000 micrometers with a catalyst particle filter near the outlet fabricated by micromachining techniques, e.g., using photolithography and deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) on a silicon substrate. Microchannel and filter capping, on-chip heating and temperature sensing, introduction and trapping of catalyst particles in the microchannels, flow distribution, microfluidic interfacing and thermal insulation are features of the microreactor. Another microreactor consists of a radial-flow configuration utilizing a annular shaped catalyst zone for carrying out reactions between gases introduced into the microreactor as the gases flow from an inner circular boundary to an outer circular boundary in a radial direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Method and device for manufacturing at least one low olefin from an oxygenate-containing first reaction mixture (11) through conversion by a catalyst (20) to an olefin and paraffin-containing second reaction mixture (21) where the second reaction mixture (21) is flowed through a separation system (300), in which one at least one low olefin-containing first product stream (31) and at least one paraffin-enriched fraction (321) is extracted and where the remaining product stream (322) is at least partially recirculated to the catalyst (20).

Abstract: A fuel processing system is provided for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel. This fuel processing system utilizes a membrane separator to separate the hydrogen from the reformate stream. A CO-reduction and cleanup system works with the membrane separator to increase the production of hydrogen.

Abstract: A reactor is provided to produce compounds comprising at least one neutral, positive, or negative increased binding energy hydrogen species having a binding energy greater than the binding energy of the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species, or greater than the binding energy of any hydrogen species for which the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species is unstable or is not observed; and at least one other element. The reactor comprises a vessel containing an electron source and a source of increased binding energy hydrogen atoms having a binding energy of about 13.6 ? ? eV ( 1 p ) 2 where p is an integer greater than 1. Electrons from said electron source react with increased binding energy hydrogen atoms from said source in said vessel thereby producing said compounds. The source of increased binding energy hydrogen atoms may be a hydrogen catalysis cell selected from a group consisting of an electrolytic cell, a gas cell, a gas discharge cell, and a plasma torch cell.

Abstract: A process for preparing acetals from aldehydes and alcohols is carried out by generating a reaction/distillation zone charged with an acidic fixed bed catalyst in a distillation column, feeding the aldehyde and the alcohol to the reaction/distillatlon zone and at least partly converting them to the acetal, heating the column bottom disposed below the reaction/distillation zone in order to at least partly evaporate the bottom's mixture and to establish a defined temperature in the reaction/distillation zone, feeding an extractant into a rectifying section of the column, disposed above the reaction/distillation zone and condensing a product having more than 90% by weight of acetal at the top of the column.

Abstract: In producing C2-C4 olefins, in particular propylene, from an educt mixture containing steam and oxygenates, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether, the educt mixture is reacted in a reactor on a catalyst to a reaction mixture comprising low-molecular olefins and gasoline hydrocarbons, which in a first separating device is separated into a mixture rich in C5? olefins, a mixture rich in C5+ gasoline hydrocarbons, and an aqueous phase. To increase the yield of propylene the mixture rich in C5+ gasoline hydrocarbons is supplied to a second separating device, in which the aromatics contained in the mixture are separated. The residual stream largely free from aromatics is at least partly recirculated to the reactor.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a fuel container, a spent fuel container, a catalyst system and a control system for generating hydrogen in a manner which provides for a compact and efficient construction while producing hydrogen from a reaction involving a hydride solution such as sodium borohydride.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shell-and-tube reactor that may be used for fixed-bed catalytic partial oxidation, the reactor being characterized by including at least one reaction zone of a first-step reaction zone for mainly producing unsaturated aldehydes and a second-step reaction zone for mainly producing unsaturated acids, wherein at least one reaction zone of the above reaction zones comprises two or more catalytic layers; each of the catalytic layers is packed with a formed product of catalyst that is different in pore density and/or pore size in a catalytically active component; and the pore density and/or pore size is controlled in such a manner that specific surface area of the catalytically active component increases from the inlet of the reactor to the outlet of the reactor. A method for producing unsaturated aldehydes and/or unsaturated fatty acids from olefins using the same reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for desulfurizing natural gas includes contacting the natural gas with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs at least one of hydrogen sulfide, COS, sulfur odorants, or combinations thereof, at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing desulfurized natural gas and an at least one of hydrogen sulfide/COS/sulfur odorant/combinations thereof-rich adsorbed component. The adsorbent includes a copper species adapted to form ?-complexation bonds and direct metal-sulfur bonds with the at least one of hydrogen sulfide, COS, sulfur odorants, or combinations thereof, and wherein the preferential adsorption occurs by ?-complexation and direct metal-sulfur bonding.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ceramic mass transfer packing elements with physical characteristics that maximize efficiency of mass transfer and minimize pressure drop when randomly dumped in a chemical reactor. In some embodiments, the elements may have: a ratio of surface area of the interaction zone to surface area of the flow through zone between 1:0.5 and 1:3; and the interaction zone surface area occupies between 45% and 70% of the open face surface area.

Abstract: A new radial flow reactor design is presented. The design includes a plurality of cylindrically shaped beds wherein the beds are sized to be nested one within another, and the beds are disposed within a housing.

Abstract: A fuel reforming device that prevents a flash-back phenomenon includes a reforming reactor and a heater. The reforming reactor reforms a fuel, and the heater provides thermal energy to the reforming reactor by generating the thermal energy by a catalytic oxidation reaction between a catalytic layer and an oxidation reaction material. The heater includes an inflow pipe that receives the oxidation reaction material, an outflow pipe that outputs a flue gas generated by the catalytic oxidation reaction, and a flue gas retrieving pipe that connects the outflow pipe and the inflow pipe to direct the flue gas to the inflow pipe.