Abstract: In a process for preparing formaldehyde from methanol by dehydrogenation in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature in the range from 300 to 1000° C., a carrier gas stream which has a temperature above the dehydrogenation temperature is fed to the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen gas in which hydrogen gas of a high purity is supplied to a hydrogen-utilizing device by using a decahydronaphthalene/naphthalene reaction. The apparatus includes a storage tank in which decahydronaphthalene is stored as a crude fuel, a reaction tank which has a catalyst and a heater for heating the catalyst and which causes dehydrogenation of decahydronaphthalene supplied from the storage tank to the heated catalyst, and a separation tank in which hydrogen-rich gas is separated out from naphthalene and hydrogen gas supplied from the reaction tank by using a hydrogen separation film and from which the separated hydrogen gas is discharged.

Abstract: A combustion engine assembly includes a combustion engine with a displacement and a downstream catalytic converter for cleaning exhaust gas. The catalytic converter has a geometric surface and an effectiveness for converting at least one harmful component in the exhaust gas into harmless components. The catalytic converter has at least one honeycomb body, all of which together have a total volume. The volume is selected in such a way that it is smaller than the displacement by a factor of 0.6. However, the geometric surface is dimensioned in such a way that the catalytic converter has an effectiveness of more than 98%. The honeycomb body is preferably a metallic honeycomb body formed of layered and/or wound and at least partly structured sheet metal layers. Channels of the honeycomb body are separated from one another by channel walls. An average thickness of the channel walls is at most 40 micrometers, preferably at most 35 micrometers and in particular between 18 and 32 micrometers.

Abstract: Sour gas containing hydrogen sulphide has hydrogen sulphide absorbed therefrom in an absorbent in a vessel 4. A hydrogen sulphide rich gas stream is formed by desorbing hydrogen sulphide from the absorbent in a vessel 12. The resulting hydrogen sulphide rich gas stream is partially burned in a furnace 32. Resulting sulphur dioxide reacts therein with residual hydrogen sulphide to form sulphur vapor which is extracted in a condenser 44. Residual sulphur dioxide and sulphur vapor are reduced to hydrogen sulphide in catalyst stage 54 of a reactor 50. Water vapor is removed from the resulting reduced gas stream by direct contact with water in a quench tower 60. At least part of the resulting water vapor depleted gas stream is sent to the vessel 4 with the incoming sour gas stream.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a spark-ignited internal combustion engine has an exhaust line containing an oxide gas absorber for absorbing NOx and SOx and desorbing NOx and SOx at elevated temperatures. The support member for the oxide gas absorber is a metal foil or a thin walled ceramic support to permit rapid heating and is coated with a layer of a gas absorbing material at least 50 microns thick to permit longer intervals between regeneration, thereby providing effective storage of oxide gases even with fuel consumption-optimized engines.

Abstract: A reactor unit includes a monolithic block with several parallel reaction chamber lengthwise channels into which a reaction starting product can flow, which contain a suitable reaction catalyst material, and which are delimited externally by membrane walls for the selective separation of a desired reaction component from the reaction end product. A catalytic burner is accommodated in at least some of the lengthwise channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation and reaction device having a reaction section and a distillation-reaction section. The distillation-reaction section has a distillation zone with at least one device for circulation of the effluent from the reaction section to the distillation zone. Effluent from the reaction section is circulated to the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section also has at least one distillation-reaction zone having at least one catalyst bed. The distillation-reaction zone is distinct from the distillation zone and provides at least partly the reflux of the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section can also have at least one complementary reaction zone containing at least one catalyst bed. The invention further relates to a process for preparing at least one aliphatic monoalcohol, generally in excess, and at least one olefin.

Abstract: A self-heating metal-hydride hydrogen storage system comprising: a primary metal-hydride storage container housing a metal-hydride hydrogen storage material, the primary storage container having a hydrogen outlet port; a hydrogen combustor housed within the primary metal-hydride storage container and surrounded by the high-temperature storage material, the combustor having a hydrogen inlet port gaseously connected to the hydrogen outlet port of the primary storage container; and means for supplying hydrogen gaseously connected to the hydrogen inlet port of the combustor.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are contacted with a liquid and a gas in a vertically extending cylindrical vessel. The particles and liquid are placed in the vessel into which the gas and liquid are continuously fed from the bottom thereof so that an upwardly flowing mixture comprising the particles, liquid and gas is formed. The mixture is introduced into a gas separating zone disposed adjacent to an upper portion of the vessel to separate the mixture by gravity into a gas phase, a supernatant liquid phase and a phase rich in the catalyst particles. The gas and supernatant phases are continuously withdrawn from the separating zone while the catalyst particles-rich phase is continuously recycled to the bottom of the vessel by gravity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas scrubber and methods of disposing a gas by using same. The gas produced during the manufacturing of the semiconductor is supplied to a burner through a gas intake tube. Initial purification process occurs when flammable and harmful components of the gas are burned in the burner. The gas initially is treated in the burner and then flows into the adsorbent device. A multiple layers of catalytic adsorbent materials are placed in an adsorbent device to physically and chemically treat the gas. The gas is distributed in order from the bottom the catalytic adsorbent materials to the top level. Depending upon a pressure difference between the supplied gas and discharged gas, or the density of harmful components within the discharged gas, the gas is distributed to pass through next catalytic adsorbent materials.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing a continuous reaction with at least one liquid reaction phase incorporating at least one starting compound in the presence of at least one solid-phase catalyst, wherein the phases to be contacted are circulated through at least one pulsed reaction column (1). The liquid reaction phase is continuously fed into the middle or lower portion of the pulsed column (1), the liquid phase is circulated upwards through the pulsed column (1), and a counterflow made up of lumps (9) of a solid selective extraction compound is continuously circulated. Furthermore, each solid catalyst is continuously circulated through the pulsed column (1) in contact with the liquid phase.

Abstract: An improved oxygen generator (20) includes an air compressor (21) having a pressure port (22) and a suction port (23) and being selectively operable to produce a flow of air from the suction port to the pressure port; a molecular sieve (30) having an inlet communicating with the compressor and having an outlet, the sieve being adapted to adsorb nitrogen from a flow of gas passing therethrough; a storage tank (33) communicating with the sieve outlet and adapted to store oxygen-rich gas passing through the sieve; and a control valve (24) operatively arranged between the compressor and the sieve and being selectively movable between a first position in which air flows from the compressor suction port through the sieve to the storage tank and a second position in which oxygen-rich gas flows from the storage tank through the sieve and control valve to desorb nitrogen in the sieve.

Abstract: A system for the generation of electricity from geothermal energy that is less expensive, more efficient, and avoids dealing with undesirable byproducts, is disclosed. The system of the present invention relies on using endothermic reactions at the bottom of a well to capture and store the geothermal heat, and exothermic reactions at the top of the well to release the heat stored within the products of the endothermic reactions. In the preferred embodiment, the endothermic reaction is the dehydrogenation of ethanol. To induce the endothermic reaction as well as to harvest and separate the resulting products, a catalytic device is used where each type of product selectively diffuses into its individual conduit. The endothermic products undergo the exothermic reaction in a combustion turbine, and the products of the exothermic reaction are immediately condensed in a condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment unit which possesses a stable treating capacity, with a reduced running cost. The exhaust gas treatment unit removes noxious gases such as monosilane contained in an exhaust gas by thermal decomposition. The exhaust gas treatment unit includes a heating drum (5) into which the exhaust gas and oxygen or air are introduced and a heating source (6) disposed on the outer periphery of the heating drum (5) so as to heat the inside of said heating drum (5). A temperature sensor (14) detects the temperature of the inside of said heating drum (5) in the vicinity of its outlet and a controller (16) controls the heating source (6) in accordance with a detected temperature value from the temperature sensor (14) so that the temperature of the inside of said heating drum (5) in the vicinity of the outlet is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: An improved catalyst assembly for vapor/liquid contact towers. Catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions is secured substantially in the liquid phase of the tower, such as in the lower portion thereof for improving mass transfer efficiency. Unlike previous process tower assemblies, wherein distillation in conjunction with chemical reaction occurs in the vapor phase or in a mixed phase, the present invention substantially confines the reaction step to the liquid phase. In this manner, the reaction is less obstructive to vapor flow within the tower, promoting better mixing and diffusion of the feed components.

Abstract: In order to adsorb effectively various kind of hydrocarbons each having a different size 6, a zeolite having a larger pore 8, a zeolite having a smaller pore 6 and a zeolite having an in-between pores 7 are present together very closely located very closely to one another by means of, for example, physically mixing them.

Abstract: A system for the generation of electricity from geothermal energy that is less expensive, more efficient, and avoids dealing with undesirable byproducts, is disclosed. The system of the present invention relies on using endothermic reactions at the bottom of a well to capture and store the geothermal heat, and exothermic reactions at the top of the well to release the heat stored within the products of the endothermic reactions. In the preferred embodiment, the endothermic reaction is the decomposition of water. To induce the endothermic reaction as well as to harvest and separate the resulting products, a catalytic device is used where each type of product selectively diffuses into its individual conduit. The endothermic products undergo the exothermic reaction in a combustion turbine, and the products of the exothermic reaction are immediately condensed in a condenser. In the preferred embodiment the condenser condenses steam into liquid water to be returned down the well, thus creating a closed system.

Abstract: A method of microfabricating a matrix of evenly distributed catalytic articles, with the matrix then being used to treat reactants in a stream of gases. The matrix is created by depositing areas of conductive material on a nonconductive base wafer or substrate, and then depositing catalyst particles in electrical communication with the conductive material so that a series of localized electrical fields can be created upon the introduction of a power source. A dielectric material surrounding the catalyst particles can be altered by increasing the applied voltage, thereby increasing the strength of the electrical field. A device so constructed is placed in a stream of gases, and the localized electrical fields alter the selectivity and the reactivity of the reactants in the stream of gases.

Abstract: A reactive stripping process for continuously carrying out chemical reactions while separating the reactants from the reaction products is provided. The process comprises passing liquid reactants and an inert stripping gaseous stream in a reactor column (1) having a plurality of perforated trays (2) provided therein and interconnected by a plurality of downcomers (3), screens (4 and 5) provided on the trays (2) and the top openings of the downcomers (3). The trays (2) and downcomers (3) are associated with the screens (4 and 5) to form a chamber optionally provided with a solid particulate or liquid catalyst (6) therein. A reactive stripping apparatus for performing such a process is also provided. According to the invention, at least one reaction product and the reaction mixture having different boiling points can be separated in order that chemical reactions proceed continuously as desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for enzymic oxidation of a fatty acid to produce an oxidation product in the presence of water and oxygen wherein the fatty acid, water and enzyme for the oxidation are substantially uniformly distributed throughout a porous bed of solid support material in the substantial absence of a continuous liquid phase, oxygen is passed through the porous bed and the oxidation product is recovered from the porous bed. The invention is of particular value for production of methyl ketones from saturated fatty acids.

Abstract: A system for the generation of electricity from geothermal energy that is less expensive and more efficient, and avoids dealing with undesirable byproducts, is disclosed. The first system of the present invention relies on using endothermic reactions at the bottom of a well to capture and store the geothermal heat, and exothermic reactions at the top of the well to release the heat stored within the products of the endothermic reactions. In one preferred embodiment, the endothermic reaction is the decomposition of water. To induce the endothermic reaction as well as to harvest and separate the resulting products, a catalytic device is used where each type of product selectively diffuses into its individual conduit. The endothermic products undergo the exothermic reaction in a combustion turbine, and the products of the exothermic reaction are immediately condensed in a condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for quenching in hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream, which provides a substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed which substantially fills the entire volume of a reactor vessel. Catalyst are selected to be essentially the same density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed catalyst bed at the design feed rates. The liquid and gas components of the hydrocarbon feed stream flow into the bed of catalyst and a quenching medium, which is preferably a liquid, is injected into the bed of catalyst. Injection of a liquid quench reduces the gas component of the hydrocarbon feed stream while simultaneously increasing the residence time and reducing the liquid velocity of the liquid component of the hydrocarbon feed stream within the substantially packed bed of catalyst.

Abstract: A filter utilizes a filter bed having a ceramic media to remove particulates from process emissions upstream of a regenerative incinerator to prevent fouling of the incinerator. To prevent the filter from fouling, the filter is adapted to "bake-off" contaminants from the filter bed by providing a flow of hot innocuous air through the filter. In addition, fluid can be flushed through the filter.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus for producing hydrogen on an industrial scale by steam reforming reactions and separating hydrogen using a hydrogen-permeable membrane, including nested outer (14), intermediate (18) and inner (20) cylinders, a combustion burner (44) disposed toward the inner hollow chamber of the inner cylinder (20), a catalyst layer (A) in the annulus (30) between the intermediate (18) and inner (20) cylinders, hydrogen-permeable tubes (32) disposed in the catalyst layer (A-30), and sweep gas supply tubes (34) in the hydrogen-permeable tubes (32). The raw material gas is fed to the catalyst layer (A) and is converted into hydrogen at a high temperature produced by the burner (44), the produced hydrogen permeates the hydrogen-permeable tubes (32) which selectively separate and collect the hydrogen, and the permeated hydrogen flows with the sweep gas out of the apparatus through the outlet (52) for the sweep tubes (34).

Abstract: A reactor has a reactor shell having an internal cavity. Within the reactor shell is an inlet means, which is connected to the internal cavity to afford passage of material into the cavity. Within the bottom of the reactor shell is an outlet means, which is connected to the internal cavity to afford passage of material out of the cavity. A porous scallop means lines a lower portion of the internal surface of the internal cavity, and a cover means rests upon the top of the porous scallop means. A porous, vertical, hollow centerpipe fits within the internal cavity, and below the cover means, to form an annulus between the porous scallop means and the centerpipe. The bottom of that centerpipe rests on a ledge within the outlet means, to block access of flow of solids from the annulus. A blocking sleeve is within the reactor shell for preventing the flow of solids from the annulus to the outlet means even if the centerpipe ratchets upward from the outlet means.

Abstract: The invention produces a 3-[N-(2-aminoethyl)]aminopropylalkoxysilane in high yields by reacting a 3-chloropropylalkoxysilane with ethylene diamine. A distillation pot is charged with ethylene diamine and heated above the boiling point of ethylene diamine for evaporating ethylene diamine, which is then condensed into a liquid. The liquid ethylene diamine is mixed for reaction with a 3-chloropropylalkoxysilane in such a proportion to give a molar ratio of ethylene diamine/3-chloropropylalkoxysilane of at least 12/1, thereby forming a 3-[N-(2-aminoethyl)]aminopropylalkoxysilane. The reaction solution is fed back to the pot where the unreacted ethylene diamine in the reaction solution is evaporated again and then condensed for use in a next cycle of reaction. The apparatus includes a distillation pot, a reflux condenser, a feed means and a reactor connected to form a recirculating system.

Abstract: An SCR reactor sealing mechanism is disclosed which utilizes a clamping plate (34) to urge a side sealing flange (24) on a member (20) containing the catalyst (22) against a mating sealing surface (32) on the supporting internal frame (12) to prevent exhaust gas from bypassing the catalyst. The sealing mechanism has an advantage in permitting the member and catalyst to be removed from the internal frame by simply loosening the clamping plate (34) and slid out of or into the internal frame.

Abstract: The uniform distribution of mixed phase fluid stream on to the top of a contact bed in a reactor chamber is provided by a horizontal tray with a plurality of spaced-apart, vertically disposed chimneys extending through the tray. These chimneys have a first end to receive liquid and gas above the tray and a second end for distributing the liquid and gas downwardly below the tray. Importantly, the second end is provided with a spray generating device located below the tray for producing a conical downward spray of the mixed fluid phase onto the top surface of a bed of contact material positioned below the tray. The spray generating devices for producing the conical spray are located at positions so that the spray of the mixed fluid stream from one spray generating device as it impinges on the top surface of the fixed bed, will overlap the spray from an adjacent spray generating device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially vertically disposed vessel for the continuous gravity plug flow of solid particles and countercurrent flow of fluid, the improvement comprising the vessel having at least one fluid inlet and a fluid distributing member communicating therewith and extending therefrom for the introduction of fluid into the vessel, the fluid distributor being of a generally inverted V-shape to provide for the substantially uninterrupted mass plug flow of particles past said distributor and discharge of gas out the bottom.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation system is provided having a first component which is a particulate catalyst useful for carrying out the desired chemical reaction and a second component which is a hollow geometric shape having openings through the outer surface to allow gas and liquid to pass therethrough. The two components are mixed to provide the desired open space and loaded into a distillation column reactor. The hollow geometric shapes provides the spacing, while the openings permit the gas and liquid to flow through, thus providing the requisite vapor liquid contact space and surfaces.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants includes about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % noble metal crystallites selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations thereof deposited on a high surface area catalyst support. The crystallites are about 100 .ANG. or smaller. A system for catalytically oxidizing aqueous organic contaminants has a catalyst bed containing such a catalyst, means for heating a reactor feed stream to a desired reaction temperature, means oxygenating the feed stream, and a phase separator for separating gaseous reaction products from a reactor effluent stream.

Abstract: A system for the catalytic distillation production of alkylated aromatic compounds is provided wherein the vapor pressure of the olefin may be increased while maintaining the same olefin feed rate and aromatic to olefin ratio. In one embodiment a side stream from the vapor from the second column below the catalyst and olefin feed is condensed and rerouted to the aromatic make up stream from the reflux drum. The vapor pressure of the olefin in the lower end of the first column in the catalyst bed is thus increased which increases the equilibrium concentration of the olefin in the liquid phase. In another embodiment of the invention the effective driving force for the reaction is increased by injecting the olefin at different heights within the catalyst bed. If additional olefin is injected more catalyst bed height would be required, but the additional catalyst is more that offset by the increased throughput at the same overall olefin conversion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a mixture containing a regulated, low concentration of a target component within a carrier fluid. In accordance with the present invention, the carrier fluid is passed through the bed including a compound having two phases with one of the two phases containing the target component. A vapor phase of the target component exists within the bed in equilibrium with the target component contained within at least one of the two phases. The vapor phase has a partial pressure dependent upon bed temperature. The carrier fluid is then passed through the bed so that it contains the target component upon leaving the bed at essentially the partial pressure of the vapor phase. The target component concentration is dependent upon a quotient of the partial pressure of the vapor phase and carrier fluid total pressure. Regulation of the bed temperature and carrier fluid total pressure will in turn regulate the concentration of the target component within the carrier fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for performing chemical reactions under pressure in the presence of a solid catalyst in a multi-stage reaction zone, after external intermediary thermal conditioning. This process may be used for the synthesis of ammonia or methanol or for gasoline reforming. It is characterized in that at least one reaction fluid is introduced into at least one compartment, a first reaction effluent is recovered, a heat exchange takes place, outside the reaction zone, between a first effluent and an external heat exchange medium, then the first effluent is introduced into at least one subsequent compartment and a second reaction effluent is recovered from the subsequent compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in accordance with practice of this invention for lowering the molar ratio of NO to NO.sub.2 in flue gas by converting a portion of flue gas nitric oxide (NO) to nitrogen dioxide (NO.sub.2), for removing the associated oxides of sulfur (SO.sub.x) and nitrogen (NO.sub.x) from the flue gas prior to discharge of the flue gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of preparing a column for a reaction with distillation process utilizing a solid particulate catalyst includes the steps of providing a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation devices, coupling these devices with a plurality of vertically extending horizontally spaced catalyst enclosing containers, extending at least some of the containers through at least two successive distillation devices, then loading a particulate catalyst into the containers to form a catalyst bed whereby distillation and catalytic reaction may occur simultaneously in the column. The method also encompasses a process for concurrent catalytic reaction with distillation which includes the foregoing steps as well as the steps of feeding a liquid stream to the column reactor and onto the distillation devices while a vapor stream moves vertically up through the distillation devices while products of reaction and distillation are withdrawn from the reactor.

Abstract: A gas-particulate solids separation assembly having a mixed phase solids-gas elongated inlet terminating in a divergent section and horizontally disposed cylcone separators downstream of the separator gas outlets adapted to receive quench oil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for synthetically producing .sup.15 O-labeled butanol for position emission tomography. A procedure and apparatus have been developed for the routine rapid and sequential synthesis of oxygen-15 labeled butanol in the amounts and with the purity suitable for use in clinical position tomography. This procedure can replace oxygen-15 labeled water which is more commonly used for routine application, as well as the prior art processes for producing oxygen-15 labeled butanol.

Abstract: A reactor for low pressure catalytic reforming of gasolines with heating by smoke gases comprises: at least one device for introducing and removing the charge; at least one device for introducing and removing the catalyst; at least two elementary reaction cells spaced apart from each other are made of substantially vertical and parallelepipedic enclosures (an individual charge distributor, an individual processed charge collector, a catalytic bed); at least one general charge distributor; and at least one general processed charge collector.

Abstract: An improved system for converting crude aqueous methanol feedstock or the like to olefinic hydrocarbons in contact with a medium pore shape selective crystalline acid zeolite catalyst, wherein the improvement comprises feedstock preparation means contacting the aqueous methanol feedstock with a liquid propane-rich hydrocarbon extractant under liquid extraction conditions, means for recovering an aqueous phase containing the major amount of water introduced with the feedstock, means for recovering an organic extract phase comprising the hydrocarbon extractant and a portion of methanol introduced in the feedstock, and reactor means for converting the extracted methanol at elevated temperature under catalytic reaction conditions to produce predominantly olefinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An improved extraction and reactor system for reacting crude aqueous alcohol feedstock with iso-olefinic hydrocarbons to produce tertiary-alkyl ethers. This system is useful in extracting crude methanol in MTBE production.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an anaerobic or microaerophlic atmosphere. A package consisting of a foil envelope has internal compartments for a hydrogen generating material, for a catalyst and for receiving water. The catalyst compartment is provided with a flash arrestor. Water, on being added to the envelope, reacts with the hydrogen generating material. The liberated hydrogen then reacts catalytically with oxygen in the atmosphere external to the package.

Abstract: A structure and a method of producing such structure which includes a fiber reinforced composite article in which the surface of the article will generate a visible indication thereon upon impact of the surface by another object. The method comprises laying up multiple layers of a first material into the shape of the desired composite article. A relatively thin layer of a second filamentary material is then layed up on and bonded to the surface of the base structure formed by the layers of the first material. The second filamentary material forms a thin outer layer on the composite article, and upon impact of the outer layer with another object, the outer layer delaminates and forms a discoloration in the form of a whitened patch or spot in the immediate vicinity of the impact. The articles so produced can be visually inspected for damage, and only those articles showing a surface discoloration need be subjected to nondestructive testing.

Abstract: A disposable pad for odor prevention comprising a fluid impervious backing sheet, a top sheet and a pad sandwiched between the backing sheet and said top sheet, said pad being formed substantially of hydrophobic fibers so as to quickly disperse liquid waste for rapid evaporation.

Abstract: A reaction column for the physical or chemical treatment of a solution in heterogeneous phase. Such a column operates under a pressure substantially equal to the height of charge in the column; its lower part is conical, the lining comprises a static component and, arranged within the cone, layers of inert materials of a size and density increasing from the top to the bottom; a free height being left between the top of the upper layer and the top of the column.

Abstract: Each of a pair of heat exchangers in a combustion plant includes a storage space holding basic granules, and will alternatingly be flown through by combustion gas and air, respectively. Residual heat from the combustion gas will be absorbed by the granules, and the moisture contend of the gases will condense upon the granules. Sulphur dioxide in the combustion gas will react with the basic material to calcium sulphite, and the moist granules will catch ash particles and other cntaminants in the gas. When valves have been re-set, air is made to pass through the granules, whereby it will be preheated. The heated air may be conducted to a burner, to a regeneration apparatus for the granules, or through a conduit to the gas exhaust duct. After some time of operation the granules are transferred to the regeneration apparatus, which includes a rotatable drum, where the granules will be subjected to mechanical working and separation of calcium sulphate and dust particles, preferably while being heated.

Abstract: A fixed bed catalytic reactor having a porous bed of catalyst particles contained in a closed reactor shell, comprising inlet means for introducing a downwardly flowing mixed stream of gas and liquid reactants; phase separator means for receiving said mixed stream and directing liquid onto the porous catalyst bed, said separator means being disposed within the reactor shell between said inlet means and said porous catalytic bed; said separator means comprising an upper foraminous wall having a series of gas outlets permitting a substantially-gaseous phase to escape outwardly from the separator means into an upper reactor portion, and lower liquid distribution means for receiving a stream of substantially liquid phase and dividing said liquid phase into a plurality of spaced-apart liquid streams directed toward the porous catalyst bed; and means for recovering gaseous and liquid reaction products from the reactor shell.

Abstract: A device for and method of working up etching and pickling liquids consisting of a vertical furnace having one or more vertical reaction spaces through which balls move at a maximum packing density.The furnace has a temperature gradient from the bottom (high) to the top (low). The reaction space and the balls consist of a material which is inert with respect to the liquid to be worked up. The liquid is introduced into the upper side of the furnace so that a film is formed in the heated surface of the balls. The salt dissolved in the liquid decomposes pyrolytically. The metal oxide is deposited on the surface of the balls and is removed therefrom after leaving the reaction space. The acid residue vapours are drained at the top and recovered in a separate absorber to the original pickling or etching acid.

Abstract: An appliance for continuous production of a gaseous product (12), and a liquid byproduct (16), at the same time by reacting a liquid reagent in a reactor (4). The positive difference between the pressure at an entrance to and the pressure at an outlet of the reactor (4) is kept constant. The appliance is used to generate oxygen by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and this oxygen can be used in welding and cutting sets. The appliance includes a reactor comprising a horizontal reaction zone connected to a horizontal gas collection zone, located above the reaction zone, by vertical conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for regeneration of clogged solid particle filters, particularly for diesel engines. There is periodically injected upstream from the clogged filter an organic liquid such as C.sub.x H.sub.y O.sub.z, of the ethyl or methyl alcohol type, having a low vaporization temperature, if necessary with water added. The organic liquid, after having been preheated and cracked to give rise to a very flammable mixture consisting essentially of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, is introduced in the path of the incident exhaust gases. The regeneration apparatus comprises two prechambers, each of which contains a glow plug. The burning of the flammable mixture regenerates the clogged filter.