Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an organic-based feed stream which includes the use of a layer of reticulated ceramic material to filter the organic-based feed stream and to provide liquid distribution upstream of the catalyst bed.

Abstract: The process serves for removing carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen from an air stream by catalytic oxidation. Dusts and/or aerosols of a particle size of less than 20 &mgr;m are removed from the air stream upstream of the catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: In a reactor and a method for the conversion of methanol to hydrogen wherein the reactor comprises first and second chambers divided by a membrane which is permeable for hydrogen and CO but not for CO.sub.2, the methanol is converted in the first chamber by a catalyst disposed therein to a gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and the hydrogen and carbon monoxide pass through the membrane into the second chamber wherein the CO is converted by another catalyst disposed therein to methane.

Abstract: A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. One steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindrical architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region. Other reformers shown include modified combustion systems distributed within a reformation region, isolated vaporization chambers, combustion systems providing uniform temperature gradient, and plate membrane construction methods.

Abstract: A flexible steam cracking process for hydrocarbon feeds comprises injection of particles with an average size of between 0.02 mm and 4 mm, at a circulation rate in indirect transfer line exchangers (4) of 20 to 180 m/s, and in a sufficient quantity to limit the increase in temperature at the outlet to the exchangers (4) to a value of less than 100.degree. C. per month, into at least one point upstream of an indirect transfer line exchanger (4), cracking zone (2) remaining in communication with downstream means (6) for the treatment of cooled effluents. At least 70% by weight of the quantity of injected particles is introduced between the outlet to the cracking zone (2) and the tubes of the indirect transfer line exchanger (4). Chemical decoking is carried out in the tubes of the cracking zone at time intervals of less than 4 months by establishing accelerated coke gasification conditions, for example by injecting compounds which catalyse gasification by steam, or by decoking in air and/or steam.

Abstract: A facility and a process for steam cracking include controlled injection of solid particles into a transfer line exchanger (3). The particles are injected via injection lines, numbering between 1 and 8, just upstream of an impact-diffuser (6) comprising solid surfaces disposed on either side of the line for transfer of the cracked gases to the exchanger; this impact-diffuser is located in the inlet cone (2) of the exchanger, is permeable to the gases via a plurality of passages and at least 70% opaque viewed from the transfer line.

Abstract: A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. The steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindric architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region.

Abstract: A device for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C.sub.2+ paraffinic hydrocarbon charge is applicable to the synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether. Effluent coming from the dehydrogenation reactor and containing olefins and water is cooled in at least one heat exchanger (41), saturated with water in a column (3) and sent to a stripping column (10) where it is at least partly put in contact with a recycled aqueous liquid phase containing a solvent, preferably methanol. The compressed gaseous effluent in which the water is thereby inhibited from freezing by the methanol is cooled in a heat exchanger (13) then separated in separator (8) into olefins and into hydrogen. An aqueous liquid phase with methanol is decanted at (8) and recycled in column (10).

Abstract: A device for catalytic dehydrogenation of a C.sub.2+ paraffinic cut with an improved system for cooling the effluent is applicable, for example, to the synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether. Liquid charge 12 is evaporated in the calandria of a heat exchanger 13 in the optional presence of at least one part recycled hydrogen 15, then optionally compressed in a compressor 14 before being pre-heated in an exchanger 41 by effluent 1 and introduced into a dehydrogenation reactor 40. The effluent cooled in the tubes of exchanger 13 can be mixed with a cryogenic phase 17 resulting from the isentropic expansion of a hydrogen-rich phase separated in a separator 8, the hydrogen optionally being recycled to the calandria of the heat exchanger. The olefins recovered with the unconverted paraffins are stabilized in a column 20.

Abstract: Sweetening of hydrogen-sulfide polluted liquids such as water and those whose viscosity is not substantially greater, is accomplished in upright tanks of constant cross-section, which are substantially conventional except for man-way provisions which permit clean-out and replacement of contents. Each tank, which has a liquid inlet provision near its bottom, is divided by its contents into three sections: a lowermost turbulence-eliminating section, an intermediate reacting section, and an uppermost tranquil purified storage section. Increase in capacity to fill a constant demand is attained by simply increasing the depth of the reacting section, to the lessening of the purified reserve.

Abstract: Petroleum reactors are provided which are comprised of one or more serially disposed reaction zones, each zone containing a suitable catalyst, wherein each reaction zone is followed by a non-reaction zone. One or more of said reaction zones contains a vapor by-pass means such that the vapor from one or more upstream non-reaction zones by-passes one or more downstream reaction zones and is introduced into a downstream non-reaction zone.

Abstract: A wet type flue gas desulfurization apparatus in which desulfurization of flue gas is carried out through gas/liquid phase contact of flue gas with an absorbent slurry. More particularly, disclosed in a combined absorption tower comprising an absorbent slurry liquid tank, a thickening tank serving for concentration by settling of a reaction product slurry formed through the reaction of the absorbent and SO.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating gas introduced into a vessel containing a particulate material at a temperature less than that of the gas in a manner so that said material reduces the temperature of the gas and the gas entrains at least a portion of the material. The entrained material is then separated from the gas and passed to a heat exchanger to cool the material while the separated gas is passed to a turbine to drive same. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from the turbine is passed to the heat exchanger in a manner to fluidize the material in the heat exchanger and the cooled separated material is returned back to the vessel.

Abstract: A catalytic process and apparatus which is mechanically manipulated to increase the operating efficiency thereof. Provision is made for the application of an electric current during mechanical manipulation of the catalyst such as may be useful in certain instances.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a flow of a fluid from an inflow conduit, through a deflection zone and into at least one outlet conduit having an axis and being bent by a deflection angle relative to the inflow conduit, includes components being disposed in the deflection zone and largely avoiding a flow through an adjacent two of the components. Each of the components has a main axis forming an acute angle with the axis of the outflow conduit, is elongated along the main axis, has a first end facing toward the outflow conduit and a second end opposite to the first end, along the main axis, and protrudes into the deflection zone with the first end. The fluid may be a gas, such as flue gas and a deNO.sub.x catalytic converter may be disposed downstream of the outflow conduit.

Abstract: High temperature gas emissions from industrial power plant or environmental clean-up processes are subjected to an acoustic waveform having second harmonic content and appropriate second harmonic phase shift to impart a net acoustic Oseen force on particulate matter contained in the gas for removal of said matter. Particulate matter of 1 micron radius is positively excluded, while smaller particles are agglomerated by the sound wave. The acoustic waveform further enhances both sorption of injected sorbent particles for removal of sulfur oxides, and the efficiency of an in-line catalytic converter for removal of nitrogen oxides. The invention improves overall removal efficiency, can operate at very high temperatures, and does not produce any secondary waste, such as filters.

Abstract: Improved emission control apparatus for use with a diesel engine which may include an enclosed cylindrical housing having an inlet and an outlet. A particulate trap is disposed in the housing between the inlet and outlet for collection and removal of particulates from the engine exhaust. The particulate trap includes an upstream section of reduced diameter and a downstream section of a diameter greater than the cylindrical housing to form an annular pocket therearound. The upstream section is provided with peripheral walls in which are provided uniformly spaced, longitudinally disposed, slotted apertures.

Abstract: A process and system for simultaneously removing from a gaseous mixture, sulfur oxides by a solid sulfur oxide acceptor sorbent on a porous carrier, nitrogen oxides by ammonia gas and particulate matter by filtration and for the regeneration of loaded solid sulfur oxide acceptor sorbent. Finely-divided solid sulfur oxide acceptor sorbent is entrained in a gaseous mixture to deplete sulfur oxides from the gaseous mixture, the finely-divided solid sulfur oxide acceptor sorbent being dispersed on a porous carrier material having a particle size up to about 200 microns. In the process, the gaseous mixture is optionally prefiltered to remove particulate matter and thereafter finely-divided solid sulfur oxide acceptor sorbent is injected into the gaseous mixture to form an entrained bed. Ammonia gas is also injected into the exhaust gas stream. A filter separates spent solid sorbent and particulate matter from clean gas. A classifier is used to separate mixtures of spent sorbent from particulate matter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concurrently catalytically reacting fluid streams and distilling the reaction product. A catalytic structure is provided within a distillation column reactor and includes mass transfer devices presenting hollow spaces and a fixed catalyst bed formed from solid catalyst particles. The mass transfer devices are interconnected gas and liquid permeable elements. The liquid phase preferentially flows along channels formed in the catalyst bed before contacting the devices for mass transfer with the vapor phase which primarily flows through the devices.

Abstract: A reaction chamber (E) comprises a calender reactor (5) comprising a device (4) for introducing a feedstock; a device (6) for carrying off the treated feedstock; at least two elementary reaction cells (52), not contiguous to one another, each one consisting of an individual feedstock distributor, an individual collector of the treated feedstock, and a catalytic bed, the cells being separated from one another by a channel (51); at least one device (V) for circulating a heat-carrying fluid in each channel (51); at least n partitions (S) for separating the flow of the heat-carrying fluid, n being an integer greater than or equal to 1; and at least n+1 means (T) for heating the heat-carrying fluid. The chamber can be used for performing the catalytic reforming of naphtha under low pressure.

Abstract: An installation for steam cracking hydrocarbons comprises at least one hydrocarbon cracking furnace, an indirect quench heat exchanger for the effluents leaving the furnace, direct quench means for said effluent, and means (36, 38) for injecting erosive solid particles into the installation for decoking purposes. The installation also includes a cyclone (10) placed at the outlet from the indirect quench heat exchanger to separate the solid particles from the gaseous effluent, with the solid particle outlet (14) from said cyclone being connected to storage tanks (20, 30) connected in series with isolating valves (16, 28, 34), a source (38) of gas under pressure being provided to raise the pressure in one of the tanks and to inject the solid particles into the installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluidization gas to a bed of particulate solids to selectively, locally fluidize the solids above a delivery conduit in communication with a reaction chamber. Also an apparatus is disclosed for intimately mixing hydrocarbon feed with the particulate solids at the end of the delivery conduit in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption separation of a gas mixture containing a more readily adsorbed component and a less readily adsorbed component is performed within an apparatus containing an adsorbent bed with cyclically varied geometry, such that the bed volume can be expanded or contracted. Variable volume displacement means at either end of a flow path through the adsorbent bed are operated cyclically to generate flow of a gas mixture along the flow path, in a first direction when the more readily adsorbed component is preferentially adsorbed during the high pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively contracted, and in a second reverse direction during the low pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively expanded.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption gas separations are conducted inside an open loop Stirling cycle apparatus which may operate as an engine, refrigerator or heat pump. Adsorbent surfaces are associated with the thermal regenerators of the Stirling cycle apparatus, so that a preferentially adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated by parametric pumping into a colder end of an engine or into a warmer end of a refrigerator or heat pump, while a less readily adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated into warmer end of an engine or into colder end of a refrigerator or heat pump. Flow control means are provided to introduce the feed gas into the working space of the apparatus and to remove separated product fractions. Feed gases may be chemically reactive within a portion of the working space, with reactant and product species of the reaction separated by the apparatus to drive the reaction off equilibrium.

Abstract: In a particle filter device containing porous filter material adapted for the exhaust flow of a diesel engine to filter particles from the exhaust gasses discharged from the engine, a system for the removal of filtered particles collected on the filter material, wherein the removal is effected by oxidation, includes a housing containing the filter material and having a flow control nozzle, the cross-section of which is reduced in the direction of the filter material for directing the gas stream to be purified toward the porous filter material in such a manner that described purification zones of the filter material are preferentially impacted by the through-flowing gas to be purified.

Abstract: A packed bed reactor for hydrocarbon processing and method of use is provided. The reactor comprises:(a) a first packed bed of particles in fluid communication with a feed inlet to said reactor, said first packed bed extending more than 3 to 18 inches in the direction of flow and comprising predominantly particles at least about 3/8 inch in diameter;(b) a second packed bed of particles in fluid communication with said first packed bed and downstream of said first packed bed, said second packed bed extending at least 12 to 48 inches in the direction of flow and comprising predominantly particles having diameters within the range of 3/16 to 5/16 inch and smaller than the average diameter of particles in said first bed; and(c) a third packed bed of particles in fluid communication with said second packed bed and downstream of said second packed bed, said third packed bed comprising predominantly particles having diameters below 1/8 inch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device useful when installed in a urinal for collection of urinary proteins. The adsorbent means includes a conduit for gravity feed passage of urine streams. The conduit has permeable layers in series containing a slow releasing antimicrobial agent and an adsorbent for urinary proteins such that for collection puropses wanted proteins are adsorbed without odor or loss due to bacterial degradation.

Abstract: A solid-gas contact reactor for dirty exhaust gas is characterized by a first dust-proof plate provided on contact areas between a lower surface of a support base for supporting packages of catalyst layers in each stage and a reactor wall so that the first dust-proof plate makes an angle equal to or larger than the rest angle of dust in the exhaust gas with respect to the support base. Second dust-proof plates are provided on contact areas between adjacent ones of the packages of catalyst layers in each stage and contact areas between the reactor wall and frames of the packages of catalyst layers and the second dust-proof plates make the same angle with respect to the frame structure.

Abstract: The invention is for a fixed bed reactor with two phase gas and liquid flow. The reactor has at least one auxiliary bed of solid particles disposed above the main bed of solid particles. The auxiliary bed has a liquid bypass comprised of hollow tubing extending through the auxiliary bed. Liquid receptacles provide a liquid seal above the liquid bypasses, thereby preventing gas from bypassing along with the liquid. The liquid spilled from the flow receptacles seeks its lowest level and flows through the auxiliary bed. The tubing provides a bypass first for the liquid and later for both the liquid and gas when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled and the liquid seal is thereby broken. This feed arrangement allows for a low pressure drop bypassing of the auxiliary bed, when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled and clogged. The invention is also applicable to other apparatuses which use a flow arrangement similar to fixed bed reactors, but which do not necessarily utilize a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The invention is for a fixed bed reactor with two phase gas and liquid flow. The reactor has at least one auxiliary bed of solid particles disposed above the main bed of solid particles. The auxiliary bed has separate liquid and gas bypasses comprised of hollow tubing extending through the auxiliary bed to a distributor tray. A liquid layer on the tray provides a liquid seal above the liquid bypasses, thereby preventing gas from bypassing along with the liquid. This feed arrangement allows for a low pressure drop bypassing of the auxiliary bed, when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled and clogged. The invention is also applicable to other apparatuses which use a flow arrangement similar to fixed bed reactors, but which do not necessarily utilize a chemical reaction. One example of such apparatus is a packed absorption tower having co-current downflow of gas and liquid.

Abstract: The invention is for a fixed bed reactor with two phase gas and liquid flow. The reactor has at least one auxiliary bed of solid particles disposed above the main bed of solid particles. The auxiliary bed has separate liquid and gas bypasses comprised of hollow tubing extending through the auxiliary bed. Liquid receptacles provide a liquid seal above the liquid bypasses, thereby preventing gas from bypassing along with the liquid. The liquid spilled from the flow receptacles seeks its lowest level and flows through the auxiliary bed, thereby leaving only the gas to flow through the gas bypasses. This separate feed arrangement allows for a low pressure drop bypassing of the auxiliary bed, when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled and clogged. The invention is also applicable to other apparatuses which use a flow arrangement similar to fixed bed reactors, but which do not necessarily utilize a chemical reaction. One example of such apparatus is a packed absorption tower having co-current downflow of gas and liquid.

Abstract: The invention is for a two phase gas and liquid mixture reacting in an improved fixed bed reactor having at least one auxiliary bed disposed above the main bed. The auxiliary beds each have separate liquid and gas bypasses comprising hollow tubing of relatively different lengths extending through the auxiliary bed. The gas bypass tubing projects to a greater height above the auxiliary bed than the liquid bypass tubing. This tubing bypass arrangement allows for a low pressure drop bypass of the auxiliary bed to the main bed by the liquid and gas when the auxiliary bed becomes fouled.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process useful in hydroprocessing petroleum-based feedstocks. The feed stream enters the top of a reaction zone and is divided into a number of portions, each of which flows through a different annular guard bed. The feed stream enters the guard beds through both cylindrical sides and exits through the bottom of the guard beds. The feed stream is then passed through a lower and much larger catalyst bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production and catalytic oxidation of gaseous hydrocarbon/air mixtures to form dicarboxylic acid anhydride. Hydrocarbon/air mixtures are formed in an evaporator and introduced into a shell-and-tube catalytic reactor fitted with a concave reactor hood to more effectively and safely distribute the gaseous mixture to and through the catalyst-filled tubes of the reactor.