Abstract: A distributor assembly for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The distributor assembly has a circular plate with a plurality of hollow risers bound thereto for distributing hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through openings in the circular plate member. Each of the hollow risers has a tubular opening in its associated side. The distributor assembly is connected to an internal wall of a reactor. A method is also presented for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising flowing a mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon into a reactor zone to produce evolved hydrogen-containing gas; and flowing the mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through a plurality of tubular zones while admixing simultaneously therewith the evolved hydrogen-containing gas.

Abstract: The invention is a device for distributing a multiphase mixture having at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase in which the mixture flows downwardly through at least one bed of granular solids. The device includes at least one distributor plate located above one of the at least one bed of granular solids at a distance "d" defining a space with "d" ranging from 0 to 5 cm.

Abstract: An apparatus for the molecular oxygen oxidation of a secondary alcohol such as isopropanol to hydrogen peroxide is provided.

Abstract: Quench fluids being charged to a hydroprocessing reactor and liquid flowing downward within the reactor are admixed between the catalyst beds located in the reactor by an apparatus comprising three circular trays (16, 21, 22) and a mixing chamber (20). The mixing chamber receives liquid collected by the top tray and the quench material. The liquid effluent of the mixing chamber then falls upon a first distribution tray (21) while the vapor flows through an annular gap (17) between the first distribution tray (21) and the vessel wall (1). The two phases are then recontacted as they pass through a plurality of mixing caps (13) distributed over the surface of a lower second distribution tray (22).

Abstract: An adsorber for purifying flue gases of a furnace includes a housing having a flue gas inlet and a flue gas outlet. The housing has an adsorption medium chamber. A fill socket extends from the top of the housing. A removal device extends from the bottom of the housing. The chamber includes substantially vertical, gas-permeable walls for delimiting the chamber at the inlet side and at the outlet side. The chamber also includes a vertical gas-permeable partition and a slanted non-gas-permeable wall. The wall at the inlet side is a louver wall extending upwardly to the level of the fill socket. The wall at the outlet side is a slotted screen connected with the slanted, non-gas-permeable wall to the fill socket. The flue gas outlet is located opposite the non-gas-permeable wall.

Abstract: Gas-cleaning equipment is disclosed, which comprises a housing having an intake vent and an exhaust vent and having disposed between the two vents a fan having at least one rotating blade. Air pollutant-removing system using the gas-cleaning equipment is also disclosed. This gas-cleaning equipment can effectively clean a gas through the action of plasma produced by glow discharge caused by rotation of said fan. When a metal layer having a catalytic activity is fixed onto the surface of said rotating blade, this metal layer also functions to effectively clean the gas. In the case where both the plasma and the metal layer function to clean the gas, there car be obtained synergistic effects. Cleaning of the gas can be conducted with more efficiency by bringing the intake gas into contact with the fan in an oxygen-free state. A magnet provided as an outer wall of the housing serves to generate plasma with higher density, leading to more effective cleaning of the gas.

Abstract: A shift reactor is disclosed that is mounted on the exhaust end of an underoxidized burner so that the exhaust product is introduced to a cooler water bath in a compartment of the reactor. The exhaust product is passed through the water bath via submerged gas diffusers. The reactor compartment includes a collection chamber for receiving the bathed exhaust product containing hydrogen gas which is then exited to a shift catalyst chamber. The latter includes eductor for recirculation. A conduit may be coupled to the water bath for distributing heated water from the bath for exterior heating purposes or for purification means. A drain is operably connected to the conduit for permitting removal of excess water and a fill inlet is provided for adding water.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for promoting annularly uniform flow in a reaction space of a mixed phase reactor. The apparatus defines ports which face a shared direction relative to the axis. The apparatus is useful in a process, also described, in which fluid emerging from the ports creates a turning moment which rotates fluid in a plenum adjacent the reaction space.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reactor for the selective catalytic removal of CO in high H.sub.2 gas. A precious-metal-containing selective CO oxidation catalyst is applied to a metallic or ceramic carrier having a cross channel or other structure which causes a turbulent fluid flow within the reactor.

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 method and a device for wet desulfurization of flue gas to remove a sulfur dioxide(SO.sub.2) contained in flue gas discharged from thermal power stations and boilers are disclosed. In the method the device with a gas layered sieve plate for wet desulfurization of flue gas, an absorbing liquid improves reacting conditions by effecting it own circulation without using additional power due to the structural characteristics possessed by the device and flue gas is treated very satisfactorily thanks to high gas-liquid contact efficiency. In order to minimize power consumption and the size of the device but promote desulfurization to an unusual degree, an absorber is divided into an upper froth layer and a lower liquid layer by a single-stage gas dispersing plate with a large number of gas ejection holes bored therein.

Abstract: Apparatus, in particular reactor for carrying out endothermic catalytically promoted gas-phase reactions, which has, arranged one on top of the other or one inside the other in a common jacket, a tube-bundle heat exchanger 1 consisting of a plurality of parallel tubes provided with baffles 1a securing a flow of the heat exchanging medium in a direction transverse to the axis of said tubes, a reaction space 6 which preferably widens conically upward, has a base and is intended for holding a catalyst bed, a tube-bundle heat exchanger 2 to which material flows laterally and which is provided with baffles 2a, a reaction space 4 which has a base, is closed at the top by a gas dome and is intended for holding a catalyst bed, a central tube 3 for connecting the outer space of the heat exchanger 1 to the gas space above the reaction space 4, and inlet and outlet means for a heating or cooling gas (c) and inlet and outlet means (a or b) for the fresh gas or reaction mixture, respectively.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor operating under countercurrent gas-solid flow conditions wherein the reactor is supplied with horizontal baffles having separate passages through which the gas and the solid flow, such that the ascending gas leaves the baffle in a point higher than the point in which the descending solid leaves the same baffle, and the use of the reactor to perform reactions under countercurrent flow conditions while maintaining gas and solids flows of at least 70% of flooding conditions.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation and ozone catalyst system utilizes ultraviolet light and ozone in the treatment of waste and wastewater to destroy pathogens and to break down most hydrocarbons and other chemicals into non-hazardous forms. The wastewater enters the system for initial treatment and is also pumped through the venturi loop and is exposed to ultraviolet light. The ozone interacts at the venturi before the ultraviolet light is being used as a catalyst by the ultraviolet light to break apart the double bonds of ketones, aldehydes, esters, and carboxylic acids. Following initial treatment, the wastewater is pumped into the pressurized ozone enhancement vessel where vapor oxidation of the polluting chemicals occurs. The enhancement vessel comprises a liquid spray component and a series of ozone resonator plates having ozone distribution manifolds that spray the wastewater with ozone. The plates have angular channels formed therein through which the wastewater passes.

Abstract: Multi-bed downflow reactor for the catalytic conversion of a liquid and/or a gas including a chamber arranged in between adjacent catalyst beds, which chamber includes a) at least one device for injecting an additional liquid and/or gas for controlling the temperature in the reactor, b) a collecting tray for receiving liquid, c) a compartment for receiving gas, d) a mixing zone for mixing liquid and gas, and e) a distribution tray comprising passages allowing liquid and gas to pass downwardly over an adjacent catalyst bed, whereby the collecting tray is arranged downstream of the device(s) for injecting the additional liquid and/or gas and comprises guiding channels directing liquid downwardly into a central part of the mixing zone, the compartment is arranged upon the collecting tray and comprises at least one passage allowing gas to pass downwardly, and the mixing zone is arranged in between the collecting tray and the distribution tray.

Abstract: A process vessel (2) is for achieving contact between at least one fluid passing through the vessel (2) and a packing material contained therein. The process vessel (2) has a peripheral wall (8) disposed around a longitudinal axis, an inlet for permitting entry of fluid into the vessel and an outlet for permitting the exit of fluid from the vessel. A redistributor (4) is located within the vessel (2) and the redistributor (4) follows a locus (3) which extends around the inside surface (10) of the peripheral wall (8). The locus (3) is neither perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis and is preferably spiral or helical.

Abstract: A light-weight and easily manufacturable catalyst support structure is provided, which allows fluid flow into a catalyst bed in uniform distribution. The support structure is formed in a cone-like shape in which the diameter enlarges upward. The support structure comprises a shell-like support member, a first mesh layer comprising thick mesh elements, and a second mesh layer having a mesh size which does not allow catalytic particulates to pass through. The first mesh layer overlays the support member, and the second mesh layer overlays the first mesh layer. The shell-like support member includes a circular bottom plate extending perpendicular to the center line of the reactor, and a side wall having a truncated cone shape which extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side wall are primarily made of perforated plates through which the fluid passes. A plurality of cylindrical flow guides of different diameters are provided underneath the shell-like support member.

Abstract: A modular catalytic converter and muffler is used to purify exhaust from a relatively large diesel engine. The device includes various structural components that are mounted in the exhaust flow path within a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A plate mounted within the housing divides the housing into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. A plurality of catalytic converter sub-cans are mounted across the plate between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. A flow distributor is mounted within the housing upstream of the catalytic converter sub-cans. The flow distributor divides and directs a portion of the exhaust to each of the catalytic converter sub-cans. Some muffler structure is mounted within the housing between the catalytic converter sub-cans and the outlet in order to attenuate noise in the exhaust.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. The flow deflectors take the form of four pie-shaped plates which are configured to collectively occupy between 25 to 75 percent of the concentric circular opening the collector tray and may slope downwardly at an angle of from about 30.degree. to about 60.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacturing of synthetic gas according to which the following stages are performed within a single housing:partial combustion in a non catalytic combustion chamber,contacting of the combustion gases with a catalytic element,complementary injection of oxidizer in the catalytic bed.According to the invention, maximum direct contact is provided between the combustion gases and a surface of the catalytic bed so as to reduce the formation of soots.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a quench nozzle for the symmetrical introduction of a quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid. A radially outwardly flared downwardly extending skirt is provided to disperse the liquid flowing form the collector pan toward the reactor walls.

Abstract: A device for controlling a liquid flow in a vertically extending pipe is disclosed which includes a plate member horizontally disposed in the pipe for receiving the liquid flow thereon and having an opening to permit the liquid received on the plate member to pass therethrough, a tubular guide downwardly inwardly extending from the periphery of the opening and terminating to form a liquid outlet, and a plurality of partition plates disposed on the tubular guide. Each partition plate has an upper end upwardly protruding from the periphery of the opening and a lower end obliquely downwardly extending from the periphery of the opening along the wall of the tubular guide member, so that a plurality of discrete passages are defined on the tubular guide. A cover plate is provided to cover the passages so that the liquid received on the plate member flows through the passages and is discharged from the liquid outlet of the tubular guide to form a vortex flow.

Abstract: The catalytic converter has an axis and a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing contains hollow cylindrical catalyst means having an inner surface, an outer surface and passages for the exhaust gas which run from the inner surface to the outer surface. In a cross-section at right angles to the axis, the catalyst means surround an inner space of the catalyst means, with which space the inlet communicates and which space contains a limiting and/or guide member. This has a limiting and/or guide surface which approaches the inner surface of the catalyst means in a direction away from the inlet and distributes the exhaust gas, flowing into the inner space of the catalyst means during operation, uniformly over the passages of the catalyst means.

Abstract: A light-weight and easily manufacturable catalyst support structure is provided, which allows fluid flow into a catalyst bed in uniform distribution. The support structure, used for supporting a moving catalyst bed within a moving bed reactor having an upward flowing fluid phase, is formed in a cone-like shape in which the diameter enlarges upward. The supporting structure comprises a shell-like support member, a first mesh layer comprising thick mesh elements, and a second mesh layer having a mesh size which does not allow catalyst particles to pass through. The first mesh layer overlays the support member, and the second mesh layer overlays the first mesh layer. The shell-like support member includes a circular bottom plate extending perpendicular to the center line of the reactor, and a side wall having a truncated cone shape which extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side wall are primarily made of perforated plates through which the fluid passes.

Abstract: A distribution element is provided which may be used in packed columns to redistribute the gas and liquid flow evenly across the column. Most simply the element comprises a corrugated plate having openings only at the peaks and valleys of the corrugation. There are no openings in the sloped sides of the corrugations. The distribution element is spaced within the packing to most advantageously utilize the redistribution characteristics of the element for a given system.

Abstract: A regeneration process and apparatus eliminates the need for an external chlorination recycle loop. The method and apparatus uses two-pass internal mixing of a chlorine compound input stream and drying gas to both mix and heat the chlorination gas before entering the chlorination zone. The only heat required for the process is a small amount for vaporizing the chlorine containing input stream to prevent the formation of chloride droplets. All other heat for the chlorination zone is supplied internally in the regeneration vessel.

Abstract: Gas-cleaning equipment is disclosed, which comprises a housing having an intake vent and an exhaust vent and having disposed between the two vents a fan having at least one rotating blade. Air pollutant-removing system using the gas-cleaning equipment is also disclosed. This gas-cleaning equipment can effectively clean a gas through the action of plasma produced by glow discharge caused by rotation of said fan. When a metal layer having a catalytic activity is fixed onto the surface of said rotating blade, this metal layer also functions to effectively clean the gas. In the case where both the plasma and the metal layer function to clean the gas, there can be obtained synergistic effects. Cleaning of the gas can be conducted with more efficiency by bringing the intake gas into contact with the fan in an oxygen-free state. A magnet provided as an outer wall of the housing serves to generate plasma with higher density, leading to more effective cleaning of the gas.

Abstract: A distributor system for uniformly directing vapor and liquid across the surface of a fixed bed of solids in a downflow reactor comprising a distributor tray, and a plurality of open-ended downpipes extending through the tray. A first array of the downpipes has a plurality of vertically spaced elevations of holes above the level of the tray. A second array of the downpipes has at least one elevation of holes at substantially the same height above the level of the tray as one of the upper elevations of holes in the first array of the downpipes. But, the second array has no elevation of holes corresponding to the lowermost elevation of holes, and possibly other lower elevations of holes, in the first array of downpipes. The absence of the lowermost holes in the second array of downpipes causes the liquid flow rate through the distributor tray at a given liquid height to be reduced when that liquid height falls below the elevation of the holes second from the bottom in the first array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing and distributing two reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a mixing zone in the column into which a first reactant (e.g. a process stream having both gas and liquid phases) flows vertically downward. The second reactant (e.g. quench gas) is introduced into the mixing zone and flows radially to intercept the downflowing process stream. Due to the construction of the mixing zone, a torturous path is provided which thoroughly mixes the different gas phases and the liquid phase by several different mechanisms, i.e. (a) radial jet mixing; (b) perpendicular mixing of the liquid and gas phases; (c) jet/turbulent mixing; (d) high velocity swirl jet mixing and atomizing of the liquid phase; (e) turbulent swirl mixing after the liquid is atomized; (f) additional turbulent jet mixing; and (g) energy dissipation of the flow as the mixed stream is distributed radially outward across the column through first a sieve tray and then a riser tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide present in a mixture of gases, including hydrogen, to carbon dioxide is disclosed. Oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas mixture is introduced at locations along the latter portion of the reaction chamber in an isothermal reactor to selectively oxidize the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and to suppress the reverse to water-shift reaction, which produces carbon monoxide and water from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven.

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: A compact fixed-bed catalytic reactor containing a plurality of staggered partitioning plates inside a reactor vessel to form a folded reaction path. The reactor is substantially rectangular in shape and each of the partitioning plates is held inside the reactor by a frictional force between the partitioning plate and the inner wall of the reactor vessel while one side thereof, being shorter than the width of a corrsponding inner side the reactor, forms an opening allowing the passage of reactant therethrough. The partitioning plates contain a plurality of fingers to further secure the same in place and prevent horizontal movement thereof. The present invention allows a box-like catalytic reactor to provide the advantages of a fixed-bed tubular reactor, while maintaining a desirable spacial compactness and lowering the construction cost.

Abstract: A gas-scrubber apparatus, including a chamber having an inlet means for receiving polluted gases to be scrubbed and having outlet means through which scrubbed gases are discharged, and heating elements for heating the chamber to maintain the polluted gases at predetermined temperature levels between the inlet means and the outlet means. The chamber includes a reaction zone for receiving a mixture of solid scrubbant materials for reacting with the polluted gases and a gas blower for directing the polluted gases to travel through the chamber to react with the scrubbant materials. At least one scrubber assembly is mounted in the reaction zone of the chamber having a baffle for collecting the polluted gases in the area adjacent the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid.

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 regeneration process and apparatus eliminates the need for an external chlorination recycle loop. The method and apparatus uses two-pass internal mixing of a chlorine compound input stream and drying gas to both mix and heat the chlorination gas before entering the chlorination zone. The only heat required for the process is a small amount for vaporizing the chlorine containing input stream to prevent the formation of chloride droplets. All other heat for the chlorination zone is supplied internally in the regeneration vessel.

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 semi-continuous process for combusting coke from catalyst particles in a fixed bed is improved by rejecting from the combustion process a high moisture content flue gas stream which is produced by the combustion of a relatively large proportion of the hydrogen in the coke that enters the combustion section during an early stage of combustion. By operating the early stage of combustion at conditions to increase the rate of combustion of the hydrogen in the coke relative to that of the carbon in the coke, the overall equilibrium level of water in a flue gas/recycle gas that circulates through the process is lowered. The high moisture content flue gas stream from the early stage of combustion is rejected separately from the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical reactor vessel having a top end with an inlet and a bottom end with an outlet end. A refractory insulating lining is applied on the interior of the wall of the vessel. A cylindrical vertically disposed first inner basket having a generally closed top first end and an open second end in communication with the outlet conduit and having fluid pervious sidewalls surrounded by a vertically disposed outer cylindrical second basket defining a space therebetween for containment of subdivided contact material. The cylindrical second basket also has a top end, which is closed, and fluid pervious sidewalls. The cylindrical second basket is spaced away from the refractory lining of the vessel at a sufficient distance, to provide an annular space for fluid, admitted through the inlet, to progress downwardly through the annular space and then radially inwardly through the contact material contained in the space between the first and second basket.

Abstract: A catalyst-bed radial gas-flow reactor system is disclosed utilizing a generally cylindrical catalyst bed located in an annualar area between an outer reactor shell and a generally coaxially located displacement member; wherein the gas flow through the reactor is optimized to extend catalyst life by including a non-cylindrical section in at least a portion of the displacement cylinder, and the gas-supply duct entering the reactor shell has baffling arranged to equalize flow velocities across the reactor diameter.

Abstract: The distribution of fluid flowing through a packed bed reactor is determined by placing a plurality of fiber optic sensors at desired locations within the packed bed reactor. A light analyzable tracer component is injected into the fluid flowing through the reactor. Light is supplied to each of the sensors causing any tracer component in the vicinity of the sensor to emit electromagnetic radiation. The emitted electromagnetic radiation is detected at each fiber optic sensor, thereby permitting the amount of tracer in the vicinity of each sensor to be determined, and consequently providing a measure of the distribution of fluid flowing through the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of undesirable constituents from a waste gas, with a first reaction stage (4) defining at least one reaction chamber (14), exhibiting on the head side feeding structure and on the bottom side funnel-shaped discharge structure for the feeding and discharging of a lumpy or granular adsorbent. The feeding structure is formed by a grid of several feed hoppers (18) arranged in side-by-side relationship and one behind the other. The discharge structure is formed by a further grid of discharge hoppers (20) arranged in side-by-side relationship and one behind the other. At least on one side as well as in the head zone of the reaction chamber (14), waste gas passages are provided.

Abstract: On-stream catalyst replacement apparatus for countercurrent upstream flow of a gas and hydrocarbon liquid through a downward moving catalyst bed in a reactor vessel. A mixed feed stream of gas and liquid hydrocarbon components enters a reservoir formed between the lower end of the reactor and a conical screen supporting the lower end of a catalyst bed. A wall across the vessel divides the reservoir into a lower surge chamber for receiving the mixed feed and an upper plenum chamber for separating the components into alternate feed rings of gas and hydrocarbon liquid under the conical screen. The mixed feed enters the plenum chamber through a plurality of tubes extending downwardly from the wall to the same depth in the surge chamber that prevents establishing preferential paths for gas to independently enter the plenum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution which contains a nonvolatile substance such as a toner used for development of an electrophotographic film and a liquid which is difficult to volatilize at normal temperatures such as isoparaffin. The waste solution heated from below a multiplicity of vertically elongated guide chambers disposed in a waste solution container rises upward through the guide chambers in the form of vapor and is oxidized by a catalyst. After ignition, even if the heating of the waste solution by a heater is stopped, the waste solution in the waste solution container continues to be heated by oxidation heat.

Abstract: Apparatus for regenerating spent hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. Catalyst particles in a vertically-elongated movable tapered bed are contacted with a hot oxygen-containing gas stream in order to remove, by means of combustion, coke which accumulated on the catalyst particles while they were used in a hydrocarbon conversion zone. Catalyst moves downward under the influence of gravity. The catalyst bed is tapered such that the thickness of the bed, in a dimension which is transverse to the direction of catalyst movement, varies from a minimum at the top of the tapered bed to a maximum at the bottom of the tapered bed. Gas passes through the tapered bed in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction of catalyst movement. Substantially, all of the catalyst in the bed is in contact with the flowing gas.

Abstract: An improved double tube reactor having a plurality of inner and outer tube assemblies each of the assemblies having a reaction annular volume between the inner tube and outer tube and a closed center plug within the inner tube forming an annular thermal exchange volume between the center plug and the inner tube to obtain desired temperature control of exothermic and endothermic catalytic chemical reactions. In one embodiment of the invention, the improved double tube reactor is used in a process for production of high purity methanol from process gas produced by steam reforming hydrocarbon feedstocks in a tube type reformer followed by removing substantially all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O from the process gas, adjusting the H.sub.2 /CO molar ratio to about 2 when necessary, and feeding the adjusted process gas to a methanol synthesis reactor contacting a methanol forming catalyst not requiring CO.sub.2 activation at about 200.degree. to about 300.degree. C.

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 oxidation reactor having elongated shape includes in combination, a mixing member including a pipe for feeding oxidizing gas and a pipe for feeding oxidizable charge; a reaction member, arranged subjacent the mixing member, and a discharge member associated with a discharge pipe for the products of the reaction. The reaction member includes a central zone which has a first lining and the reactor includes at least one peripheral zone which has a second lining, passages in the second lining being smaller than passages in the first lining so that the pressure loss in the second lining is greater than that of the first lining. The second lining forms a sleeve surround the first lining and this sleeve is formed of at least one refractory heat insulating material. The oxidation reactor is provided with an external sleeve steel jacket, a concrete wall and a steel element surrounding the mixing member arranged above the reaction member.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing superfine iron oxide particles by introducing a gas mixture of a non-oxidizing gas and an iron-containing compound into a stream of heated oxidizing gas, wherein the improvement resides in the use of an insulated injector to introduce the gas mixtures into the heated oxidizing gas stream.