Abstract: A water reaction tank for reacting water containing suspended solids with a flocculant includes a housing having an input, an output, and a water flow path between the input and the output. The flow path has a mixing section and a reaction section. Sealable flocculant ports are provided for inserting a flocculant into the mixing section of the housing. Each of the mixing section and the reaction section contains baffles. The mixing section baffles encourage turbulent flow to increase contact with the flocculant, and the reaction section baffles encourage turbulent flow and increase the length of the water flow path.

Abstract: A method of continuously providing a pressurized slurry of a solid material and liquid carbon dioxide is disclosed. The method comprises mixing particles of the solid material and particles of solid carbon dioxide in a mixing container and feeding the mixture of the solid material and the solid carbon dioxide to a pump to form a slurry of the solid material and liquified carbon dioxide. Within the pump, the solid carbon dioxide sublimates, forming a gaseous carbon dioxide which subsequently liquefies due to an increase in pressure. The liquid carbon dioxide and the solid material then mix to form the slurry of the solid material and the liquid carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the pressurized slurry may be used for pipeline transportation of the solid material. A system of producing a continuous pressurized slurry of solid material and liquid carbon dioxide is also disclosed. A method of producing hydrogen is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, the apparatus including a reaction tube that provides a space for carbon nanotubes and is formed vertically long, a heating unit that is formed at the outer side of the reaction tube, and heats the reaction tube, a gas-supply unit that sprays reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes by reacting with catalysts positioned inside the reaction tube, an exhaustion unit that is connected to the upper portion of the reaction tube, and discharges non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes, and a blocking unit that is formed inside the reaction tube, discharges only the non-reacted reaction gas for synthesizing the carbon nanotubes to the exhaustion unit, and blocks the discharge of the carbon nanotubes and catalysts, in which the cross-section of the blocking unit is divided in a plurality of polygon structures, and downward-slanted blocking wings are formed at each divided cell.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a renewable energy fuel is prepared by a process including the steps of: a) providing a renewable energy feedstock; b) providing an alcohol; c) providing a catalyst; d) mixing (a), (b), and (c) to form a blend; and e) homogenizing the blend at a pressure greater than 400 kilogram-force per square centimeter (Kg/cm2).

Abstract: A coating of niobium oxide, zirconium titanate, or nickel titanate is formed on at least a part of a surface of a jet pump member constituting a jet pump serving as a reactor internal structure of a boiling water reactor. Further, a solution containing, e.g., a niobium compound is applied to at least a part of the surface of the jet pump member constituting the jet pump, and the jet pump member coated with the solution is heat-treated to form a coating of, e.g., niobium oxide. With this configuration, the jet pump member constituting the jet pump of the boiling water reactor is provided such that deposition of crud can be sufficiently suppressed on the jet pump member.

Abstract: Improvements to a triple helical flow vortex reactor improve the radio-transparent portion of the reactor. A central part is added thereto consisting of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material. A movable electrode configured to controllably extend into a zone, discharge and retract. A protrusion on the wall optionally aids in the discharge. A feedstock injection unit includes nested pipes: an outer pipe conveys coolants and the inner pipe conveys feedstock. An additional fuel inlet may be connected to an additional reaction chamber connected in series to the reaction chamber. The central part may be porous permitting inward flow of fuel. Slots penetrating the inner wall of the central part enhance the introduction of magnetic and electric fields. An outer shell over the reaction chamber is configured to flow coolant over the outer wall of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates by reacting the corresponding amines with phosgene in the liquid phase, if appropriate in the presence of at least one inert medium, in which the amine and the phosgene are first mixed in a mixing chamber (1) to give a reaction mixture and the reaction mixture is fed to a reactor, the amine being added through an orifice (3) arranged coaxially to the mixing chamber (1) and the phosgene being added through feed orifices (5) in at least two planes (7, 9) arranged at right angles to the axis (11) of the mixing chamber (1), or the phosgene being added through the orifice (3) arranged coaxially to the mixing chamber and the amine through the feed orifices (5) in at least two planes (7, 9) arranged at right angles to the axis (11) of the mixing chamber (1). At least one plane (9) is arranged upstream and at least one plane (7) downstream of the orifice (3) arranged coaxially to the mixing chamber (1) in main flow direction of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Catalyst regeneration vessels including a chlorination zone that includes an outer mixing chamber, an inner mixing chamber, and a catalyst bed. The outer mixing chamber can include a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion of the outer mixing chamber including at least one air nozzle that injects a drying air stream into the outer mixing chamber, at least one chlorine input nozzle that injects a chlorine input stream into the outer mixing chamber, and at least a first baffle. The chlorination zone can also contain a second baffle that directs the mixed drying air stream and chlorine input stream from the outer mixing chamber to the inner mixing chamber.

Abstract: In this disclosure, a system is described, comprising a shear device with at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a mixing vessel with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein an inlet of the shear device is in fluid communication with an outlet of the mixing vessel. In certain embodiments, the shear device and the mixing vessel form a loop for fluid communication. Also disclosed herein is a method of high shear oxidation, comprising mixing an oxidant with a substrate to form a substrate-oxidant mixture and applying shear to the substrate-oxidant mixture to form a product. The product includes ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, terephthalic acid, phenol, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, nitric acid, caprolactam, oxidized polyethylene, oxidized polypropylene, oxidized polyethylene copolymers, and oxidized polypropylene copolymers. Suitable oxidant includes air, oxygen, ozone, peroxide, organic peroxide, halogen, oxygen-containing gas, and halogen-containing gas.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a static phosgene mixer, and more generally, to an apparatus for mixing of fluid components such as phosgene and amine during an highly reactive, chemical reaction that is vulnerable to the creation of undesired by-products, and equipment fouling. A guide element is disposed in the static mixer to divert the incoming flow of phosgene around the guide element and create an annular mixing passage in the static mixer. This allows for the use of an increased external radius of the effective phosgene flow while maintaining phosgene velocity by creating a blockage of the flow. The same flow, when transformed from a circular configuration to an annular configuration has an increased external radius, and a greater quantity of MDA jets can be placed along the increased radius, thus increasing the overall homogeneity of the mixture.

Abstract: In the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, the ortho-xylene loading is increased without increasing the likelihood of explosion by insulating the system to avoid cold spots to keep the ortho-xylene at a temperature above its dew point; in addition the system may be electrically interconnected and grounded to reduce the risk of spark initiated explosions or deflagrations.

Abstract: Modular microreactors are provided composed of microreactor parts including a plate body which has, on one plate side, a groove-shaped depression in which a reactor tube is accommodated, and the reaction tube has connection ends on the outer sides of the plate body. Also disclosed are reaction tubes for turbulent mixing, kits for producing the reactors and the use thereof for commencing chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of gas and fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase and liquid phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the mixing device helps create a highly arcuate flow to incoming effluents and a high degree of mixing within a constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A method for making mononitrobenzene using a plug flow reactor train. Benzene, nitric acid and sulfuric acid are introduced into the reactor and produced mononitrobenzene is removed at an outlet end. All of the benzene and at least part of the sulfuric acid are introduced at the inlet end of the reactor. A first portion of the nitric acid is introduced by a first nitric acid feed into the inlet end and a second portion of the nitric acid is introduced at one or more additional feeds that are spaced between the inlet end and the outlet end. The method results in reduced formation of by-product dinitrobenzene, improving the reaction yield of mononitrobenzene while avoiding the need for a distillation step.

Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.

Abstract: A system having a reactor for continuous processing of fluid is provided herein. The reactor, in general, includes an outer vessel to accommodate fluids to be processed or used in connection therewith, an inner vessel situated within the outer vessel to serve as an energy exchange surface, and an annular space defined between the outer and inner vessels and along which processing of the fluids can be implemented. The continuous thin film reactor can be used to perform, for example, distillation and evaporation, fluid-fluid or solid-fluid-fluid reactions, organic reactions, cooling, and desalination.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing a dental composition comprises a mixer housing with a wall of the mixer housing forming a light filter. The light filter provides for substantially blocking light of certain wavelengths, whereas it transmits light of at least some other wavelengths. The invention may help to prevent dental compositions from degrading.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process of making nano-sized or micro-sized precipitate particles. The process comprising the steps of mixing, in a reaction zone, a metal salt solution with a precipitant solution to form a precipitate, said precipitate being at least one of a metal chalcogenide, metal hydroxide and metal oxide; and applying a shear force to said mixing solutions in said reaction zone during said mixing step, wherein said shear force and the conditions within said reaction zone form said nano-sized or micro-sized precipitate particles.

Abstract: The invention uses a feed of atmospheric air and mixes the air with hydrogen. The hydrogen and air mixture is fed into a catalytic reactor where a deoxygenation reaction occurs. The deoxygenation reaction uses a platinum catalyst to produce water from oxygen and hydrogen. The nitrogen passes through the catalytic reactor without reacting with the hydrogen, the oxygen, or the water. The water is separated from the nitrogen in a dryer. The nitrogen may then be used in drilling and production operations. The water is fed into an electrolyzer where an electrolysis reaction occurs. The electrolyzer passes an electrical current through the water to produce gaseous oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is recycled back to the catalytic reactor and the oxygen may be vented or sold.

Abstract: A water activation device is configured by arranging a plurality of water activation pieces in a holder in a manner that the water activation pieces do not contact with each other where an axial direction of each piece is established along the flow passage. Multiple layers of the holders are established in an internal space of the body of the water activation device. Each of the water activation piece is formed as a cylindrical body with a through hole that includes an axis. Spiral grooves are formed non-continuously or continuously on an inner surface and outer surface of the water activation piece so that when the axis of the water activation piece is established in the flow passage, the water activation piece axially rotates by the flow pressure. The spiral grooves are formed in a rightward rotation (clock-wise) manner in plan view.

Abstract: In order to provide, when a plurality of fluids each containing a different kind of substance are mixed and reacted, a reactor having a mixing channel capable of forming a multi-layered flow in a radial direction in the cylindrically-shaped mixing channel; improving mixing performance by synergizing swirling effects of mixture of turbulent flows and a swirling flow; and producing a reaction product with a high yield as well as high efficiency, a mixing channel 1 which mixes fluids 4 and 5 each containing the different kind of substance is cylindrically shaped, and inlet passages 2 and 3 which introduce the fluids 4 and 5, respectively, are plurally arranged in a manner offset from a central axis of the mixing channel 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component comprising a plurality of plates (1) stacked on each other, at least one of said plates being made of a ceramic material and in which a channel area is formed of fluid flow guide channels (3) by means of webs (2), said channels having a flow connection to inlet and outlet openings (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the stack of plates is connected by force fit by means of a clamping device, and wherein a flat seal (8) is disposed between each of the individual plates (1) of the stack, wherein the flat seal (8) is made of an elastic and/or compressible material and covers both the channel area and the areas encompassing the inlet and outlet openings (4, 5, 6, 7), and at least partially covers the top sides of the webs (2) forming the channels. The components according to the invention are pressure-tight, resistant to thermal shock, and can be dismantled. They are particularly well suited as heat exchangers and microreactors.

Abstract: A powerplant and method for production and use of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon fuel is disclosed in a combination of a triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) and a power producer (510). The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) steam-reforms a hydrocarbon fuel in a rich combustion environment and produces a gas stream with synthesis gas. The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) has a plasma torch to introduce a central vortex and two swirlers to introduce counterposing vortexes, or circumferential flows, at the periphery of a reaction chamber in the triple helical flow vortex reactor. The synthesis gas fuels the power producer (510).

Abstract: Catalytic cracking riser reactor extending between an inlet for hydrocarbonaceous feed and catalyst particles and an outlet for discharging cracked products and spent catalyst particles, which riser reactor has been provided with at least one contacting device, wherein the contacting device comprises a composite of refractory material and a metal structure, which metal structure is connected to the outer wall of the riser reactor. If more contacting devices have been provided, they are preferably axially spaced apart and are disposed along the inner surface of the riser reactor.

Abstract: A gasification system having a combustor vessel, an optional scrubber vessel, an optional fixer vessel, an optional cyclone vessel and an optional demister vessel. A wide variety of possibly moist solid or semi-solid carbonaceous fuels may be partially combusted in the combustor to generate a combustible gas and a mineral ash. An improved ash support and removal subsystem reduces clogging and other problems. The combustible gas is conveyed by optional heavy-duty blowers through the optional vessels to remove liquids and particulates and to undergo catalytic chemical reactions to provide a relatively clean, dry, highly-combustible hydrocarbon gas that captures a relatively high fraction of the potential heating value of the fuel. Internal gases, liquids and particulates from the vessels may be recycled inside the system to improve efficiency and prevent liquid waste. A portion of the internal liquids may also be extracted for other uses.

Abstract: The large volume reactor or a thin film evaporator including a housing enclosing a reactor chamber . A reactor rotor driven about an axis of rotation is located in the reactor chamber. The housing comprises a reactor chamber inlet opening and a product outlet. A premixing unit is located adjacent the reactor chamber inlet opening, which is configured to mix a starting material fed through one or more product inlet openings to form a prepared substance which is fed directly to the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A liquid-gas phase reactor system including a slinger located in an upper section (headspace region) of a reaction vessel. The slinger comprises an upper horizontal surface including a plurality of vertically raised vanes extending radially outward along a curved path which effectively distribute liquid about the reactor vessel. A method for conducting an oxidation reaction using a liquid-gas phase reactor system is also disclosed. The disclosed reactor system and method have a broad range of applications but are particularly suited for the production of terephthalic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for hydrogenating organic compounds in a polyphasic system in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst, which comprises performing the process in two stages, the first stage being performed in a loop reactor with an external heat exchanger and the second stage in a bubble column reactor with limited backmixing.

Abstract: Improvements to a triple helical flow vortex reactor add an inner wall (103) having at least one transition point (121) between the fuel inlet end (101) and the gas outlet end (102) and a circumferential flow apparatus (120) operating at each transition point (121). A restrictor at each transition point (121) is optionally added to reduce aerodynamic resistance to the various fluid flows. A vortex swirler is optionally added through the fuel inlet end, which preferably surrounds an inlet nozzle combined with a plasma torch. The fuel inlet end is optionally equipped with cooling channels in which a coolant can flow isolated from the reaction chamber. An optional coaxial cylindrical wall extends through the reaction chamber and creates a toroidal volume for reactions.

Abstract: The instant application provides apparatus and methods for the generation of gas, preferably chlorine dioxide. The methods and apparatus of the invention use a removable reaction chamber for the reaction of precursor chemicals, e.g., chlorite salt and an acid. The methods and compositions of the invention provide gas for a number of personal and commercial applications.

Abstract: A compact device for mixing fluids in a downflow reactor comprising at least one substantially horizontal gathering device provided with a vertical gathering line intended to receive the fluids, at least one injection device arranged in the gathering line, an annular mixing chamber located downstream from the gathering means in the direction of circulation of the fluids, the mixing chamber comprising an inlet end directly connected to the gathering line and an outlet end for passage of the fluids, and a horizontal predistribution plate comprising at least one chimney, the plate being located downstream from the mixing chamber at a distance d2, in the direction of circulation of the fluids. The reactor is especially useful for exothermic reactions, e.g. hydrotreatment, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrocracking, hydrogenation and hydrodearomatization reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for recovering a polymer from polymer solution, and a method of recovering a polymer using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a polymer solution-storage tank for storing a polymer solution; a polymer solution feeding pump for pumping the polymer solution from the polymer solution storage tank; an antisolvent storage tank for storing an antisolvent; an antisolvent feeding pump for pumping the antisolvent from the antisolvent storage tank; a reaction chamber to which the polymer solution pumped by the polymer solution feeding pump and the antisolvent pumped by the antisolvent feeding pump are supplied; a high-speed mixer that is rotated in the reaction chamber at a speed range of 1000 to 30000 rpm, mixes the polymer solution with the antisolvent under a shearing force corresponding to a tip speed of 5 to 30 m/sec, and precipitates a polymer; and a precipitate storage tank for storing the precipitation mixture of the polymer and the solvent/antisolvent.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for thermal processing of catalytically active biomass, the biomass is subjected in a receiving tank to a cracking temperature to undergo a cracking reaction. The biomass is transferred to a mixer pump to produce a reaction mixture which is directed into an outgassing chamber of an intermediate tank to produce an outgassed fraction and a non-outgassed liquid fraction. The outgassed fraction to produce fuel is cooled down, and a first portion of the non-outgassed liquid fraction is returned and subjected again to the cracking temperature in the receiving tank. A second portion of the non-outgassed liquid fraction is conducted in a bypass to the outgassing chamber of the intermediate tank for outgassing while fresh biomass is added. Residual matter settling in the intermediate tank is periodically removed.

Abstract: A reactor system for gas phase reacting of at least two fluid feed streams, where the reactor system has an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. The injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber has a bulkhead that slides during real-time operation to either diminish or expand the internal volume of the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the effective passageway space through the bulkhead is also variably adjustable. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor shares the bulkhead so that axial bulkhead movement commensurately expands one reaction space while diminishing the other reaction space. Input gas streams enter the backmixing reaction chamber with sufficient velocity to turbulently agitate the contents of the injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber by injective intermixing of the alkane-containing gas feed stream and the oxygen-containing gas feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system.

Abstract: A chemical reaction between a first chemical reagent and a second chemical reagent occurs in a mixing chamber arrangement; a dispensing chamber; a dispensing piston configured to dispense reacting mixture from the dispensing chamber; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the dispensing piston and operation of the chemical mixing arrangement. The chemical mixing arrangement has a mixing chamber and injection apparatus configured to produce a jet of a first chemical reagent and a jet of a second chemical reagent such that the jets collide within the mixing chamber to produce reacting mixture. The dispensing chamber has an inlet for receiving the reacting mixture from the mixing chamber and an outlet for dispensing the reacting mixture. The control unit co-ordinates the chemical mixing arrangement to mix the chemical reagents while the dispensing piston is retracted at a controlled rate to enlarge the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device [10] includes at least one reactant passage [26] and one or more thermal control passages defined therein, the one or more thermal control passages being positioned and arranged within two volumes [12,14] each bordered by a wall [18,20], the walls being generally planar and parallel to one another, the reactant passage positioned between said generally planar walls and defined by said generally planar walls and walls [28] extending between said generally planar walls, wherein the reactant passage comprises multiple successive chambers [34], each such chamber including a split of the reactant passage into at least two sub-passages [36], and a joining [38] of the split passages, and a change of passage direction, of at least one of the sub-passages, of at least 90 degrees.

Abstract: To provide a method for catalytically cracking waste plastics wherein the efficiency in decomposition is high; even polyethylene composed of linear chain molecules difficult in decomposition is decomposable at a low temperature and decomposed residue is hardly produced; the process is simple since dechlorination can be achieved at the same time with catalytically cracking waste plastics in one reaction vessel; and oil fractions can be recovered at 50% or more on a net yield basis. The method for catalytically cracking waste plastics of the present invention has a constitution in which waste plastics are loaded as a raw material into a granular FCC catalyst heated to a temperature range from 350° C. to 500° C. inside a reaction vessel, thereby decomposing and gasifying the waste plastics in contact with the FCC catalyst.

Abstract: A fast pyrolysis apparatus (200) for producing pyrolysis liquid, such as oil or tar, char and pyrolysis gas from biomass, such as straw, comprises a centrifuge chamber (204) and a rotor (210) arranged to impart rotation on the biomass in the centrifuge chamber to force the biomass outwardly under the action of centrifugal forces. A furnace (206) arranged coaxially around the centrifuge chamber (204) maintains the temperature at an outer reactive wall of the centrifuge chamber at an elevated temperature to effect the pyrolysis process at or near the reactive wall. The apparatus comprises a condenser (218) arranged coaxially with and surrounded by the centrifuge chamber (204). The apparatus may be accommodated by a mobile unit for simultaneously collecting biomass from a field and processing the biomass in the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for making sheets, films, and objects including a reactor-dryer for reacting at least one monomer to produce a polymer melt; a flash melter in communication with the reactor-dryer for heating the polymer melt received from the reactor-dryer; a flash tank in communication with the flash melter for removing volatile compounds from the polymer melt; and a control loop in communication with the flash tank for controlling the pressure of the polymer melt from the flash tank to a die forming unit. Methods of making sheets, films, and objects is further included.

Abstract: Apparatus for intensifying heterogeneous chemical reactions is described. For the case of liquid-liquid reactions, with drops of a reactant distributed throughout the second continuous reactant, the physical phenomena of drop dispersion (break up) and drop coalescence are identified as the main physical steps affecting reaction rates. A basic flow cell structure is described in which the respective actions of dispersion and coalescence can be greatly intensified through the creation of enhanced body forces and shear flow zones. The basic cell structure can be arranged into pipe flow reactors to suit any production or process requirements. The basic cell structure is equally applicable to gas-liquid reactions with drops of one reactant being conveyed by a moving gas stream.

Abstract: A method of dispensing small discrete quantities of fluidized alkaline metals fuels through a plurality of spindle shaft orifices into a hydrolyzation chamber at a high spindle shaft rotational speed.

Abstract: A continuous process and related system for producing high purity silica are disclosed. The process and system utilize a unique high temperature rotary reactor which excludes oxygen. The use of one or more anoxic gases is described, that upon administration into the system promote the exclusion of oxygen.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: A direct-fired coal combustion system includes a swirl chamber having an input configured to receive a coal-water slurry and causing the coal-water slurry to mix with discharge air from a compressor to gasify the coal-water slurry and create a synthesis gas. The system also includes a cyclone separator directly coupled to the second end of the swirl chamber and a second stage combustion input coupled to an output of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biodiesel fuel that comprises generating micro-droplets of a first reactant and mixing the micro-droplets of the first reactant with a second reactant that is substantially immiscible with the first reactant. The method also comprises transferring the mixture of the first reactant and second reactant into a transesterification reaction vessel. The first reactant is one of an alcohol or oil, and the second reactant is the other of the oil or the alcohol.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing biodiesel fuel, i.e., alkyl ester, from vegetable and/or animal oil. A transesterification catalyst is prepared in a base catalyst tank by spraying alkyl alcohol under pressure through jets at metal hydroxide pellets until the pellets have fully reacted with the alcohol. The oil is heated and transesterified in the presence of alkyl alcohol and the transesterification catalyst in a closed, recirculating transesterification flow system under slight cavitation to yield product alkyl ester and product glycerol. Cavitation is achieved by permitting air to enter the transesterification flow system through an adjustable air inlet valve. When permitted to stand, product alkyl ester forms an upper layer that is decanted and subjected to purification steps, to remove particulates and alkyl alcohol from the product alkyl ester, and a lower layer of product glycerol is drained away.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: This invention presents a sulphurous acid generator which employs a combination of novel blending, contact and mixing mechanisms which maximize the efficiency and duration of contact between sulphur dioxide gas and water to form sulphurous acid in an open nonpressurized system, without employing a countercurrent absorption tower. The present invention also incorporates a novel high temperature concrete for use in constructing portions of the present invention.