Including Internal Mixing Or Stirring Means Patents (Class 422/224)
  • Patent number: 6972113
    Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). The surface (5) is provided with features to enhance its surface area, such as a metal mesh (60), thereby helping to increase the residence time of the reactant (15) on the surface (5) and to help mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Protensive Limited
    Inventors: Colin Ramshaw, Roshan Jeet Jee Jachuck
  • Patent number: 6951762
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a solvent with a solute to form a solution, and for separating said solution from excess solute so that a sample of solution less excess solute can be obtained, and for synthesizing drug compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6936227
    Abstract: A feed-dispersion system for hydrocarbon feeds of fluid catalytic cracking units is described, which comprises: a feed-injection system made up of two concentric conduits, where the atomization fluid flows through the inner conduit, while the liquid feed flows through the annular space formed by the outer surface of the inner conduit and the inner surface of the outer conduit; an atomization unit having nozzles arranged in rows, with one row having central nozzles connected to the inner conduit for atomization fluid, and two or more rows of side nozzles, connected to the outer feed conduit, the central nozzles and side nozzles of the atomization unit being geometrically placed so that the energy of the atomization fluid is fully transferred by contact to the flow of feed, this resulting in the complete atomization of the feed; a mixing chamber formed by the edges of the central nozzles, the dimensions of which are able to prevent the coalescence of the formed oil droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventors: Edson José Joaquim De Souza, Aurélio Medina Dubois, Cláudio Damiance Baptista, José Geraldo Furtado Ramos, José Loreto Moreira De Faria, Moacir José Bampi
  • Patent number: 6929783
    Abstract: Elastomer masterbatch is processed in a continuous compounder having multiple parallel elongate rotors axially oriented in an elongate processing chamber. Optionally, additional materials are compounded into the masterbatch, e.g., additives, other elastomeric compositions, etc. Preferably, the masterbatch then is further processed in an open mill. Excellent control of Mooney Viscosity is achieved. In certain preferred embodiments, elastomer composites are produced by novel continuous flow methods and apparatus in which fluid streams of particulate filler and elastomer latex are fed to the mixing zone of a coagulum reactor to form a coagulated mixture in semi-confined flow continuously from the mixing zone through a coagulum zone to a discharge end of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Bin Chung, Susan W. Green, Ivan Z. Podobnik, Joseph Cianciolo
  • Patent number: 6902928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment compartment (1) for treating histological samples with treating agents (2, 2?, 2?). The treatment compartment (1) comprises a housing (3) with an inlet and outlet (4, 4?) for the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?), a rotatable retaining device (5) which receives the samples and a closable access opening (6) on the front (7). The aim of the invention is to improve a treatment compartment (1) of the above kind in such a way that it has a compact design and is easily accessible without the risk of the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?) emerging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Microm International GmbH
    Inventors: Ilia Borisovitch Izvoztchikov, Helge Ebeling
  • Patent number: 6902707
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for atomizing a fluid is disclosed herein. The fluid is mixed with an atomizing fluid in a plurality of locations and passed through a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William R Adamson, George A. Swan, III, Michael W. Bedell
  • Patent number: 6896851
    Abstract: The wet-gas desulfurizing apparatus according to this invention removes the oxides of sulfur, such as SO2, from combustion exhaust gas by scrubbing the combustion exhaust with an absorption liquid which contains an alkali. It includes: 1) a branch pipe to circulate the absorption liquid which is inserted into a collection tank, of which the end discharges the absorption liquid into the collection tank, and the branch pipe having an internal diameter of D; and 2) an air-blowing pipe in inject air into the branch pipe, of which the end is inserted at an insertion point located between 3 D and 10 D from the discharge end of the branch pipe. The end of the air-blowing pipe is inserted into the branch pipe, and has an appearance of a semicircular trough facing downstream toward the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Toru Takashina, Takeo Shinoda
  • Patent number: 6896401
    Abstract: In a process for mixing reactant streams (1, 2; 5) to produce a product stream (10) using a mixing configuration (15, 16) having a number of reactant feed points, an excess component stream of one reactant is divided into two reactant substreams (1, 2) and fed into the suction region (3, 4) of a mixing space (12) at right angles to a deficient component (5) entering the mixing space (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Wölfert, Ulrich Penzel
  • Patent number: 6881387
    Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus (16) that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber (20), a rough distribution network (100), and a distribution apparatus (120). In the swirl chamber (20), reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber (20) through an aperture to the rough distribution system (100) where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus (120). The distribution apparatus (120) includes a plate (122) with a number of bubble caps (130) and associated a drip trace (150) that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps (130) to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps (130) to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventors: Garry E. Jacobs, Steven W. Stupin, Robert W. Kuskie
  • Patent number: 6866831
    Abstract: In an apparatus 10, a space is formed by a pair of impermeable supports 16 and a pair of spacer members 12 for providing a predetermined distance between the impermeable supports 16. A permeable membrane is provided within the space and outlets 15 are provided on each of the pair of impermeable members 16. A stirrer 20 is provided within the space where the permeating object is present, and comprises a stirring axis 22, a driving source for oscillating the stirring axis 22, and a plurality of stirring blades 24 mounted on the stirring axis 22. Cut sections 26 are provided at a portion of each of the stirring blades 24 so that the permeating object can be circulated at the space between the stirring blade 24 and the inner wall of the spacer member 12 or at the space between the stirring blade 24 and the permeable membrane 14. The cut sections are alternately provided at the right and left sides of the layered stirring blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Reika Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Nakao, Toru Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6841140
    Abstract: As to a reactor which is used in a process for producing hydrogen fluoride through a reaction of fluorite with sulfuric acid, and which comprises means for applying a shearing force to a content therein between the means and an inner surface thereof, a metal material is used for at least a portion of a part of the means which part is opposed to the inner surface, the metal material comprising tungsten carbide and a material comprising at least one element, or an alloy comprising two or more elements, selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, cobalt, iron, tungsten and carbon, the metal material comprising 30 to 90% by weight of tungsten carbide. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the wear of an edge of the means for applying the shearing force to the content (the reaction mixture) between the means and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironobu Nishimura, Toshinobu Takeuchi, Yukio Homoto, Norio Ema
  • Publication number: 20040253169
    Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of making ferric chloride with reduced amounts of hydrochloric acid for water treatment. The method comprises preparing a reactant batch comprising ferric oxide and hydrochloric acid at a predetermined molar ratio. The method further includes mixing the reactant batch with an impeller rotating between about 60 and 150 revolutions per minute. The method further includes maintaining the reactant batch at a temperature between about 70° Fahrenheit and 180° Fahrenheit. The method forms a reaction product including ferric chloride and a reduced amount of hydrochloric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: PVS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Rutkowski, Andy M. Yaksic
  • Publication number: 20040247518
    Abstract: An efficient process to produce calcium thiosulfate (CaS2O3) from lime, sulfur and oxygen is described. By selecting appropriate process conditions such as mole ratios of lime to sulfur, temperature and pressure of the reaction process and the oxidation conditions, including rate and duration, the concentration of byproducts in the resulting suspension can be reduced to about 2% by weight or less. The solid particulate dispersion in the suspension tends to form a slimy solid suspension that is hard to filter if not treated properly. The suspension then can be acidified and treated with a flocculent. This agglomerates the solids into a floc that filters with ease. The resulting calcium thiosulfate is a clear liquid with concentrations achievable up to 29%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Massoud Hajjatie, Harry Charles Kominski, Mark Daniel Aspengren, Mark Pierce Clarkson, Constance Lynn Frank Lockhart
  • Patent number: 6824675
    Abstract: A device for producing and distributing a polyphase mixture between two fluids comprises a chamber for the passage of a first fluid, said chamber being pierced by perforated tubes or conduits to pass a second fluid in a different physical state than the first fluid or not miscible with the first fluid through the chamber, said tubes being pierced by at least one orifice allowing passage of the first fluid and mixing between the fluids via the tubes. The second fluid is injected upstream of said device and the first fluid is injected into said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Vincent Coupard, Bertrand Fanget
  • Publication number: 20040234435
    Abstract: A reactor for the oxidation of a precursor to an aromatic carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a liquid phase reaction mixture is disclosed. The reactor comprises an elongate vessel, substantially vertical in use, having an upper mixing element and a lower mixing element, characterised in that the upper mixing element is an axial pumping impeller and the lower mixing element is a radial pumping impeller. A process of producing a carboxylic acid or ester thereof in a reactor of the invention is also disclosed. In use, the configuration of mixing elements leads to three highly turbulent mixing zones. In a preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention oxidant, from one inlet, and solvent, precursor and catalyst, are introduced directly into a mixing zone. The highly turbulent mixing zones lead to rapid mass transfer suppressing the formation of unwanted, coloured by-products and reduced reactor fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: David Robert Bickham, Michael Cooke, Martin Reid Burton Davis, Samuel Duncan Housley, Finbar Gerald McDonnell
  • Publication number: 20040234434
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where a preferred direction of quench injection is selected to cause a rotational current on the collection tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory P. Muldowney, Michael R. Chuba
  • Patent number: 6814942
    Abstract: An oxygen-containing blowing device for use in a wet flue gas desulfurizer for removing SO2 from combustion exhaust gas by wet desulfurization includes a fluid reservoir for an absorbing fluid equipped with a delivery pipe for discharging the absorbing fluid so that its discharge end is open in said fluid reservoir, and an oxygen feed nozzle for injecting an oxygen-containing gas disposed in the area of the discharged stream in the discharge end of the delivery pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Shinoda, Toru Takashina, Masakazu Onizuka
  • Patent number: 6805847
    Abstract: A liquid phase oxidation reactor is provided. The liquid phase oxidation reactor includes: a substantially cylindrical reaction vessel having an interior space of a predetermined volume; a lid combined with the reaction vessel on top of the reaction vessel; one or more stirring blades disposed within the reaction vessel and rotating by a driving source disposed on the outside of the reaction vessel; a liquid phase supplying line disposed at a sidewall of the reaction vessel for supplying a liquid phase reactant to the reaction vessel; a liquid phase discharging line disposed at a sidewall of the reaction vessel for draining a product obtained through a chemical reaction out of the reaction vessel; a gas feed nozzle formed in a bent shape for supplying an oxygen containing gas to the reaction vessel; and an angle adjusting means for supporting the gas feed nozzle so that the gas feed nozzle is turned so that the outlet thereof faces one of the stirring blades or the interior sidewall of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Pohang University of Science and Technology Foundation
    Inventor: Jae-sung Lee
  • Patent number: 6805844
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for the treatment, sampling, and transportation of chemical weapon materiel contained in a small frangible glass, e.g., container. The apparatus, method and system permit the chemical weapon materiel to be easily treated and contained by a technician in the field to produce non-military chemicals suitable for transport and final disposal. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a single-use vessel having a compression section and a treatment portion for holding a bottle of chemical weapon materiel and a volume of treatment chemical. A cover is positioned on the vessel and is used to support a compression jack. A portion of the compression jack is installed between the cover and a compression frame and is extended until the compression section of the vessel is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Tennessee Valley Authority
    Inventor: Grady Lynn Holt
  • Patent number: 6802965
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the removal of hydrogen peroxide from spent pickle liquor used in a steel strip pickling process. The process utilizes an enclosed decomposition tank which includes a pickle liquor inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, at least one vent pipe, an internal baffle, and a heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: AK Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay N. Madi, Jerald W. Leeker
  • Publication number: 20040191156
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing nitrogen trifluoride. The invention involves passing a working fluid through a heat engine cycle and using the mechanical energy generated by the working fluid to produce sufficient mixing intensity within a nitrogen trifluoride reactor. The method utilizes a working fluid vapor jet, such as a hydrogen fluoride vapor jet, to impart sufficient energy to the mixing zone of a reactor in order to disperse gaseous fluorine within a liquid ammonium acid fluoride melt. A gaseous reaction product stream is removed from the reactor, the reaction product stream comprising nitrogen trifluoride and a working fluid vapor. The working fluid is then separated from the nitrogen trifluoride and recycled for reuse in the process, thereby completing a heat engine cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Donald Prentice Satchell, Vasu R. Mohan
  • Patent number: 6797243
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for the conversion of synthesis gas into Fischer-Tropsch products includes a stationary Fischer-Tropsch catalyst having a voidage ratio greater than approximately 0.45 or 0.6 and may further have a catalyst concentration for a given reactor volume of at least 10 percent. A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst has a structured shape promoting non-Taylor flow and/or producing a productivity in the range of 200-4000 vol CO/vol. Catalyst/hour or greater over at least a 600 hour run of a Fischer-Tropsch reactor with the catalyst therein. A system for converting synthesis gas into longer-chain hydrocarbon products through the Fisher-Tropsch reaction has a reactor for receiving synthesis gas directly or as a saturated hydrocarbon liquid or a combination, and a stationary, structured Fischer-Tropsch catalyst disposed within the reactor for converting at least a portion of the synthesis gas into longer-chain hydrocarbons through Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Kym B. Arcuri, Kenneth L. Agee, Mark A. Agee
  • Publication number: 20040179983
    Abstract: A unique reactor configuration especially suitable for interphase mass transfer and mixing of multiple phases, i.e. gas(es), liquid(s), and solid(s) where reaction is catalyzed by a solid catalyst comprises a draught tube reactor wherein the solid catalyst particles are maintained in an annular space between the draught tube of the reactor and an annulus-defining wall by means of filter elements positioned downstream and optionally also upstream from the catalyst bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Prakash G. Balan
  • Patent number: 6790417
    Abstract: An improved recirculating tank reactor incorporating the advantages of a fixed catalyst includes a monolithic honeycomb catalyst positioned within the tank in such a manner so as to provide an adjacent bypass passageway. Internal flow activation means are provided for recirculating the reactant liquid within the tank in such a manner that it sequentially flows through channels in the catalyzed honeycomb substrate and around the substrate through the bypass passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thorsten R. Boger
  • Publication number: 20040175322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for continuously producing chlorine dioxide comprising the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas E. Woodruff, James L. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 6787114
    Abstract: A wet type exhaust gas desulfurization apparatus includes a liquid reservoir which reserves absorption liquid containing absorbent and sulfite, a desulfurizing system which removes sulphur dioxide from combustion exhaust gas and forms sulfite, and an air supplying and circulating device which has a reduction section and supplies air to said liquid reservoir using a negative pressure generated due to said reduction section to oxidize the sulfite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Toru Takashina
  • Patent number: 6786973
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for carrying out the method for depositing, in particular, crystalline layers on substrates that are also, in particular, crystalline. According to the invention, at least two process gases are introduced separate from one another into a process chamber of a reactor, whereby the first process gas flows through a central line having a central outlet opening, and the second process gas flows through a line, which is peripheral thereto and which has a peripheral outlet opening. The second process gas flows through one or more supply lines and into a mixing chamber and flows through additional means, which influence the gas stream and which are provided for homogenizing the radial flow profile of the process gas exiting the peripheral outlet opening. The aim of the invention is to obtain a homogeneous radial flow profile by using simple means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aixtron AG
    Inventors: Gerd Strauch, Markus Reinhold
  • Patent number: 6783743
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for blending a solute and a solvent to form a solution product which substantially eliminates starting material and product operational loss while improving environmental safety both in the workplace and the ambient atmosphere. The apparatus and method employ a closed system and controls which remove substances from the overhead vapors generated in the various units by employing separate and distinct filtering systems. A high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) is employed in a closed solute supply means. A demister device is in fluid communication with the vent of the mixing vessel unit to remove solvent and solution products, to form droplets from the exhaust stream and return them to the mixing tank and discharging the exhaust stream without stress to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Puritan Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Starner
  • Publication number: 20040166039
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Shuji Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nakamoto, Susumu Harada, Norifumi Maeda
  • Publication number: 20040158113
    Abstract: A process for alkylation of olefin-containing gases with low molecular weight branched alkanes to generate alkylate. The process involves the use of solid acid catalysts as alkylation catalysts. In a specific embodiment, the process employs a three-phase catalytic reactor where olefins present in the gas are reacted, preferably to extinction, with a large excess of liquid branched alkane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Girish Srinivas, Steven Charles Gebhard, Theodore Sidney Hoover
  • Publication number: 20040158094
    Abstract: The tert-butyl ester of an aliphatic C1-C4-carboxylic acid is prepared by reacting the carboxylic acid with isobutene in the liquid phase in the presence of an acidic catalyst by a continuous process in which the reaction is carried out in a reactor divided into a plurality of sections, the carboxylic acid, the isoolefin and the catalyst are fed into the first section of the reactor, the reaction mixture obtained is removed from the last section of the reactor and the ester is isolated therefrom, the reaction temperature in the reactor being controlled so that it is from 10 to 40° C. and is highest in the first section of the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ruprecht Kroker, Gerhard Nestler, Werner Schmitt, Winfried Schumm
  • Publication number: 20040156763
    Abstract: The invention relates to reactor apparatus (1) comprising an assembly of a plurality of separate conduits (2) disposed within a vessel (3) for heat exchange between the conduits (2) and a medium (not shown) in the vessel (3), the separate conduits (2) being connectible to define one or more flow paths through the reactor (1), the length of the or each flow path being variable by adjusting the number of conduits connected such that the residence tine of reactants flowing in the or each flow path can be varied, and a mixing inlet (100) for mixing fluids comprising a conduit (200) adapted to be inserted into a fluid flow device (300) and means (400) disposed about the outer surface (700) of the conduit (200) to create turbulence in fluid in the device (300), there being at least one aperture (600) in the conduit (200) for addition and an additive, the turbulence causing mixing of the additive into the fluid show. Such a mixing inlet (100) can be used with reactor apparatus as described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mark D. Wood, Andrew J. Green
  • Patent number: 6773581
    Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrothermal treatment includes a scraper formed as a hollow cylinder. The scraper is positioned in the reactor vessel with the scraper axis substantially co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical reactor vessel. A mechanism is provided to rotate the scraper about the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. One or more elongated scraper bars are positioned inside the reactor vessel between the scraper and the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. Each scraper bar may be held stationary with respect to the reactor vessel, or each scraper bar may rotated relative to an axis passing through the scraper bar to remove any solids that have accumulated on the scraper or on the scraper bar. To prevent accumulation of precipitating solids on the scraper bar itself, each scraper bar may have internal cooling channels or the capability of releasing a purging fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Michael H. Spritzer, Kevin W. Downey, Martin R. Martinez, Toshisuke Isoya, Kunitoshi Suzuki, Satoshi Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20040136895
    Abstract: (1) A method for producing vapor grown carbon, comprising mixing a raw material gas containing an organic compound and an organo-transition metallic compound preliminarily heated preferably to a temperature 100 to 145° C. with a carrier gas heated preferably to a temperature 700 to 1,600° C., and introducing the resultant gas mixture into a carbon fiber production zone, wherein preferably a mixture of an aromatic compound and acetylene, ethylene, or butadiene is used as an organic compound; (2) a method in which a transition metallic compound is dissolved in a solvent, the resultant solution is atomized into fine droplets, the solvent in the droplets is evaporated to thereby obtain fine particles of the transition metal compound, the drifting particles are introduced with an organic compound gas into the carbon fiber production zone; (3) an apparatus used in the production methods; and (4) vapor grown carbon fiber thereby produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuo Muramaki, Yoshihisa Sakamoto, Ryuji Yamamoto, Toshio Morita
  • Publication number: 20040134836
    Abstract: In a vertical reactor vessel through which vapor and liquid flow concurrently, the fluids pass vertically through a horizontal mixing box having internal flow baffles that form at least one mixing orifice through which the process stream flows at high velocity. In the mixing orifices the liquid is dispersed to obtain a large area for interphase heat and mass transfer. Each mixing orifice is followed by structure that divides the process stream into two lower velocity streams, whereby turbulent flow conditions are generated, and wherein hold-up time is provided to allow for heat and mass transfer. The fluids exit the mixing box through an outlet opening in a bottom wall of the mixing box. An impingement plate is located below this outlet opening to spread the liquid and decrease the velocity of the exiting jet. The outlet stream from the mixer is equilibrated regarding temperature and chemical composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Morten Muller
  • Publication number: 20040133057
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for mixing a plurality of gases. The preferred embodiments of the invention comprise forming bubbles of at least two gases injected separately into a liquid, and passing said bubbles through a gas-induced turbulent liquid region to enhance gas transfer between bubbles and to thereby mix the at least two gases. Creating the gas-induced turbulent liquid region preferably includes using a high gas superficial velocity, and may further include using powered mechanical devices, static internal structures, fluid recirculation, or combinations thereof. The gas mixture is preferably supplied to a reaction zone. In one embodiment a bubble tank mixer supplies a gas mixture comprising oxygen and a hydrocarbon gas to an oxidation reaction zone disposed above said mixer. In alternative embodiments the reaction zone and mixer may be integrated into the same vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Yi Jiang, Harold A. Wright, Doug S. Jack
  • Publication number: 20040131515
    Abstract: A heat treatment system comprises a plurality of feed lines for feeding a fluid, a plurality of treatment zones, leach treatment zone being fed by one of the plurality of feed lines, wherein each treatment zone includes at least one chamber for holding a material and flowing the fluid through the material, and a plurality of heating elements, wherein each heating element heats the material in at least one of the plurality of chambers. A method of treating a material comprises the steps of feeding a fluid to at least one treatment zone, wherein the treatment zone includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber holding a material to be treated, controlling flow rate of the fluid to the treatment zone, flowing the fluid through the material in each chamber, heating the material in at least one chamber and flowing the fluid out of the chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ara J. Alexanian, Ralph D. Gillespie, Duncan E. Akporiaye
  • Publication number: 20040133056
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for manufacturing alkylate oil using a composite ionic liquid as catalyst. A mixture of isobutane and C4 olefins is used as the raw material, and a composite ionic liquid is used as catalyst to carry out an alkylation reaction. The alkane/olefin ratio in the raw material is higher than 1:1. In the composition of the aforementioned composite ionic liquid catalyst, the cations come from a hydrohalide of an alkyl-containing amine or pyridine, while the anions are composite coordinate anions coming from two or more metal compounds. One of the metal compounds is an aluminum compound, while other metal compounds are compounds of Group IB and Group IIB elements of the Periodic Table and the transition metals. The present invention also provides a design of static mixer reaction apparatus that can realize the aforementioned manufacturing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Zhichang Liu, Chunming Xu, Chongpin Huang
  • Publication number: 20040131535
    Abstract: A process for the production of calcium bromide from feed brines, particularly from Dead Sea End Brine (EB), is described. The process comprises extracting the feed brine in countercurrent with a composite organic solvent; optionally, purifying the extract to increase the ratio Br:Cl by contacting it with a part of the product; and washing the purified extract with water to yield the product, that is an aqueous solution of CaBr2. The composite solvent comprises an aniomic extractant, such as an amine or a mixture of amines; a cationic extractant, such as a carboxylic phosphoric or sulphonic acid or a mixtures of said acids; and diluent/modifier, which is an organic solvent. An apparatus for the production of calcium bromide is also described, which comprises: an extraction battery; optionally, a purification battery; and a washing battery, wherein at least one of the batteries comprises a plurality of stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Baruch Grinbaum, Leni Kogan, Eli Barnea, Gideon Harel, Rafael Semiat, Samuel Wahrmann
  • Patent number: 6759014
    Abstract: A parallel reactor system including a reactor and vessels in the reactor for holding reaction mixtures, and a cannula for introducing fluid reaction material into the vessels. A robot system is operable to insert the cannula into cannula passages in the reactor for delivery of reaction materials, including slurries, to respective vessels, and to withdraw the cannula from the cannula passages after delivery. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Cameron Dales, Jonah R. Troth, Kenneth S. Higashihara, Gary Diamond, Vince Murphy, William H. Chandler, Jr., Trevor G. Frank, J. Christopher Freitag
  • Patent number: 6749817
    Abstract: An arrangement for a fluid distributor-contactor-type reactor uses perforated plates to circulate two reactants in alternate channels defined by spaces between parallel stacked plates to perform controlled distribution and mixing simultaneously with optional indirect heat transfer. One reactant enters one set of channels that serve as reaction channels. A set of second channels interleaved with the reaction channels serve as distribution channels that also provide a heat exchange function. Finely dispersed openings in the perforated plates distribute the reactant at low concentration from the distribution channels into the reaction channels. Dispersal of the reactant through the perforations will enhance the turbulence that is primarily introduced by the corrugated plates to insure good mixing of the reactants in the reaction channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Mulvaney, III
  • Publication number: 20040106021
    Abstract: An exhaust gas processing device for a fuel cell is disclosed. In the exhaust gas processing device, hydrogen gas purged from the fuel cell is mixed with cathode exhaust gas from the fuel cell and diluted prior to being discharged to an atmosphere. The exhaust gas processing device includes a reservoir in which purged hydrogen gas from the fuel cell is retained and mixed with cathode exhaust gas from the fuel cell, and an agitating gas introduction inlet provided at an upper part of the reservoir. The purged hydrogen gas is mixed with and diluted by agitating gas introduced from the agitating gas introduction inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kanai, Hideo Numata, Akio Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040101476
    Abstract: To provide a substance separating/recovery method using a superconductive magnetic field that separate and recover substances efficiently, to make the ashes harmless, and to generate zeolite. The method of the present invention includes: (1) a step, wherein the ashes resulting from the incineration of combustible waste are (a) introduced into a first tank 2 to form a liquid that contains, as a solvent, an alkaline aqueous solution or water, air, and electrolytic water, and (b) continuously reinjected into a first substance-separating/recovering device 1A to make the ashes harmless, and (2) a step, wherein clear water, which recovered in the first substance-separating/recovering device 1A and then returned to the first tank 2, is (c) introduced into a second tank 3 to form a heat-treated liquid that contains, an alkaline aqueous solution, and (d) continuously reintroduced into a second substance-separating/recovering device 1B to crystallize that heat-treated liquid into zeolite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Etsuro Sakagami
  • Publication number: 20040091406
    Abstract: In a process for mixing reactant streams (1, 2; 5) to produce a product stream (10) using a mixing configuration (15, 16) having a number of reactant feed points, an excess component stream of one reactant is divided into two reactant substreams (1, 2) and fed into the suction region (3, 4) of a mixing space (12) at right angles to a deficient component (5) entering the mixing space (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Wolfert, Ulrich Penzel
  • Patent number: 6734282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a dissolved polymer from solids, wherein the solid is separated off by sedimentation and the sedimented solid is washed in countercurrent with a solvent. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing polymers in a solvent, wherein a) a polymer having a low molecular weight is prepared in solution, b) the solid which is undissolved in the reaction mixture is separated off by sedimentation and c) the mixture which has been freed of the solid is polymerized further until a particular molecular weight has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Wagener, Michael Haubs
  • Publication number: 20040086435
    Abstract: Device for mixing and distributing a dense, generally liquid, fluid and a light, generally gaseous, fluid, placed in a reaction chamber upstream from a granular bed (70) or between two successive granular beds, the said device being characterized by a tubular system (50) for the introduction of dense fluid from outside the reactor, up to a level lower than the level of establishment of the interface between the dense fluid and the light fluid, situated above the plate and preferably more or less next to that of the plate (62). Application of this device to any type of gas/liquid reaction in a fixed bed in particular for hydrotreatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Vincent Coupard
  • Publication number: 20040081610
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for carrying out a reaction in liquid medium during which there is gas evolution. The inventive device comprises at least: a static mixer (3) wherein emerges at least a pipe (1) supplying liquid medium; a cyclone reactor (4) connected to said static mixer (3) and provided with a vent (5) for evacuating the gas or gases formed and means for evacuating (6, 7) the liquid medium. The invention also concerns a method whereby a reaction is carried out in liquid medium during which there is gas evolution. The invention can be used particularly for a reaction involving a peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide and, in particular, for reducing chlorine contained in a liquid effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jean Philippe Ricard, Joel Choupeaux, Jean Michel Delassus
  • Publication number: 20040071617
    Abstract: A fuel reformer having an enclosure with an inlet port and an outlet port. A plate assembly for supporting catalyst is disposed in the enclosure. A compliant baffle is also disposed in the enclosure and cooperates with the plate assembly to establish a path for the flow of fuel gas through the reformer from the inlet port to the outlet port. The baffle and plate assembly also segment the enclosure into an inlet section communicating with the inlet port, an outlet section communicating with the outlet port and a turn section connecting the inlet and outlet sections. The baffle is further arranged to direct the flow of gas to a predetermined area of the turn section and the catalyst is disposed such that the reformer is devoid of catalyst in the inlet section to a point in the turn section and includes catalyst from that point in the turn section through the return section, the catalyst varying in amount in a predetermined manner in at least the return section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Scott Blanchet, Lawrence Novacco
  • Publication number: 20040068934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting fuel and air into reformate with a reformer (10) which has a reaction space (12), a nozzle (14) for supplying a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space (12), and a fuel feed (16) for supplying fuel to the nozzle (14). As claimed in the invention it is provided that in the air inlet area (18) of the nozzle (14) there are air guidance means (40) which impart a swirl to the inflowing air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Felix Wolf, Bernd Mittmann, Christine Sallinger, Christian Hubbauer, Thomas Kerscher, Christian Baecker, Stefan Kunz, Marcus Neumueller, Florian Metz, Martin Wegner, Ingrid Lanzl, Peter Lamp
  • Patent number: H2118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefaction reactor with three distinct elements. First, an anchor type mixer with vertical blades near the reactor wall is used to prevent accumulation of viscous materials near the reactor wall. Second, the center shaft of the anchor mixer doubles as an auger mixer to provide vertical mixing and to draw any floating, unmelted waste below the surface. Finally, a dead zone nozzle at the bottom of the reactor is used to accumulate inorganic, undissolved solids and facilitate removal of these solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Winter