Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the solubility of granular material by treating a precipitate comprising iron(II)sulphate monohydrate originating from titanium dioxide production, in which method the reaction temperature is allowed to increase at the most to a temperature of 120° C., to a plant for treating a precipitate comprising iron(II)sulphate monohydrate, to a product and its uses. A typical method according to the invention comprises the steps of mixing water to the reaction mixture in the said mixing apparatus, and keeping the amount of neutralizing agent sufficient to give a pH value from 1.5 to 4, preferably from 1.5 to 3, to the end product in order to obtain a granular material having a high soluble iron(II) content or keeping the amount of neutralizing agent sufficient to give a pH value ?9 to the end product in order to obtain a granular material having a low solubility.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides production processes that can include exposing a carbon-based material to liquid media to form hydrocarbon fuel. Waste to fuel conversion processes as well as waste material processing reactors are provided that can be configured to convert waste to fuel. Heat exchangers, power generation processes and combustion turbine exhaust apparatus are also provided. Fuel generation processes and generation systems are provided. Reaction media conduit systems as well as processes for servicing reactant media pumps coupled to both inlet and outlet conduits containing reactant media, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing process of stirred or drinking fermented milk or fresh cheese comprising a smoothing step after fermentation wherein said smoothing step is performed by a ring-shaped rotor-stator mixer, each ring of the rotor and the stator being provided with radial slots having a given width, and adjusting the rotational speed to adjust the peripheral velocity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for pre-treating an oil comprises: introducing a oil, an alcohol, and an acid catalyst to a first continuous stirred tank reactor vessel, wherein the oil comprises free fatty acids; selectively reacting the oil and the alcohol to convert the free fatty acids to alkyl esters, wherein the reaction does not produce glycerol; removing a pre-treated oil stream from a lower portion of the first continuous stirred tank reactor, wherein the pre-treated oil stream comprises the alkyl esters; and recycling the alcohol and acid catalyst from an upper portion of the first continuous stirred tank reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid phase hydrogen-generating system utilizing a solid chemical hydride fuel selected from the group consisting of sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, magnesium hydride and calcium hydride, wherein the fuel is encapsulated in a plurality of removable capsules, the capsules being pumpable and having a major axis of up to 40 mm.

Abstract: The device serves for mixing at least one liquid first and one liquid, viscous or powdery second component which can be introduced into the mixing chamber of a mixing body and, after the mixing process has been carried out, can be removed again from said mixing chamber in the form of the mixed product. According to the invention, the mixing body is a self-contained annular tube system, the interior space of which forms the mixing chamber through which the mixed product can be transported cyclically by means of a conveying element, wherein a plurality of closeable inlet openings for the feed of the components and at least one closeable outlet opening for the removal of the mixed product are provided in the mixing body. The device is suitable for the admixing of reactive components. In particular, it is suitable for the production of aqueous silanes.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated in a reactor, of a hydrogen generating apparatus, in which a catalyst is installed and the catalyst and a borohydride fuel are reacted. The hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a rotating disk to which the catalyst is fixed, a motor for rotating the rotating disk, and a fuel injector for flowing out the borohydride fuel against the catalyst. A compound generated from the borohydride is prevented from adhering to the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the esterification of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol, an improved method for the manufacture of polybutylene terephtalate as well as reactors and devices that are suited for the application in this method.

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.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus (100) for mixing at least two fluids, the mixing apparatus (100) comprising a shaft (120) rotatable about its longitudinal axis (121), a first (122) and a second (124) radially extending impeller mounted on the shaft (120) and respectively axially spaced apart, characterised in that the first impeller (122) comprises a plurality of curved blades (125) operable to move said fluids in an axial direction towards the second impeller (124), and the second impeller (124) comprises a plurality of curved blades (125) operable to move said fluids in an axial direction towards the first impeller (122).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes and apparatus for the production of materials requiring a plurality of chemical reaction steps. In the prior art the number of reaction vessels is minimized by performing two or more reactions together in the same vessel. Instead each process is separated into separate successive steps, in each of which at least two principal components are reacted together, with or without at least one catalyst. In each step the components are reacted under optimum condition for that reaction, using motion-augmented, sub-Kolmogoroff, micro-agitation provided by a separate discrete motor-operated, micro-agitation means. Such means are much smaller in size, but are extremely flexible as to the flow rate and reaction conditions, so that they can be adjusted to suit the reaction, without compromises dictated by attempting to perform other reactions in the same vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor driven in an oscillatory-rotary manner about its fixed, preferably vertical, axis, for preferably biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. By means of its process-intensifying properties for mixing, suspension, gaseous material transport, heat transfer, irradiation and particle retention, the applicability on the industrial scale is ensured. The reactor which succeeds without a shaft seal permits particularly robust production with respect to sterile technique with avoidance of cleaning and cleaning validation required when the reactor is constructed as a single-use reactor.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of cyclohexanol is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the cyclohexanol production process. A system for the production of cyclohexanol from air oxidation of cyclohexane, the system comprising a high shear device, the outlet of the high shear device fluidly connected to the inlet of a reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of air bubbles within a liquid comprising cyclohexane, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polymers and monomers derived from agricultural feedstocks, and more particularly to methods for the production of monomers from renewable agricultural resources such as feedstocks, for example canola, flax and tallow, and polymers, in particular polyurethanes produced from monomers derived from such feedstocks. The present invention also relates to novel processes for the production of short-chain alcohols, as well as hydroxyl wax esters, from renewable feedstocks. An improved apparatus for carrying out ozonolysis reactions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A procedure to turn the starch contained in corn grains to soluble forms includes seven steps, starting a first step in which the corn that comes from a hopper is placed into a rotary and continuous oven for its toasting, characterized because it also links a second step in which the corn is toasted by injection of combustion gases to a temperature between 225 and 250° C. during 80 and 120 seconds to obtain a 48% of the popped grains and a 28% of semi-popped grains; then the third step consists of milling the toasted product; the fourth step consists that the milled product is placed into a blade mixer, water is added at a temperature of between 20 and 25° C. and it is mixed up to obtain the mash; in the fifth step, the mash is put into saccharification tanks, adding a saccharifying agent and is mixed, a sixth step consists of transferring the mash to a fermentation vessel and the seventh step is the distillation of the ethanol produced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the preparation of chlorohydrins are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins into the chlorinating phase. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce chlorination time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide, for the production of isobutene, a high-yielding, highly-selective, and long-term stable production process of isobutene from TBA. With respect to the production of TBA, an object of the present invention is to provide a TBA production process in which, through long-term stable maintenance of a high reaction activity, long-term continuous operation is enabled and the productivity is improved. The present invention discloses a process for producing isobutene that employs a dehydration temperature of from 200 to 450° C. in use of an alumina catalyst that contains a Na content of 0.6% by weight or less in terms of NaO2 and a Na content of 0.4% by weight in terms of NaO2, and has a specific surface area of from 200 to 600 m2/g.

Abstract: A supporting method for supporting a metal particle including at least two elements on a surface of a plurality of granular supports in a decompression device, the supporting method supporting the metal particle whose particle diameter being smaller than a grain size of the granular support comprises holding the plurality of granular supports in a container and rotating a stirring device and/or the container, a stirring period in which the relative position among the plurality of granular supports are changed and a non-stirring period in which the relative position among the plurality of granular supports are not changed being altered by the rotating, wherein the decompression device comprises, an evaporation source for evaporating elements to form an alloy particle, the container for holding the plurality of granular supports in the decompression device so that a relative position among granular supports is able to be changed, a rotating device for rotating the container and the stirring device disposed in t

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) which compensates for the slow reaction time of carbonation in a manner which reduces or eliminates the undesirable use and expense of added equipment and processes of previously known methods. The method of the invention involves the generation of multiple streams (preferably at least twenty-five streams) of carbon dioxide which are co-currently introduced to a flow of calcium hydroxide slurry (lime milk). By use of multiple gas streams an intimate mixing of carbon dioxide with the slurry is achieved which compensates for the slow reaction time of carbonation while reducing or eliminating the need for equipment and processes related to recycling, batch operation, serial operation, and long reactor length. An additional benefit of using multiple gas streams in co-current flow is a lower concentration gradient of PCC formed therein facilitating the formation of smaller particles.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process for production of starch hydrolysate by reacting starch with a hydrolytic agent makes possible a decrease in mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing production of starch hydrolysate. A system for production of starch hydrolysate is also provided in which a reactor is configured to receive the output from a high shear device, which is configured to receive a starch and lysing reagent. The high shear device is configured to generate a fine dispersion or emulsion of lysing.

Abstract: A method for producing benzoic acid or a methylbenzoic acid isomer is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising oxygen-containing gas bubbles dispersed in either toluene or an xylene isomer, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter less than 1 micron. The dispersion is then subjected to reaction conditions comprising a pressure of less than about 1013 kPa and a temperature of less than about 160° C., whereby at least a portion of the toluene or xylene isomer is partially oxidized to form benzoic acid or the corresponding methylbenzoic acid isomer, respectively. In some embodiments, the methylbenzoic acid isomer is an intermediate compound, and the method further includes subjecting any unreacted xylene isomer and the intermediate compound to further oxidization, to form 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, or 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid. A system of apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process for production of starch by hydration and disruption of corn kernel particles in the presence of sulfur dioxide or bisulfite ions makes possible a decrease in mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing starch production. A system for production of starch is also provided in which a high shear mixing device is configured to receive an aqueous corn slurry from a pump that is disposed between the reactor and a gaseous sulfur dioxide inlet of the high shear mixing device. The high shear mixing device is also configured to generate a fine dispersion of sulfur dioxide bubbles and small corn particles in the slurry. A reactor is configured to receive the output from the high shear mixing device and to provide for starch production.

Abstract: A system and method for a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of acetic anhydride as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the process. A system for the production of acetic anhydride including the mixing of catalyst and acetic acid via a high shear device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of phthalic acid diesters are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of a phthalic acid derivative with alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of cyclohexanol is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the cyclohexanol production process. A system for the production of cyclohexanol from air oxidation of cyclohexane, the system comprising a high shear device, the outlet of the high shear device fluidly connected to the inlet of a reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of air bubbles within a liquid comprising cyclohexane, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the hydroxylation of olefenic alcohols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote mixing and solubility of peroxides with the olefenic alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydroxylation time with existing catalysts.

Abstract: Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of sulfolene as a reactor device is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the sulfolene production process. A system for the production of sulfolene from butadiene and sulfur dioxide, the system comprising a reactor and an external high shear mixer the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear mixer capable of providing a dispersion of sulfur dioxide gas bubbles within a liquid, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out chemical and physical processes, wherein flowable substances are mixed together, comprising a vertical, cylindrical vessel with inlets and outlets, as well as a central shaft and radial agitator blades arranged on the said central shaft and extending close to the wall. In this context, viewed in the peripheral direction, the agitator blades are curved and are combined in pairs of agitator elements one above the other to form groups, the blades of one element of the group being curved in a radially concave manner and the blades of the other element being curved in a radially convex manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polyester comprises three single reactors, i.e. a single esterification reactor (first reactor), a single initial polymerization reactor (second reactor) and a single final polymerization reactor (third reactor or final polymerizer), where at least one of the first reactor and the second reactor is free from an external stirring power source, or the third reactor is a horizontal, one-shaft-type, low speed rotation type reactor. Necessary number of reactors for the esterification and polycondensation reactions can be a minimum and necessary stirring power consumption for the reaction can be a minimum, and thus polyester polymers of good quality can be efficiently produced at a minimum energy cost in a necessary minimum reactor structure.

Abstract: Hydrogenated vegetable oil exhibiting superior thermal stability and containing reduced levels of saturates and trans fatty acids are produced using an activated hydrogenation catalyst and/or an improved hydrogenation process incorporating high shear. The use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into the hydrogenation process as a reactor device is shown to be capable of enabling reactions that would normally not be feasible under a given set of reaction pressure and temperature conditions. For example, the hydrogenation process described herein enables a reduction of hydrogenation time, and operation at lower temperatures than current processes. The resulting hydrogenated vegetable oil is particularly useful in frying, confectionery baking, and other applications where a product with a low trans fat content or higher thermal stability is desirable. The hydrogenated oil produced may comprise less than 10 weight % of trans fatty acids with less than 5 weight % of linolenic acid (C18:3).

Abstract: A system and method for mixing high viscous liquids with gas is provided. The disclosed embodiments include a reactor or mixing vessel having a draft tube disposed therein, a gas injection subsystem adapted to inject gas into the reactor or mixing vessel proximate the entrance of the draft tube. The embodiments also include an agitator disposed within the draft tube which makes the draft tube the primary site for the gas-liquid mixing. In particular, the agitator is adapted to create gas bubbles having an average diameter between about 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm which are then ejected into the reactor or mixing vessel. The mass transfer efficiency associated with the present system and method is enhanced from the combined effect of gas dissolution into the high viscous liquid within the draft tube and greater bubble residence time within the high viscous liquid.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating hydrogen gas utilizes differential pressure to transport fuel and spent fuel components without requiring an electrically powered fuel delivery pump.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated through the use of a fuel solution that is prepared using solid fuel component, e.g., a metal borohydride, and a liquid fuel component, e.g. water. Both of these components are dispensed in response to control signals. The solid fuel component can take different forms, including but not limited to granules, pellets and powder. Various devices, which operate in response to control signals, are disclosed for dispensing predetermined amounts of the solid and liquid components. Advantageously, this solution can be prepared, as needed, so as to obviate the need for storing and disposing of large amounts of highly alkaline fuel and discharged fuel solutions.

Abstract: An agitation type powder dissolving apparatus comprises a dissolving tank into which powder of spent nuclear fuel is to be supplied, an agitating member rotatably disposed in the dissolving tank, and rise inhibiting structure, disposed in the dissolving tank above the agitating member, for inhibiting the powder from swirling and rising due to rotation of the agitating member. The rise inhibiting structure is composed of a plurality of fixed blades for causing powder, which would otherwise swirl and rise due to rotation of the agitating member, to move downward. Each fixed blade has a descending slope with respect to a swirling direction during swirling and rising. This dissolving apparatus prevents non-dissolved particles from overflowing.

Abstract: A gas/liquid reaction with a liquid containing at least one chemical compound in solution which can react with a gas in the presence of a solid catalyst maintained in suspension in the liquid, the reaction being carried out with separation (recovery) of said solid catalyst by filtering. Recirculating a fraction of the reacted solution without involving any additional pump or ejector, wherein the recirculated fraction provides for a primary filter for reacted solution being tangentially skimmed over.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a polyurethane emulsion, capable of continuously producing a polyurethane emulsion which contains substantially no organic solvent and also has excellent storage stability over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

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.

Abstract: At least one of a nucleus forming process, a nucleus growing process, a chemical sensitizing process, and a spectral sensitizing process for producing a silver halide photographic emulsion is performed by using a microreactor. A minute region of the microreactor is used to precisely perform a reaction of nucleus formation. A condition under which host grains are allowed to react with newly supplied silver halide nuclei is made uniform to cause uniform crystal growth. A predetermined quantity of molecules for chemical sensitization is doped in a crystal lattice of a nucleus of silver halide to effect a sensitizing process. Alternatively, a spectral sensitizing process in which a single molecular layer of a spectral sensitizer is uniformly adsorbed on a silver halide nucleus grain surface is securely carried out.

Abstract: An oil phase solution injected into a mixing flow path from an upstream injection inlet forms a flow from an upstream injection inlet to a discharge outlet, and a rotary blade is provided downstream of a mechanical seal. Thus, a reverse flow toward a mechanical seal of a polyvalent isocyanate and a polyol injected from an inlet downstream with respect to the mechanical seal tends not to take place. A separating film member is provided to prevent the chemical solutions flowing in the mixing flow path from coming into contact with a pressing means, which is for pressing a seal ring member of the mechanical seal against a rotation ring member. A reaction product is not adhered to the pressing means of the mechanical seal, which would decrease the pressing force, and leakage of the liquid from the mechanical seal can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pyrolysis tube for enhancing the yield of olefins and reducing a coking tendency in steam cracking of hydrocarbons. According to the present invention, the pyrolysis tube is characterized in that a plurality of mixing blades made by twisting two ends of a plate in opposite directions are included therein. The yield of ethylene is thereby improved and the coking tendency is reduced by mixing a fluid flow, improving a heat transfer rate and shortening a residence time of the reactants therein.

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.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing cerium oxide nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. The cerium oxide nanoparticles obtained by the method of the invention are nearly all crystalline. The method comprises providing a first aqueous solution comprising cerium nitrate and providing a second aqueous solution comprising hexamethylenetetramine. The first and second aqueous solutions are mixed to form a mixture, and the mixture is maintained at a temperature no higher than about 320° K to form nanoparticles. The nanoparticles that are formed are then separated from the mixture. A further aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for preparing cerium oxide nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises a mixing vessel having a first compartment for holding a first aqueous solution comprising cerium nitrate and a second compartment for holding a second aqueous solution comprising hexamethylenetetramine. The mixing vessel has a retractable partition separating the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A process for the production of nitrogen trifluoride by reacting fluorine gas and liquid ammonia acid fluoride in a first reaction zone having a relatively low energy input followed by treatment of the resulting reaction product in a second reaction zone having a relatively high energy input. The resulting crude nitrogen trifluoride product may be further treated with fluorine gas under elevated temperatures to improve yield of the desired product.

Abstract: A reaction chamber (4) elongated along an essentially vertical axis in which at least one reaction fluid is circulated from top to bottom of said chamber (4) through at least one catalyst bed (5), whereby downstream from catalyst bed (5) in the direction of circulation of the reaction fluid, the chamber contains at least one inlet (1) for introducing at least one quenching fluid into contact with the reaction fluid, and downstream from inlet (1) the chamber contains at least one box (8) for further contact, mixing and quenching of said fluids. The box (8) has at least one passage section (9) for entry of the fluids into the box (8). Downstream from the passage section (9) the box (8) contains elements (11) that puts fluids into vortex motion in the box (8) in a direction essentially non-radial and non-parallel to the axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A Taylor reactor for conducting material conversions, having an external reactor wall (1) located within which there is a concentrically or eccentrically disposed rotor (2), a reactor floor (3) and a reactor lid (4), which together define the annular reactor volume (5), at least one means (6) for metered addition of reactants, and a means (7) for the discharge of product, wherein during the conversion there is a change in the viscosity ? of the reaction medium and the reactor wall (1) and/or the rotor (2) are or is geometrically designed in such a way that the conditions for Taylor vortex flow are met over essentially the entire reactor length in the reactor volume (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a system for the generation of hydrogen by contacting an aqueous solution of a metal hydride salt with a hydrogen generation catalyst. In particular, the present invention relates to the incorporation within the system of a recycle line of water condensed from the fluid product to the feed line to be contacted with the catalyst. the internal recycle line permits the use of a more concentrated solution of metal hydride as it is diluted by the recycle line prior to contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: Method for producing fatty acid methyl ester, including compounding saturated and unsaturated higher fatty substances from at least one of vegetable and animal with an alkaline solution dissolved in alcohol to form a mixture. The method also includes emulsifying the mixture to reach a chemical balance state in a reaction section, wherein fats are transesterified into fatty acid methyl ester, wherein border surfaces of the mixture are enlarged by dynamic turbulence in the reaction section and the transesterification is performed under pressure, and wherein the pressure is reduced during transesterification. The method further includes after reaching a chemical balance state, separating residues from the fatty acid methyl ester in a phase separation section. Apparatus for producing fatty acid methyl ester.

Abstract: A reactor with a catalyst bed having a central longitudinal axis, which catalyst bed has an upstream surface perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, and a distribution chamber for directing a gaseous mixture of reactants to the upstream surface of the catalyst bed, which distribution chamber has an inlet for tangentially introducing the mixture into the distribution chamber, the distribution chamber being defined by the upstream surface of the catalyst bed, a side surface having a central longitudinal axis that coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the catalyst bed, and a covering surface formed such that the distance between the upstream surface of the catalyst bed and the covering surface is monotonically decreasing towards the central longitudinal axis. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system having such a reactor and a fuel cell and to a process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel using such a reactor.