Abstract: A mixing chamber receives pyrophoric gas for mixing with oxygen prior to discharge into an upright housing of the apparatus. Tubular members within the housing define annular passageways through which the mixed gas and oxygen flow in a serpentine manner with reversal of flow direction promoting the precipitation of matter. A receptacle is removably attached to the housing for collection of matter with mounting means enabling periodic receptacle removal for cleaning. An enclosure about a housing end includes a door for access to the receptacle. Provision is made for ventilating of the enclosure to an exhaust conduit during door opening to prevent escape of gas and particulate to the atmosphere. A modified form of apparatus includes a filter and chemical bed for further treatment of the flow.

Abstract: In the reaction process, at least two educts A, B are divided by a system, assigned to each of them, of slit-like microchannels 1a, 1b into spatially separate fluid lamellae, which then emerge into a common mixing and reaction space 4. The fluid lamellae here have a thickness <1,000 &mgr;m, preferably <100 &mgr;m, at a width thickness ratio of at least 10. It is essential here that educts A, B can emerge as thin fluid lamellae 6a, 6b into the mixing/reaction space 4, each fluid lamella 6a of an educt A being led into the mixing/reaction space 4 in the immediate vicinity of a fluid lamella 6b of another educt B. The adjacent fluid lamellae 6a, 6b then subsequently mix by diffusion and/or turbulence. As a result, the mixing operation is accelerated substantially compared with conventional reactors. In the case of rapid chemical reactions, the formation of undesirable by-products or secondary products is largely prevented in this manner.

Abstract: A microstructures lamellae mixer comprising a guide component for supplying fluids to be mixed to a mixing chamber, the guide component being composed of a plurality of foils which are layered one above the other and into which microchannels are incorporated such that separate fluids supplied to the guide component are formed into spatially separated microstreams which then emerge adjacent to each other in a mixing chamber.

Abstract: A reactor assembly comprising a substantially elongate tubular housing, at least one reactant inlet, at least one reaction mixture outlet disposed above the at least one reactant inlet, and agitator disposed in a region near the at least one reactant inlet and a perforated member disposed in tubular housing between the agitator and the reaction mixture outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in removing at least one volatile contaminant from contaminated material by using a rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. The apparatus employs, in another preferred embodiment, at least one material transfer element. Furthermore, the contaminated material may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the decontaminated material can be cooled through a heat exchanger prior to discharge.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for flow disruption comprising a glass coated baffle. A hollow end of the baffle engages with a connector. An interior tubular portion of the connector is glass coated and forms an interference fit with the glass coated hollow end of the baffle.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying air which may act as a downstream supplement to a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine for further reducing the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide gases which the catalytic converter failed to remove. The apparatus comprises a housing filled with volcanic ash over which is directed a turbulent stream of exhaust gases for chemical reaction with the volcanic ash.

Abstract: A method is provided for zeolite synthesis from a synthesis medium containing in particular a trivalent aluminum source, a tetravalent silicon source, at least an alkaline or alkaline-earth cation in hydroxide form and water in a reactor containing a solid helical moving body in a guiding tube defining an internal space and a space external to the tube. The invention is characterized in that the synthesis medium is circulated in the reactor in a continuous flow passing through the internal space then the space external to the tube and returning to the internal space, only driven by the roation of the solid helical moving body, at a speed of less than 500 rpm, in the tube which is kept fixed, the synthesis medium being kept at a temperature suitable for at least one of the ripening operations or the crystal growth of the synthesized zeolite. The invention also is directed to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and process, including a baffle, for contacting a first fluid with a second fluid of lower density than the first fluid in counter-current flow in a manner that increases the contacting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in continuously loading material to be treated into a rotary vacuum retort and continuously unloading one or more vapors or similar volatile substances and treated material out of the rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and high vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. Furthermore, the material being treated may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the processed material can be cooled through a heat exchanger to permit the use of a low temperature pinch valve airlock on the discharge end of the process.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for preparing (cyclo)aliphatic polyisocyanates containing biuret groups from (cyclo)aliphatic diisocyanates and steam or a substance capable of splitting off water as reactants which are mixed with one another in a stirred reactor, the reactants are passes in countercurrent through a cascade-type stirred reactor comprising at least two stages. The dispersion of the gaseous reactant in the liquid reactant is reinforced by baffles installed in the stirred reactor. As baffles, use is made of discs provided with central openings and arranged at a distance from one another and/or strip baffles running in the longitudinal direction of the stirred reactor.

Abstract: A baffle for insertion into a container. The baffle includes a concave surface defined by two essentially parallel line segments connected to each other at their ends by line segments subtending an angle. The baffle further includes structure for mounting to a container so that the line segments are essentially parallel to and offset from a side wall of the container. Preferably, structure for mounting is structure for suspending the baffle from a first end wall of said container without attachment to a container side wall. The concave surface is preferably a curvilinear concave surface and the contiguous line segments subtending an angle are in the form of an arc. The baffle is preferably glass coated and sized to pass through an opening in an end wall of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing into which a hazardous gas is introduced. A sleeve in the housing includes a perforate segment into which the gas is discharged along with flows of oxygen delivered from sleeve mounted nozzles. Particles forming in a sleeve defined mixing zone gravitate toward a first collection site within the housing. Within the housing are radially spaced tubular members through which the gas and oxygen mixture flows in a serpentine path with provision for the collection of particles precipitating from the flow adjacent one end of the housing. Metallic fibers render any gas collection in the housing inert. Provision is made for delivering, in the alternative, a pressurized air flow to the sleeve for oxidizing the hazardous gas flow utilizing ambient air. A diffuser plate imparts current to the ambient air discharged into the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus defines a chamber into which hazardous gas is discharged. Disposed about the hazardous gas discharge flow are nozzles from which oxygen flows for mixing with the hazardous gas. A structure within the chamber receives the hazardous gas and oxygen and defines an area in which a reaction occurs therebetween. The structure includes perforate components which deter the formation of gas pockets and diminish the risk of explosion. The hazardous gas mixed with oxygen is subsequently directed toward baffles on which may be deposited matter precipitating from the combined oxygen and hazardous gas. Prior to discharge from the apparatus, the gas and oxygen mixture may be subjected to a filter for further removal of matter. Both hazardous gas and oxygen flows are induced through the apparatus by a source of reduced pressure.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing black liquor from cellulose production with ash from flue gases which is generated on combustion of black liquor. The mixing apparatus contains a cylindrical tank, a stirrer mechanism having a propeller secured on the upper part of a vertical shaft, rotating baffles secured on the lower part of the shaft, and stationary, vertical, radial baffles arranged around, and at a distance from, the rotating baffles. The invention also provides a method for mixing black liquor and ash.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. An oxidizer, preferably hydrogen peroxide, is mixed with a carrier fluid, preferably water, and the mixture is heated until the fluid achieves supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The heating means comprise cartridge heaters placed in closed-end tubes extending into the center region of the pressure vessel along the reactor longitudinal axis. A cooling jacket surrounds the pressure vessel to remove excess heat at the walls.Heating and cooling the fluid mixture in this manner creates a limited reaction zone near the center of the pressure vessel by establishing a steady state density gradient in the fluid mixture which gradually forces the fluid to circulate internally.

Abstract: A shaft reactor for treating bulk material, including granular bulk material, in particular for the continuous post-condensation of PET, PEN or PA in the solid phase. A uniform product flow without significant decrease of the usable contents of the reactor and a decrease of the bulk pressure in the reactor is achieved by use of internals which are uncomplicated to fabricate. Internals are arranged in the reactor which comprise at least one ring and a plurality or ribs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reactor 1 for the continuous production of linear or cyclic acetals, in particular trioxane, dioxolane, tetroxane, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, diethoxyethane and dibutoxyethane. This reactor has internal adjacently arranged evaporator elements 2, which allow for flow-through of a heat transport medium, and which are at least two meters high so as to generate a thermosiphon flow. The clear cross section between the evaporator elements is 20 to 80% of the overall cross section. Using the reactor, circulation ratios of up to 250 can be achieved. Thus, the reliability and availability of a production plant is increased while the susceptibility to breakdown decreases.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is provided having a grid baffle structure to provide increased theoretical stages within the reactor to enable the reactor to be used for time/temperature dependent reactions requiring a number of mixing stages and/or an increased particle residence time. The preferred baffle structure comprises a plurality of staggered first and second vertical members extending partly across the reactor from opposed sides of the reactor which form a path for the feed to travel therethrough from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor with the vertical members having vertical cross-members, preferably shorter than the vertical members, extending completely between adjacent vertical members and/or partly in the space between the members to form reaction stage sections whereby feed entering the reactor moves in a serpentine path and/or a sequential underflow and/or overflow path through the reaction stage sections of the baffle from the inlet of the reactor to the reactor outlet.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity of a liquid heavy hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the steps of bringing said feedstock to a temperature capable of cracking of at least a portion of the hydrocarbons present in said feedstock and introducing said feedstock into a bottom portion of a maturation device (i.e. a "soaker"), where the feedstock is displaced from the bottom upwards, to get evacuated from a top portion of the soaker towards a fractioning unit. The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a soaker in which are located, transversely to the direction of displacement of the feedstock to be treated, a plurality of annular discs spaced apart from one another, each disc comprising a circular central passage substantially coaxial to the soaker, the treated feedstock circulating from the bottom portion upwards in the soaker through the central passages of the various annular discs.

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

Abstract: Column baffles (1) for suspensions with precipitating substances which are provided for a substance transfer between the suspension and a vapour phase moving in a counter-flow. The baffles include membrane-like elements (2, 3; 5) which, on the one hand, bring about a cascade-like formation of liquid curtains with respect to the suspension and, on the other hand, with respect to the vapour phase, for chicanes for strong changes of direction for the vapour flow which lead to the formation of eddies in the vapour phase. In accordance with the invention, the membrane-like elements are made from a flexible material and are secured at few sites in the column (100) such that an oscillating movement or fluttering movement of the elements can be excited by the flowing media, in particular by eddies in the vapour phase.

Abstract: A sulfuric acid-catalyzed alkylation reactor system is provided for alkylating isoparaffins with olefins to produce hydrocarbon alkylates. The reactor vessel has a vertical cylindrical wall, a top, an inverted conical bottom portion, internal perforated baffles and multiple emulsion injection inlet pipes, disposed tangentially to and communicating with the interior of the reactor vessel. The emulsion injection inlet pipes have static mixers incorporated therein and tangential injection of the emulsion imparts a circular motion to the contents of the reactor vessel, resulting in partial phase separation of the reacted products. The reactor vessel communicates with a settling vessel through a transfer pipe having a vertical portion suspended within the central portion of the reactor vessel and a horizontal portion sealably extending through the cylindrical wall of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A multi-phase staged passive reactor (10) for promoting interphasic interaction of a first substance in a liquid phase with a second substance in a non-miscible liquid phase, a solid phase or a gaseous phase. The reactor comprises a plurality of stages (C, D and E) which define a flow path for the substances in different phases. Each stage is shaped to define a substantially curved flow path (12) having a center of curvature located to one side of the flow path (12). Thus, for example, stages (D) and (E) have a respective center of curvature (14, 16), on opposite sides of the flow path (12) whereby, in use, as the substances flow through the reactor (10) particles of the second substance are forced to migrate through the first substance, first in one direction and then in substantially the reverse direction due to an inertial field of changing direction thus generated.

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

Abstract: A transverse flow uniform droplet generator and method for its use. The droplet generator, such as is used with a gas laser system, produces singlet oxygen from a flow of droplets of liquid basic hydrogen peroxide (BHP) reacting with a transverse a flow of He/Cl.sub.2 gas mixture. The resulting flow of singlet oxygen travels in the same direction as the He/Cl.sub.2 gas mixture and the unreacted BHP is collected on the opposite of the reaction volume from which it enters. Very uniformly-size BEP droplets are formed by an injector which specific mechanical resonance characteristics and the flow of the BHP and the gas mixture in the generator volume is also carefully controlled.

Abstract: A carbon black reactor having a combustion chamber, a mixing chamber and a reaction chamber positioned along a longitudinal axis of the reactor. The chambers communicate with each other so as to provide a flow path for the hot combustion gases as the combustion gases travel from the combustion chamber, through the mixing chamber and into the reaction chamber. The mixing chamber is designed in the form of an axial narrow area in a dividing wall separating the combustion chamber from the reaction chamber. In addition to the mixing chamber, the combustion chamber and the reaction chamber additionally communicate with each other through at least one bypass bore provided in the dividing wall and positioned radially externally to the mixing chamber and internally to the surface of the combustion chamber. The bypass bores can be either axially aligned so as to be parallel to a central, axial axis of the mixing chamber or inclined.

Abstract: Contaminants such as sulfur oxides are removed from flue gas in a low pressure drop, turbulent mixing zone, vertical dry scrubber by channeling the flue gas through a low pressure drop gas distribution means which controls flue gas introduction to the scrubber, along with control of reagent introduction, by treating the flue gas with a finely atomized alkali solution or slurry reagent preferably from a single or multiple array of dual-fluid atomizers. The atomizers create a turbulent mixing zone downstream of the gas distribution means which results in a homogeneous distribution of the alkali solution or slurry reagent in the flue gas. Control means are provided for creating and maintaining the turbulent mixing zone. A transition at the bottom of the dry scrubber is used to entrain any particulates and/or spray dried materials in the bulk gas stream exiting the dry scrubber.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for oxidizing an aqueous suspension of organic matter at elevated pressure. The apparatus has a reactor and an inlet for the aqueous suspension which is introduced to an upstream end of the reactor. A device for circulating the aqueous suspension through the reactor. An inlet for an oxygen containing gas introduced to the aqueous suspension. An outlet for removing treated aqueous suspension from a downstream end of the reactor and a static mixer vane arrangement for splitting, rearranging and combining the aqueous suspension as the circulating device circulates the aqueous suspension through the reactor. The improvement comprises withdrawing the treated aqueous suspension from the downstream end of the reactor and combining a major portion thereof with fresh incoming aqueous suspension. The circulating device returns the combined aqueous suspension to the reactor via the inlet for the aqueous suspension.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for introducing feedstock to a chemical reactor are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ a novel baffle system to mitigate the effects of unwanted momentum components transferred to the reactor liquid mass from the introduced feedstock. Resid hydrotreating processes employing these methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for thermal decomposition of stock, especially a spent liquor obtained from pulp manufacture, where the gas stream formed in this connection passes through a liquid bath. The decomposition device has a reactor with a chamber in which thermal decomposition takes place, and a separation zone including a liquid bath for separating off components contained in the gas stream leaving the chamber. The separation zone includes a housing for the liquid bath and a tipping chute arranged adjacent the outlet of the chamber, so that the tipping chute at least partially increases in cross-sectional area in the direction of flow of the gas stream.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of slaked lime is disclosed the steps of: introducing water into a slaked lime-dissolving apparatus comprising a dissolving tank, a water supply piping connected to a lower part of the tank, a stirring blade disposed within the tank in its bottom part, an effluent piping connected to an upper part of the tank for discharging aqueous slaked lime solution, and a fluidized slaked lime layer height-control device disposed within the tank above the stirring blade, subsequently introducing a predetermined amount of slaked lime into the tank, feeding water, with low-speed stirring, to the tank from the water supply piping in such a rate that the water in the cylindrical or rectangular upper part of the tank ascends at a rate of from 0.25 to 1.2 mm/sec, and taking out an aqueous solution of slaked lime from the tank through the effluent piping.

Abstract: A dissipator for percolating a mixture of flue gases and powdered lime through a body of water to remove SO.sub.2 from the flue gases includes an elongate tubular body having first and second ends. The first end of the tubular body has an inlet through which the flue gases and lime mixture is introduced into the dissipator. The second end of the tubular body is generally closed. There are a plurality of perforations in the wall of the tubular body through which the mixture of lime and flue gases can escape from the dissipator. A plurality of disrupters spaced longitudinally inside the elongate tubular body facilitate the mixing and reaction of the lime and the flue gases. Each disrupter comprises a plate with a plurality of baffles mounted on the upper thereof to facilitate the mixing of the flue gases and powdered lime mixture delivered into the dissipator.

Abstract: An acid gas removal process employing a regenerator with an internal flash section is described. The regenerator uses gravitational flow to feed the flash section, eliminating the need for an external flash tank, and charge pump even without vacuum. The internal flash section has a first pressure side, a second pressure side having a lower pressure than the first pressure side during gas flow and a pressure reduction zone disposed therebetween. The pressure drop in the pressure reduction zone is due to liquid flow pressure losses occurring as liquid flows from said first pressure side to said second pressure side. A liquid seal between the first pressure and second pressure sides eliminates the need for a pressure let down valve. Vacuum control is provided by the first pressure side liquid level.

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

Abstract: A tubular reactor uses a plurality of improved mixing devices to reduce the overall length of the tubular reactor while maintaining a low pressure drop operation. The mixing devices in the tubular reactor provide stages of mixing with increased severity. In a preferred form, the mixing device inwardly blends gas and liquid and outwardly discharges the blended gas and liquid in a manner that provides a high shear impact on the liquid and gas.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for a catalytic converter through which a fluid flows axially has a stack of baffle plates each formed with a row of axially open-ended bumps having tops and, adjacent to the bump row, with a row of axially open-ended grooves having bottoms and substantially narrower than the bumps. Each bump is axially aligned with a respective groove of the respective plate. A plurality of flat spacer strips are sandwiched between the tops and bottoms of the bumps and grooves of adjacent baffle plates. The bumps and grooves form substantially parallel axially throughgoing passages for the fluid.

Abstract: A distillation column reactor is provided having special trays arranged within the column to provide better mixing and thus achieve better mass and energy transfer between the liquid, vapor and catalyst. The trays comprise a slotted support plate for the catalyst with openings to allow vapor passage through the catalyst from the tray below. A draft chimney or riser is provided directly above the slotted openings to increase the vapor velocity and carry the liquid and catalyst upward on the tray. A hood is included at the upper end of the chimney to direct the liquid-vapor-catalyst flow back down onto the tray. The liquid from the tray above is distributed onto the tray about the chimney by distributors which preferably extend below the static catalyst level on the tray.

Abstract: A compact, heavy duty mixer-reactor is described which features a double-stage mixing/reaction chamber, one stage being of wall-baffled design and the other being unbaffled. Said mixer-reactor operates with a unique, two-stage impeller having a different set of coextensive agitator blades within each of said stages. For example, the effective radii of the blades in said unbaffled stage are significantly larger than those of the blades in said baffled stage. In addition, other differences in shape and pitch of the respective sets of agitator blades are provided to give enhanced performance, particularly in mixing and reacting finely divided solids with gases. The subject apparatus delivers outstanding results in terms of expediting thorough mixing and promoting complete reactions between fine solids and gaseous reagents. These results are particularly noteworthy when treating non-Newtonian suspensions of solids and liquids (e.g.

Abstract: A pyrophoric gas neutralization chamber is disclosed. The chamber can be used to neutralize a stream of spent process gas from, for example, a chemical vapor deposition process containing, for example, silane. The disclosed chamber is a multi-tiered structure which provides a turbulent flow of air and gas which provides for a controlled neutralization reaction. The chamber operates over a wide range of incoming pyrophoric gas flows to neutralize virtually all of the pyrophoric gas, such that the risk of explosion is eliminated. Finally, the disclosed chamber is inactive in that no fuel source, ignitors, or flame is required. The turbulence in the air/gas flow causes the pyrophoric gas to react with the air without an induced flame.

Abstract: An elongated, generally vertically extending cocurrent reactor vessel for the production of hypochlorous acid by the mixing and reaction of a liquid alkali metal hydroxide and a gaseous halogen is provided wherein an atomizer is mounted near the top of the reactor vessel to atomize the liquid alkali metal hydroxide into droplets in the vessel. The vessel has a spraying and reaction zone immediately beneath the atomizer and a drying zone beneath the spraying and reaction zone to produce a gaseous hypochlorous acid and a substantially dry solid salt by-product.

Abstract: A centrifugal film bioreactor useful for processing both shear sensitive and shear requiring or tolerant cells. A liquid phase is directed upward in a guide tube to rotating truncated conical surfaces which transport the liquid phase across their surfaces. After leaving the conical surfaces, the liquid passes through a gaseous phase and may contact the wall of the fermentation vessel and then combine with the downward moving liquid phase in the lower part of the fermentation vessel, where it circulates. The maximum entrainment of the gaseous phase into the liquid phase occurs while the liquid phase is passing through the gaseous phase. Different configurations of guide tube propellers and fermentation vessel, allow for processing of different shear tolerant cells.

Abstract: For increasing the separating capacity of a flue gas desulfurization apparatus, it is suggested to provide at least one baffle plate within the end section of the flue gas channel connected to the desulfurization reactor.

Abstract: An elongated, generally vertically extending cocurrent reactor vessel for the production of hypochlorous acid by the mixing and reaction of a liquid alkali metal hydroxide and a gaseous halogen is provided wherein a nozzle is mounted near the top of the reactor vessel beneath the gas injector to spray the liquid alkali metal hydroxide in droplets so that the halogen gas can be absorbed into the surface of the droplets simultaneously with water evaporation in the vessel. The vessel has a spraying and reaction zone immediately beneath the atomizer and a drying zone beneath the spraying and reaction zone.

Abstract: Improved mixing performance with reduced power input is obtained in an agitated oxidation reactor for converting an aromatic alkyl to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid by decreasing the clearance between the lowermost impeller element and the reactor bottom and by providing a flat blade turbine as the upper impeller element.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement includes a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: An improved high yield apparatus for producing sodium hydrosulfite is disclosed wherein sodium borohydride, sulfur dioxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium bisulfite are reacted. Improved results are obtained according to the invention by a novel feed system that requires the introduction of a first reaction mixture comprising sodium borohydride, sodium hydroxide and water (i.e., BOROL) into a process flow stream upstream from, i.e. prior to, the introduction of a second reaction comprising either (1) water and sulfur dioxide (first embodiment) or (2) sodium bisulfite and sulfur dioxide (second embodiment).The best results are realized by combining the just described novel feed arrangement with a system where intimate mixing of both the first reaction mixture and the seocnd reaction mixture and the flow stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining a continuous mixing extending throughout the transversal section of the reactor space in a liquid containing solids and gas, and for simultaneously separating gas or gas and solids from the liquid. The invention also relates to an apparatus whereby the mixing is maintained, and simultaneously at least one phase is removed from the liquid under agitation. In a particularly advantageous fashion the method and apparatus of the present invention are suited for the stirring of bioreactors, as well as to removing gas and solids from the said reactors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two different phases in a liquid-liquid extraction process and for separating the phases employs a spiral stirrer having two tubular coils for creating homogeneous circulation throughout a mixer. The stirrer rotates at a relatively slow speed to create an upward flow from bottom to top of the mixer near the mixer periphery and a downward flow in the middle of the mixer. The mixer has a flow reversing profile ring and is designed to prevent aeration and formation of an emulsion.