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.

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: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic in which a feedstock containing the alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting vinyl aromatic product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

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.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: An improved process, such as a microbiological or enzymatic process, and apparatus, such as an apparatus for producing a cellular product, comprising introducing a gaseous feed stream of at least one gas of low solubility into an aqueous medium containing a microorganism capable of converting said gaseous feed stream to a cellular product, entraining the gas in the aqueous medium, stirring the gas-entrained aqueous medium so that the gas is retained within the reactor for a time sufficient for the microorganism to convert the majority of the gas to product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a module for the synthesis of organic molecules on or in solid phase and an apparatus comprising at least such a module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transforming plutonium oxalate into plutonium oxide by drying and then calcining. In said method, in a characteristic manner, the operations of drying and calcining are implemented continuously, in the presence of oxygen and with gas extraction, in two adjacent zones of a single apparatus, e.g. of the screw oven type, that is maintained at negative pressure. The present invention also provides apparatus suitable for implementing said method.

Abstract: A pyrolysis system includes a generally cylindrical reactor chamber having two opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has an inlet for receiving biomass, the inlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at a first opposite end; a gas outlet for recuperating biogas produced in the reactor chamber, the gas outlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at a second opposite end; and a solid outlet for recuperating charcoal produced in the reactor chamber, the solid outlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at the second opposite end. The biomass is then subjected to indirect heating supplied by a heated rotor that decomposes the biomass in the absence of air or oxygen into a biogas and charcoal. A controller for controlling a rate of feed of biomass, extracted carbon residue and a temperature inside the reactor chamber is also provided.

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: An apparatus for continuously loading fibers in a fiber suspension with a chemical compound includes a deflocculating vessel having an interior chamber, a fluid inlet connected with the interior chamber, a fluid outlet connected with the interior chamber, and a high shear imparting device disposed within the interior chamber for imparting high shear forces to and thereby deflocculating the fiber suspension. A mixing container has an interior compartment, a fluid inlet connected with both the interior compartment and the fluid outlet of the deflocculating vessel, a fluid outlet connected with the interior compartment, and a low shear imparting device within the interior compartment for imparting low shear forces to the fiber suspension. A gas supply is connected with the interior chamber of the deflocculating vessel and/or the interior compartment of the mixing container. The gas supply is configured for supplying a gas to and pressurizing each of the deflocculating vessel and the mixing container.

Abstract: At least two different liquid streams are sub-divided into a dense plurality of individually separated parallel pixels oriented in respective misregistered arrays. Therefore, an individual pixel of one of the liquid stream arrays will be surrounded by pixels of the other liquid stream array. These individual pixel arrays are then bought into contact with one another to form a multi-pixel liquid stream comprised of the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams. The “pixelated” liquid stream—that is, the liquid stream containing in cross-section the misregistered pixel arrays of the two different liquid streams—may then be further processed. For example, the pixelated liquid stream may be subjected to further mixing by being directed along a tortuous flow path.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in which a feedstock containing ethylbenzene and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogehation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting styrene product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic waste decomposing apparatus which is capable of quickly and efficiently separating from a liquid phase polymer a vapor component produced from the liquid phase polymer so as to suppress generation of carbon following a decomposition reaction, and further capable of performing the decomposition reaction in the state where the temperature of the whole liquid phase polymer is uniform, so as to efficiently recover the vapor component of a desired molecular weight, so that decomposition of plastic waste can be carried out at a reasonable cost.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing calcium sulfide is provided comprising a container housing one or more drums, each drum having a substantially horizontal longitudinal center axis and containing one or more screw conveyors therein. Multiple drums are connected by passageways, and passages are provided for passing material into and out of the container and the drum(s). A heater is provided for supplying heat to the material within the drum(s). The process comprises passing the reactants, gypsum and charcoal, into the container and drum(s), heating the reactants within the drum(s) thereby initiating a chemical reaction converting reactants to products (including calcium sulfide), moving the reactants and products substantially horizontally in the drum(s) through the use of the screw conveyor(s) contained therein, and passing the products out of the drum(s) and the container.

Abstract: A continuous method for performing a hydrosilylation reaction comprising effecting a hydrosilylation reaction between a liquid organosilicon compound (A) having in each molecule at least one silicon-bonded hydrogen atom and a liquid organosilicon compound (B) having in each molecule at least one aliphatic unsaturated bond in the presence of a platinum catalyst (C) continuously in a tubular reactor equipped with a stirring and plug-flow maintaining apparatus located within the reactor.

Abstract: A loop-type reactor column comprising a reactor column housing, comprising a mixing chamber and an inlet in the area of the floor of the loop-type reactor column. The loop-type reactor column has an outlet in the area of the head end of the loop-type reactor column. A stator and a rotor driven by a motor. The stator and rotor each have at least one hollow cylinder provided with longitudinal slots, the hollow cylinders of the stator and the ones of the rotor being interleaved with one another concentrically and alternately. The stator has a guide tube extending into the mixing chamber in which is arranged a conveyor worm. The conveyor worm and the rotor are fastened on a common shaft driven by the motor.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system for particles with an agitation system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a product chamber with an interior and a plurality of elongated structures. The elongated structures extend at least partially across the interior of the product chamber and are positioned in the product chamber where the particles are located. The fluid bed processing system also includes a system for engaging the elongated structures to agitate the particles in the product chamber.

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: 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: A mixing vessel for a process using supercritical process media, the vessel including an agitator for mixing a batch of materials and a process media in a supercritical state in the vessel to produce a reaction mixture based on a selectable reaction process; and heat transfer system for controlling temperature of the reaction mixture, the heat transfer system comprising a liner that generally conforms to an interior surface geometry of the vessel, with the liner comprising a high thermal conductivity material; the liner comprising an interior heat transfer surface in thermal exchange with the reaction mixture, and a plurality of fluid channels; heat transfer fluid that circulates through the channels and in thermal exchange with the heat transfer surface; and a heat transfer fluid supply exterior the pressure vessel for circulating the heat transfer fluid through the channels.

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: Disclosed is a process for forming a compound by mixing at least two components, which comprises the steps of:circulating a specific component along a circulation route; andmixing the specific component with a second component different from the specific component by flowing the second component different from the specific component in the middle of the circulation route under specific mixing conditions to form a compound during circulation,wherein the mixing conditions are controlled so that the mixing conditions are changed accompanied with increase in a formation amount of the compound.

Abstract: In order to improve a generator for generating a product gas by means of a chemical reaction between an educt gas and a liquid, comprising a closed reaction chamber with a liquid supply, a liquid discharge, an educt gas supply, a product gas discharge, a liquid bath arranged within the reaction chamber and a substrate member arranged for rotation in the reaction chamber, the axis of rotation of this substrate member being arranged such that during a rotation of the substrate member at least part of the surface of the substrate member alternatingly dips into the liquid bath and emerges from the liquid bath wetted by the liquid, such that a motor arranged outside the reaction chamber for rotating the substrate member can be dispensed with and the requirement of a pressure-tight passage for a drive shaft of the substrate member through a wall of the reaction chamber is not applicable it is suggested that the generator comprise a flow generator for generating a continuous flow of the liquid in the reaction chambe

Abstract: An apparatus for delignifying and bleaching a lignocellulosic pulp without the use of elemental chlorine. The bleaching reactor is a horizontal vessel having a central rotatable shaft which preferably contains paddles, cut and folded screw flights or a ribbon flight, to disperse and advance the pulp particles in a plug flow manner while contacting and mixing the pulp particles with a gaseous bleaching agent such as ozone for substantially uniform bleaching thereof.

Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger reactor with forced circulation is used to improve heat and mass transfer for exothermic liquid-liquid, gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid reactions. Enhanced productivity and selectivity are obtained.

Abstract: Magnetic paint or ink additives are formulated from ferromagnetic particles, preferably iron powder, having a mixed particle range of from about 0.01.mu. to about 297.mu., and preferably to about 250M and more, preferably from about 0.01.mu. to about 37 to 44.mu.; 6 to 20.mu. particles are used in one latex-based embodiment. Preferred additives are formulated by blending the particles with a surfactant, a surfactant mixture, or a surfactant and alcohol mixture in amounts sufficient to suspend the particles; a polyvinyl acetate polyer is used in one embodiment. The additives may be blended with any oil-, latex-, or lacquer-based paint, ink, or coating to form a magnetic paint or coating having a viscosity substantially similar to the paint or ink containing no particles and/or additive. Surfaces such as paper, cloth, wood, wallboard, sheet rock, foam, foam board, plywood, plastic, fiberboard, and the like so coated may be cut with conventional woodworking tools, scissors or knives.

Abstract: A biochemical reactor utilizing an immobilized carrier which is useful in applications such as denitrification of waste water and includes a circulation conduit within the interior of the biochemical reactor. A feed conduit feeds recirculating fluid through a circulation inlet of the circulation conduit. The feed outlet of the feed conduit is located relative to the circulation inlet opening to direct fluid flowing out of the feed outlet into the circulation conduit to induce a circulation motion of immobilized carriers and fluid into the circulation inlet opening, through the circulation conduit, out of a circulation outlet opening, through the interior of the biochemical reactor, and again into the inlet of the circulation conduit.

Abstract: A machine for producing extruded products of polymers that are cross-linked by adding at least one additive in a polymerization reaction. A feed hopper for plastic granules is coupled to a mixing container which is formed with side ports to admit the desired additives. Mixing is accomplished in a mixing container and the mixed ingredients are fed to an extruder.

Abstract: A rotary kiln, particularly for producing uranium dioxide from uranium hexafluoride, has an inlet arrangement and a heated rotatable barrel. Uranium hexafluoride and steam react together in the inlet arrangement to form uranyl fluoride which is fed into the barrel by the aid of a rotating scroll feed device. In the barrel, the uranyl fluoride reacts with a counterflow stream of steam and hydrogen to produce the uranium dioxide. A porous metal or ceramic filter closely surrounds the scroll feed device to remove particles from kiln-produced gases. The filter is maintained in a clean condition by the scraping action of a number of helical blades forming part of the scroll feed device. The uranium dioxide powder produced by the kiln may be processed to form nuclear fuel pellets.

Abstract: A bioreactor which and be used with substrates which are difficult to attain sufficient dispersion is made up of a reaction vessel 1 having a reaction chamber 2 surrounded by a water jacket 3 for maintaining a predetermined constant temperature. The reaction chamber 2 is provided in the vicinity of the inner wall surface 2a of the reaction vessel 2 with a plurality of upright screws 6 and 7 in an adjoining relationship to each other, each screw having a screw thread or a helical fin 6b, 7b of reverse turning sense with each other so that the reactor vessel contents are subjected to a convectional flow induced by the rotation of the screws in the reverse sense to each other by a gearing 14, 15. The substrate therein is subjected to a uniform agitation and to a milling and sieving actions in the portion 13 where the fins of the screws face each other, before the reaction product is removed by a screw conveyer 25.

Abstract: A reactor includes a reaction vessel that defines a reaction chamber. Completely or partially within the reaction chamber is at least one spiroid. The spiroid is operably associated with the reaction vessel so that rotation of the reaction vessel causes the spiroid to rotate and liquid to be transferred through the spiroid. The spiroid can circulate gas and liquid within the reaction chamber, introduce fresh gas and liquid into the reaction chamber or discharge gas and liquid from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the physiochemical treatment and reaction of material which includes a pair of conveying screws which convey the material from an inlet to an outlet and wherein the portion of the material is recycled through spaced openings between the screws and wherein the material is introduced from one screw to the other screw in such a manner that an air space is created between the threads of the other screw so that air may be provided to or taken from the material being conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bleaching high consistency lignocellulosic pulp using ozone supplied in an ozone containing gas. The bleaching reactor apparatus according to the invention is a generally cylindrical vessel itself being rotatable or with a rotatable shaft having radially extending paddles arranged in a configuration to minimize axial dispersion of the pulp and maximize radial dispersion of the pulp to provide a radially dispersed plug flow of pulp through the reactor in the presence of the ozone to provide substantially uniformly bleached pulp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bleaching high consistency lignocellulosic pulp using ozone supplied in an ozone containing gas. The bleaching reactor apparatus according to the invention is a generally cylindrical vessel with a rotatable shaft having radially extending paddles arranged in a configuration to minimize axial dispersion of the pulp and maximize radial dispersion of the pulp to provide a radially dispersed plug flow of pulp through the reactor in the presence of the ozone to provide substantially uniformly bleached pulp.

Abstract: A two stage ozone-pulp bleaching method and apparatus are disclosed. In the first stage, high consistency pulp particles are turbulently mixed and contacted with a gaseous mixture containing ozone to mix and contact substantially all of the pulp particles with ozone to react at least a portion of the pulp particles with the ozone. Pulp particles and gaseous bleaching mixture are then directed to a second stage including a quiescent pulp bed. Pulp particles may complete their reaction in the bed, which also serves to strip ozone which was not contacted with pulp particles in the first stage from the gaseous bleaching mixture.

Abstract: Components, usually but not exclusively gaseous components, are removed in a liquid medium from gas streams and chemically converted into an insoluble phase or physically removed. Specifically, hydrogen sulfide may be removed from gas streams by oxidation in aqueous chelated transition metal solution in a modified agitated flotation cell. The same principle may be employed with other procedures in which a gaseous phase is dispersed in a liquid phase to effect an interaction between components present in such phases. A gas-liquid contact apparatus, generally a combined chemical reactor and solid product separation device, comprising such modified agitated flotation cell also is described. In order to effect efficient mass transfer and rapid reaction, gas bubbles containing hydrogen sulfide and oxygen are formed by rotating an impeller at a blade tip velocity of at least about 350 in/sec. to achieve the required shear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.

Abstract: The composting of waste material in a batch mode is accomplished by microbiological aerobic activity in a closed cylindrical vessel. The batch composting facility comprises bottom aeration (18) and an agitation auger mechanism (1) to ensure both aerobic and homogeneous composting conditions.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating chromium containing leather scrap to recover chromium compounds and to produce a protein hydrolysate. The leather scrap is fed into an upstream mixing zone of a reaction vessel along with an alkali metal solution and the scrap and the solution are mixed by a plurality of kneading paddles carried by a rotating shaft. The mixture is then passed to a downstream hydrolyzing zone and conveyed through the hydrolyzing zone by a spiral flight. The mixture is heated by the injection of steam to thereby produce a hydrolyzed mixture comprising a protein hydrolysate containing suspended, insoluble particles of chromium compound. The hydrolysate is separated from the precipitated chromium compounds and can be recirculated to the reaction vessel while the chromium compounds can be recovered for use in the tanning process. The concentrated hydrolysate can be subjected to electrophoresis to increase the concentration of any desired amino acid in the hydrolysate.

Abstract: A method and an installation for producing granulated triple superphosphate wherein a premixer for phosphate and a phosphoric acid solution includes unclogging means comprising in combination a flexible axial sleeve of non-vulcanized elastomer for injecting phosphate together with at least one sprayer for spraying the phosphoric acid solution and acting level with the free bottom end of the sleeve. The invention is applicable to the chemical industry.

Abstract: A vertical reactor system having a plurality of substantially vertically aligned reaction compartments one on top of the other, the reactant materials (and catalyst and solvent, if desired), flowable from a first top compartment through intermediate compartments, if any, to a bottom compartment from which a desired product of a reaction of the reactant materials is withdrawn, the compartments having inlets for the addition of additional reactants, catalysts, or solvents and outlets for withdrawing by-products, vapors, and water from any compartment, and processes for producing products using such a system. In one embodiment the product is a liquid epoxy resin. Stirring impellers may be provided in any compartment. A liquid seal may be provided on a shaft for the impellers and, in one embodiment the seals in each compartment may be elevated above the liquid in the compartments.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator for hydrolyzing hydrides substantially at stoichiometry to provide hydrogen on demand to a fuel cell is disclosed. The generator comprises a sealable, pressurizable, thermally insulated vessel into which a hydride in granular form is loaded. Water, most of which may be a byproduct from the fuel cell, is controllably introduced into the vessel for reaction with the hydride to generate hydrogen. The rate of introduction of the water is determined by the demand for hydrogen at the fuel cell. Heat transfer apparatus is disposed about the vessel to control the temperature of the reaction. A stirring mechanism is disposed in the vessel to prevent clumping of the hydride, to distribute the water to unreacted hydride, and to disperse the heat of the reaction throughout the hydride mass and thence to the heat transfer apparatus. An outlet from the vessel is provided for transfer of the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for continuously producing a rubber base compound and a rubber end compound in a single stage for vehicle tires, drive belts, conveyor belts as well as for industrial rubber products. The rubber base compound and the rubber end compound are produced continuously in one and the same mixing arrangement which includes a twin-screw extruder.

Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a batch of dry polymer in dilution water includes a tank which contains the dilution water in a mixing vessel and a mixing assembly within the mixing vessel. The dilution water is circulated at a high rate through the mixing assembly to create a high shear flow condition within the mixing assembly. The polymer is introduced into the mixing assembly to disperse the polymer in the dilution water and form a slurry in the vessel without causing agglomeration of the dry polymer. After dispersion and before hydration of the polymer, the rate of circulation through the mixing assembly is reduced to create a low shear flow condition. The low shear condition is maintained as the viscosity of the solution increases.

Abstract: A vertical reactor system having a plurality of substantially vertically aligned reaction compartments one on top of the other, the reactant materials (and catalyst and solvent, if desired), flowable from a first top compartment through intermediate compartments, if any, to a bottom compartment from which a desired product of a reaction of the reactant materials is withdrawn, the compartments having inlets for the addition of additional reactants, catalysts, or solvents and outlets for withdrawing by-products, vapors, and water from any compartment, and processes for producing products using such a system. In one embodiment the product is a liquid epoxy resin. Stirring impellers may be provided in any compartment. A liquid seal may be provided on a shaft for the impellers and, in one embodiment the seals in each compartment may be elevated above the liquid in the compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for the direct fluorination of solid particles of polymeric resins capable of being fluorinated in which the solid particles are in contact with the gaseous phase of fluorine/dense carrier fluid in a tubular reactor with an internal mechanical device comprising a rotatable shaft with screw flight, multiblade or wire brush that mechanically fluidizes the solid phase. The design of the internal mechanical device is a function of the diameter and length of the tubular reactor and the reaction time and other physical properties of the solid particles of polymeric resins. The internal mechanical device prevents agglomeration of the solid particles and promotes uniform contact with the gaseous phase by inducing mobility to the solid particles. The enhancement of solid surface contact with the gaseous phase assists the reaction between the solid polymeric resin and the elemental fluorine, as well as the heat dissipation into the dense carrier fluid.

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: 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.