Including Solid Reactant And Means Charging Solids Into, Or Dischanging Solids From, Reaction Chamber Patents (Class 422/232)
  • Patent number: 6315965
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolysable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Degesch de Chile LTDA
    Inventors: Franziskus Horn Feja, Christoph Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 6270735
    Abstract: An apparatus removes water and organic compounds from waste streams such as contaminated soils and refinery tailings by a combination of thermal stripping and molecular decomposition. The apparatus includes at least one unit having a pipe which is preferably heated by induction heating and also having a transport arrangement. The transport arrangement includes a suitable motor and operates to move the waste stream material through the pipe and mix the material to provide uniform heat transfer from the heated pipe. The transport arrangement preferably includes an adjustment mechanism which allows adjustment of the rate at which material moves through the pipe for a given motor speed. The adjustment mechanism also adjusts the mixing provided by the transport arrangement. Several of the treatment units according to the invention may be connected in series to form a multistage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Clean Technologies International Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony S. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20010004451
    Abstract: A catalyst dumping device (10) for unloading a catalyst (50) inside a reactor (1), in which smashed used catalyst is thrown into a dumping pipe (11) formed of a plurality of pipe member (12) provided to the reactor (1) to unload to outside of the reactor (1) by fall by dead weight. Accordingly, the catalyst can be unloaded only by throwing the catalyst into the dumping pipe (11), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, no special apparatus such as a vacuum apparatus is unnecessary, thereby reducing cost for the special apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: Softard Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawakami, Nobuyoshi Sawamura, Shinichi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20010002989
    Abstract: An apparatus removes water and organic compounds from waste streams such as contaminated soils and refinery tailings by a combination of thermal stripping and molecular decomposition. The apparatus includes at least one unit having a pipe which is preferably heated by induction heating and also having a transport arrangement. The transport arrangement includes a suitable motor and operates to move the waste stream material through the pipe and mix the material to provide uniform heat transfer from the heated pipe. The transport arrangement preferably includes an adjustment mechanism which allows adjustment of the rate at which material moves through the pipe for a given motor speed. The adjustment mechanism also adjusts the mixing provided by the transport arrangement. Several of the treatment units according to the invention may be connected in series to form a multistage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventor: ANTHONY S. WAGNER
  • Patent number: 6203766
    Abstract: A catalyst dumping device (10) for unloading a catalyst (50) inside a reactor (1), in which smashed used catalyst is thrown into a dumping pipe (11) formed of a plurality of pipe member (12) provided to the reactor (1) to unload to outside of the reactor (1) by fall by dead weight. Accordingly, the catalyst can be unloaded only by throwing the catalyst into the dumping pipe (11), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, no special apparatus such as a vacuum apparatus is unnecessary, thereby reducing cost for the special apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Softard Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawakami, Nobuyoshi Sawamura, Shinichi Nagata
  • Patent number: 6177053
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices for removing acetic acid from cyclohexane in the direct oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid, especially after recycling catalyst which is precipitated by introduction of additional cyclohexane. The removal of acetic acid is preferably conducted by use of rather small amounts of wash-water in one to three stage extractors. A two stage reactor is preferable as being more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: RPC Inc.
    Inventors: David C. DeCoster, Eustathios Vassiliou, Mark W. Dassel, Ader M. Rostami
  • Patent number: 6143253
    Abstract: An arrangement for the controlled production of an essentially linear array of hydrocarbon feed injection jets reduces required clearances and elevation while facilitating modification of the contacting locating a feed distributor containing a linear array of jets at a standpipe junction point to provide choke point for particle flow control. The flow properties of the extended particle layer are controlled by adjusting the density of the particles above the choke point created by the upper part of the standpipe inside diameter and the top of the distributor. Steam or another fluidization medium may be added to the particles directly above the distributor for this purpose. This invention can also modify the particle or feed injection characteristics by changing the projection of the distributor into the standpipe to adjust the flow area over the choke point and by the use of bottom slides or baffles to change the flow area size and configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: William H. Radcliffe, Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 6090351
    Abstract: A chamber comprising a moving bed of solid particles, delimited by at least one screen with thickness e, circulating in a downward direction substantially parallel to the screen, the bed being traversed by at least one fluid flowing in the bed in a principal direction which is different to that of the ensemble of particles and leaving the bed by an outlet screen. In accordance with the invention, the chamber comprises at least one opening for introducing solid particles located above the bed and comprising at least one orifice for the flow of the particles, located at a distance of at least 0.6 e from the outlet screen. The chamber advantageously comprises at least two extraction openings, one extraction opening being located at a distance not more than 0.5 e from the outlet screen, and the other at a distance of at least 0.5 e from the outlet screen. The invention is applicable to catalytic reactors, in particular to catalytic reforming reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Euzen, Daniel Vuillemot, Roland Huin
  • Patent number: 6053010
    Abstract: A method for aging steel-making slag comprising the steps of charging normal temperature steel-making slag crushed to the extent that the slag having a grain diameter of 25 mm or less which constitutes 80% or more of the total amount into a pressure vessel which can be closed tight enough to seal a pressure substantially higher than atmosphere. The pressure vessel is closed and pressureized steam is supplied into the said vessel for heating the said pressure vessel and slag to raise the temperature and the pressure in the said pressure vessel while discharging condensed hot water. The interior of the vessel is kept under a condition saturated by steam and pressurized up to 2 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 G for 1 to 5 hours. The pressure in the pressure vessel is reduced to be equalized with atmosphere. The steel-making slag is then discharged from the vessel. Apparatus is provided for carrying out the above process and includes a pressure vessel having an opening lid for charging and discharging steel-making slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignees: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Morishita, Hiroshi Koide, Keiichi Komai, Yoshitaka Kinugawa, Yosuke Suezawa, Kazunari Teramae
  • Patent number: 6036927
    Abstract: An integrated micro-ceramic chemical plant having a unitary ceramic body formed from multiple ceramic layers in the green state which are sintered together includes a reaction chamber and a first passage for providing communication with the reaction chamber so that two or more fluids may be delivered to such reaction chamber for reaction, and the unitary ceramic body defining a catalytic bed in the reaction chamber, such catalytic bed being formed of micro-porous ceramic impregnated with at least one catalyst for promoting the reaction in the reaction chamber to produce reaction products; and the unitary ceramic body defining a filtration channel connected to the reaction chamber including filters disposed in such filtration channel for separating the reaction products so as to retrieve desired reaction products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh, Edward P. Furlani
  • Patent number: 6017499
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for contacting in a reactor solids in the form of free-flowing lumps with liquids or for contacting solids with liquids and gases by bringing the reactants into contact with each other, said reactor comprising a housing containing a screen in the area of which contacting takes place whereinthe screen is a rotary screen drum 5,the screen drum 5 rotates in a bottom vat during the operation, said vat holding a gaseous or liquid medium reacting with the solids, andthe bottom vat 10 can be lowered such that the solids in the screen drum 5 and the medium in the bottom vat 10 can be separated from each other whenever it is desired to alter or interrupt the chemical reaction or physical process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: RWE-DEA Aktiengesellschaft fur Minepaloel und Chemie
    Inventor: Gert Albert
  • Patent number: 5990191
    Abstract: A microorganism cells-immobilizing granular carrier and its manufacturing system.Said microorganism cells-immobilizing granular carrier, which has a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.20, and which has a contact angle of 2.degree. to 30.degree. formed between the carrier surface and n-paraffin, and which has a surface suitable for the attachment of a microorganism, is obtained by dripping a liquid composition containing a hydrophilic photo-curable resin having (a) at least two ethylenically-unsaturated bonds in one molecule, (b) photopolymerization initiator, and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharide capable of gelatinizing through contact with alkaline metal ions or polyvalent metal ions, into an aqueous medium containing alkaline metal ions or polyvalent metal ions to gelatinize the composition; and irradiating the composition with ultraviolet radiation so as to harden said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kikuta, Hitoshi Izumida, Kiyoshi Nanishi, Toshirou Hirama
  • Patent number: 5961933
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for optimal operation of a slurry bubble column containing a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, characterized in that a gas phase containing the reactant(s) required for the production of the desired products is injected in the form of bubbles close to the lower extremity of the reactor and at least a portion of the liquid fraction and optionally of the solid fraction of the suspension is recirculated, drawn off from close to one extremity of the reactor and reintroduced close to the other extremity of the reactor, with a liquid flow rate U.sub.l in the reactor which is at least equal to and preferably greater than the sedimentation rate U.sub.s of the solid particles. The invention also concerns an apparatus for optimal operation of the process. Finally, the invention concerns the use of the process and apparatus in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Dominique Casanave, Pierre Galtier, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 5961932
    Abstract: An integrated micro-ceramic chemical plant having a unitary ceramic body formed from multiple ceramic layers in the green state which are sintered together includes a unitary ceramic body defining a reaction chamber and first passages are provided for communication with the reaction chamber so that two or more fluids may be delivered to such reaction chamber, a permeable partition wall being provided within the reaction chamber to permit the mixing of fluids during a reaction process. The integrated micro-ceramic chemical plant further includes a filtering chamber including filters disposed in such chamber for separating the solid reaction products from the fluid and for retrieving desired solid reaction products; and other passages for directing the desired solid reaction products to exit from the unitary ceramic body and other passages for directing the desired liquid reaction products to exit from the unitary ceramic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Edward P. Furlani
  • Patent number: 5932067
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards the method of processing of fibrous mass by a chemical agent and the set up needed for the conducting of the process. Fibrous mass is mixed with a gas transfer agent in the mixing cell and goes to the flow-type tube cell which is shaped like a spiral with the 1:18-1:60 ratio between tube and loop diameters. The chemical agent is transferred immediately to the reactor throughout the jets attached to the reactor lengthwise. The process is carried out in a turbulent regime of motion of the reaction mixture with the velocity of 1-50 m/s. The current invention allows to reach the higher effective processing of fibrous mass, to reduce the consumption of the chemical agent and to increase the quality of the processed material. It can be utilized in paper and pulp industry for the processing of cellulose using a bleaching agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Vitaly Valerievich Pukanov
    Inventor: Vladimir Pavlovich Groudinine
  • Patent number: 5917102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depolymerizing used and waste plastics, comprising a closed reactor and a circulation system the mildly heating of the reactor contents connected to the reactor, as well as to a process for depolymerizing used and waste plastics. To protect the circulation system from erosion by solid particles contained in the reactor contents, the reactor is designed so that the reactor contents drawn off into the circulation system traverse a riser section integrated into the reactor for removing fairly coarse solid particles having correspondingly high settling rate before entry into the take-off line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: VEBA OEL AG
    Inventors: Rolf Holighaus, Klaus Niemann, Klaus Strecker, Dieter Ullrich, Christian Hecka
  • Patent number: 5871619
    Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tire Recycling Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dana J. Finley, Jeffrey D. Wilder
  • Patent number: 5851493
    Abstract: An injection system and method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Chevron Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kevin W. Lawson, Gary K. Scott, Wendell H. Snelson
  • Patent number: 5846072
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indirect-fired, stationary tube, gas/solids or solids/solids, full ceramic pyroprocessing furnace-reactor that uses heat-resistant conveyors to propel solids through the stationary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventor: H. Earl Willis
  • Patent number: 5798035
    Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Pharmacopeia, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kirk, Robert H. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 5795550
    Abstract: A catalyst packing apparatus with which a desired packed density can be easily and surely obtained by use of a suspended type catalyst ejector, wherein correlated data giving a scattering height from which a desired packed density can be obtained has been determined and stored beforehand in a memory part 74, and by setting a desired packed density, prior to the scattering of catalyst, a selecting part 75 selects a scattering height corresponding to the desired packed density from the correlated data in the memory part 74 and delivers the same to an adjusting part 76 which controls the catalyst ejector 30 so as to obtain this scattering height, thereby the catalyst 11 in a reaction tower 10 can be packed at the desired packed density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Idemitsu Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Minami
  • Patent number: 5766555
    Abstract: To achieve better distribution of the fluid and optimal flow of bulk products, the feed inlet floor of a mobile bed reactor comprises parallel cellular bulk feed hoppers (9A) covering the surfaces or funnel shaped bulk discharge chutes (9B), the side walls (14A and 14B) of which are provided with openings (16A and 16B) for the passage of feed fluid above which roof-shaped feed distribution elements (18A; 18B; 18C) opening downward are arranged on the inner surface of the hoppers or chutes so as to project from the said surface. For flat, parallel flow of the bulk product, it is particularly advantageous that the distribution elements are arranged so that they also lie, in the direction of flow of the product, above the outlet openings (26A and 26B) for the latter in the hoppers or chutes and therefore preferably cover the entire surface region of the opening in the form of a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Horst Grochowski
  • Patent number: 5755837
    Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier includes a first auger (26) which moves carbon from a carbon collection tank (24) through an air lock valve (30) to a carbon holding tank (28). The gasifier includes an inner cylindrical sleeve (80) which is configured such that there is a small air gap between it and an interior wall of the gasifier (16). The air lock valve (30) includes an inlet member (96) which connects the housing to a connecting tube from the first auger (26). A plate (100) within the housing is mounted such that in a closed position, the plate is sealingly positioned against a lower edge of the inlet member (96), while in an open position, the plate is away from the inlet member, permitting carbon to move into the carbon holding tank. A fuel spreader apparatus 53 is positioned at the top portion of the gasifier. It includes a stirring rod (44) and two opposed fuel paddle assemblies (67, 69) at the lower end thereof to spread the fuel over the cross-sectional area of the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Thermal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Beierle, Leroy Graff, John J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 5746983
    Abstract: Improved device for slaking of lime, comprising a slaker (10) which is connected to a lime silo (24) and a conveyor (30) for supply of lime, equipped with a motor driven mixer (14) with a specially designed mixing organ. Through pipeline with exit valve the slaker is connected to a distribution tank. An improved process for slaking of lime, using the above-mentioned device and process steps comprising transfer of lime under conveyor (30) from the silo (24) for feeding in weighed quantities into the slaker (10), feeding of weighed water quantities into the slaker for treatment in intervals by means of the mixer (14) and subsequent transfer of the finished lime mixer into the distribution tank. The slaking process is automated and takes place under constant supervision, and the slaking device's regulating valves are controlled by respective, connected limit switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Poju R. Stephansen
  • Patent number: 5738830
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for producing oxides of metals and of metal alloys. The metal or alloy is placed in an oxygen atmosphere in a combustion chamber and ignited. Products of the combustion include one or more oxides of the metal or alloy in powdered form. In one embodiment of the invention a feeder is provided whereby material to be oxidized by combustion can be advanced into a combustion chamber continuously. A product remover receives the powder product of the combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Joel M. Stoltzfus, Subhasish Sircar
  • Patent number: 5731994
    Abstract: A particle packing apparatus which includes a particle distributor capable of forming a concave-conical packed surface upon scattering of particles in a steady state and having a parameter with which to control the size of the cone and a packing monitor capable of continuously detecting the entire packed surface condition is provided. A concave-conical packed surface of the particles scattered in a steady state is formed by the distributor while the packing monitor is continuously detecting the formation of the packed surface and intermittently or continuously the parameter of the particle distributor is controlled to reduce the cone size gradually and form and deposit, on the inner side of the concave-conical packed surface, successively smaller packed surfaces at predetermined intervals or uninterruptedly, whereby a flat, smooth packed surface is formed. When scanning the deposit surface with laser light, detecting the reflected light, and measuring the deposit height by trigonometry, it is image-processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Okubo, Kazunari Naya
  • Patent number: 5714043
    Abstract: A combination liquid seal and spiral auger conveyor feeding system which provides both a liquid seal, effective under normal operating conditions, with a sealed spiral auger conveyor, which is effective to seal against the surge flow of distillation gases back through the feeding system. This is attained while providing for a reliable, continuous flow of solid bulk material such as rubber tire chips to a reactor or distillation unit. A bulk feeding system having a partially submerged inclined spiral auger conveyor is provided, communicating at its base with a liquid reservoir so as to form a liquid seal within the combined apparatus. Solid bulk material is introduced to the upper end of the liquid reservoir above the liquid level where it descends by the action of gravity into the liquid and sinks to the bottom of the reservoir to by picked up by the partially submerged rotating auger conveyor and elevated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Tire Recycling Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Dana J. Finley, Jeffrey D. Wilder
  • Patent number: 5714128
    Abstract: An apparatus process is provided for the destruction of a toxic organic chlorine-containing compound, especially, a chlorine- and arsenic-containing compound. The apparatus includes a main reactor into which is introduced the chlorine-containing compound, e.g., a Lewisite as a mustard gas, an oxidizing agent and a pH controlling agent, the main reactor including a hot heat exchanger and a cold heat exchanger, a source of inert blanketing gas to provide an oxidation product of the organic original chlorine-containing compound. Preferably, after completion of the oxidizing reaction, any residual oxidizing agent is catalytically decomposed. Then, the oxidation product of the original organic chlorine-containing compound, is preferably decomposed in a catalyst containing vessel at an alkaline pH, e.g., to a maximum final pH of about 11 in a liquid knockout vessel which includes a lower liquid discharge and an upper gaseous discharge connected to a vented absorber vessel to provide an inorganic compound, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. Ritter
  • Patent number: 5636580
    Abstract: A pyrolysis system is provided for use in the pyrolytic distillation of various feedstock materials, such system including an elongate reaction chamber with an upstream end, a downstream end, an infeed port near the upstream end and a discharge port near the downstream end. An auger is disposed in the reaction chamber to convey feedstock from the infeed port to the discharge port through the reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the auger includes a reverse section downstream from the discharge port to create an accumulation zone. An input airlock coupled to the reaction chamber near the upstream end delivers charges of feedstock through the input port into the reaction chamber and an output airlock coupled to the discharge port of the reaction chamber receives therefrom pyrolyzed material. Heat is supplied by a furnace disposed around the reaction chamber to supply heat thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas R. Kanis
  • Patent number: 5599511
    Abstract: An apparatus provides high temperature and short residence time conditions for the production of nanoscale ceramic powders. The apparatus includes a confinement structure having a multiple inclined surfaces for confining flame located between the surfaces so as to define a flame zone. A burner system employs one or more burners to provide flame to the flame zone. Each burner is located in the flame zone in close proximity to at least one of the inclined surfaces. A delivery system disposed adjacent the flame zone delivers an aerosol, comprising an organic or carbonaceous carrier material and a ceramic precursor, to the flame zone to expose the aerosol to a temperature sufficient to induce combustion of the carrier material and vaporization and nucleation, or diffusion and oxidation, of the ceramic precursor to form pure, crystalline, narrow size distribution, nanophase ceramic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Helble, Gary A. Moniz, Theodore F. Morse
  • Patent number: 5558783
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas G. McGuinness
  • Patent number: 5518924
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a pasteurized substrate by biological decomposition of organic refuse is characterized by the following processing steps:a) A container (1) is half filled with a mixture of solid refuse to be decomposed, liquid substances are added, and the mixture is stirred for a first residence time of 2 to 3 hours.b) A quantity not greater than one-third of the weight of the mixed refuse of decanted clarified sludge at a temperature equal to that of the mixed refuse is added. A quantity of white lime may also be added, and stirring is continued for a further residence time of 69 to 70 hours. An apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a parallelepipedal container (1) with a pentagonal profile in the shape of an inverted house roof with its ridge pole sunk in the ground and whose width (b) is greater than its length (l). The base of the container includes two identical, obtuse-angled, mutually inclined half-bases (1.1, 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Adymat AG
    Inventor: Adelrich Spescha
  • Patent number: 5512265
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kureha Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Funahashi, Kiwamu Yamamoto, Koju Suto
  • Patent number: 5470540
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a predetermined volume of suspension into a reactor from a storage vessel. According to the invention the storage vessel is connected via a first conduit to an intermediate vessel which is in turn connected to a feed vessel via a second conduit, the feed vessel is connected via a third conduit to the reactor, each of the first, second and third conduits, is provided with a shut-off valve, the vessels, conduits and valves being so arranged that the suspension can be transferred by gravity from the storage vessel to the intermediate vessel and from the intermediate vessel to the feed vessel and can be transferred from the feed vessel to the reactor by gravity and/or the effect of pressure difference between the feed vessel and the reactor. The present invention also relates to a process for introducing a predetermined volume of suspension into a reactor using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: Robert Pes
  • Patent number: 5456385
    Abstract: A process for discharging solids from a vessel having at least three successive beds of solid particulate material with at least two of the beds being of different solid material than the other. The process comprises opening a lowermost closure and discharging the lowermost bed from the vessel while maintaining other closures in closed positions. After discharging the lowermost bed, opening the next-to-lowermost closure to permit the next-to-lowermost bed of solids to replace the lowermost bed, and repeating this operation up through all the beds without mixing of the beds, and discharging each bed separately from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bernard Poussin, Jean-Paul LePage, Roland Huin
  • Patent number: 5432265
    Abstract: The continuous removal of solid products from a high-pressure system is achieved by operating a high-pressure pump in reverse to gradually reduce pressure at the exit line to atmospheric pressure. This process allows solid products to exit the system while at the same time maintaining high pressure in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Peggy M. Tomasula
  • Patent number: 5411714
    Abstract: A thermal conversion pyrolysis reactor system (10) is provided for use in providing a continuous flow type pyrolysis reaction for conversion of carbonizable input materials ("MW") (12). The reactor system (10) utilizes a diffusion material ("MD") (14) which is preheated and admixed with the MD (12) in order to facilitate pyrolysis and to partially catalyze reactions. Subsystems are provided to receive gaseous (30), liquid (32) and solid (32) phase outputs. The reactor system (10) includes further component subsystems for waste material MW input (22), MD input (26), reactor chamber (24), and heating (28). The MD (14) is preheated by being carried through the reactor chamber (64) prior to admixing with the MW (12) and further by exhaust gases (94) from the furnace space (88) being directed through a heat exchanger (126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Arthur C. Wu, Sabrina C. Chen
  • Patent number: 5410566
    Abstract: In a method of producing metal melts, in particular a steel melt from scrap, in an electric arc furnace having at least one graphite electrode, organic substances are charged into the electric arc through a central longitudinal recess of the graphite electrode so as to reduce electrode consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Steins, Harald Berger, Peter Mittag
  • Patent number: 5395597
    Abstract: An apparatus for fluidized transport of solids, e.g., catalyst to a pilot plant FCC unit. Carrier gas flow is generated by compressing a sealed bellows to displace gas and an exit tube attached to the bellows into a solids reservoir. A confinement baffle in the solids reservoir controls solids flow and aids refilling. An auxiliary breather tube with an outlet in the solids reservoir can fluidize solids as the bellows expands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Buchanan, Hans J. Schoennagel
  • Patent number: 5384051
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas G. McGinness
  • Patent number: 5328668
    Abstract: Semiconductor grade tungsten hexafluoride (WF.sub.6) is produced by reacting tungsten metal with a recirculating flow of gaseous WF.sub.6 containing a small concentration of fluorine in a heated reactor. The high purity WF.sub.6 produced is useful for deposition of tungsten metallization in fabricating VLSI integrated circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bandgap Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Sabacky, Robert E. Doane
  • Patent number: 5308366
    Abstract: A reactor for producing hot hydrogen in vacuo which in turn drives a power-generating device such as a turbine is disclosed. Within the reactor are injected heat-generating reactants such as beryllium and oxygen. The reactants heat hydrogen which in turn is delivered to a power-generating device such as a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: David Stelman
  • Patent number: 5296202
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously distributing catalyst particles across the full diameter of catalyst bed with a single rotor is disclosed. The bed has substantially uniform high density by forming a multiplicity of annular rings of catalyst concentric with the vessel or bed center. Such action is achieved without varying rotor speed by deflecting catalyst from a feed hopper into a plurality of arcuate sectors or portions of different radial lengths on a rotating disk-like member. Preferably, each arcuate portion has a volume proportional to one of the annular areas of the bed within the cross-sectional area of the vessel. The desired volume is formed by the radial length of the arcuate sector, its included angle on the disk, and the height of the vanes separating adjacent sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Co.
    Inventors: Steven A. Souers, Bruce E. Powell
  • Patent number: 5294408
    Abstract: A compact lime slaker has an inner vessel forming an initial slaking chamber disposed in an outer vessel forming a final slaking chamber, with agitators provided In both chambers. Slaked lime from the final slaking chamber is pumped to a collection trough where slaked lime and grit are removed therefrom, while a major portion of slaked lime, with grit removed is returned to the final slaking chamber. The slaked lime in the final slaking chamber, at an elevated temperature due to the slaking exotherm, insulates the lime being slaked in the initial slaking chamber and provides heat thereto to aid in the initial slaking. Removal of grit from the portion of slaked lime recycled to the final slaking chamber prevents clogging or attrition of components of the slaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Dravo Lime Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Muzik, Kenneth L. Yoest
  • Patent number: 5283051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for containing particulate material e.g.: spent catalyst when evacuating an industrial reactor vessel used in hydrocarbon processing. A containment bag (3) is provided one end of which is located adjacent the wall of the reactor housing (1) about an outlet (2) thereof. The bag (3) has a panel defining side walls (4, 5), and a top wall (6) and an end panel (7) and assumes a generally cuboid shape when inflated in use. A barrier wall (22) may be constructed in the vicinity of the outlet (2) to provide additional containment. In one embodiment, a vent outlet G is defined in the region adjacent the vessel outlet to permit venting of steam and air whilst discharged particulate material is contained within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Green, Martin K. Hopper, Ian H. Mercer
  • Patent number: 5270018
    Abstract: Apparatus for withdrawing particulate spent catalyst particles from a packed, non-fluidized bed of such particles in contact with a liquid medium within a vessel wherein the apparatus is a withdrawal conduit or pipe which has an inlet that opens within the bottom of the bed and faces generally downwardly so that a first section extends upwardly from the inlet, and a second section extends downwardly, and the spent catalyst particles exits the packed bed through a uniform and continuous flow path opening into a solids recovery vessel whose pressure is controlled to regulate flow of such spent catalyst from the reaction vessel independent of the rate of flow through the withdrawal conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Georgieanna L. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 5256163
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flow liquid-phase chemical reaction system in which a high pressure reservoir unit holds a solvent solution which contains an organic reactant and a gas reactant. The quantity of gas reactant dissolved in the solvent solution is determined by the level of gas reactant vapor pressure in the reservoir unit. The solvent solution is passed through a solid catalyst reactor unit to achieve a selective reaction between the two reactant components of the solvent solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignees: Philip Morris Incorporated, Philip Morris Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Augustine, Glen Wolosh
  • Patent number: 5248484
    Abstract: A reactor vessel for reacting a solid particulate with a liquid reactant has a centrifugal pump in circulatory flow communication with the reactor vessel for providing particulate attrition, resulting in additional fresh surface where the reaction can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Scott, Brian H. Davison
  • Patent number: 5244640
    Abstract: An gas generator is disclosed that generates gas from a pressure-producing reaction of reactant pieces and reactant fluid. The generator includes a pressure/reaction regulator for use with a reaction chamber. The regulator includes a reactant-fluid accumulator in communication with the reaction chamber via a reactant-fluid port for adjusting pressure in the chamber relative to a preselected threshold pressure. The regulator also includes at least one body extending substantially into the reaction chamber from the reactant-fluid port. The body is formed with holes for letting fluid under pressure into and out of the chamber. Also disclosed is such a regulator that is usable with a reaction chamber having plural reactant-fluid ports and includes plural bodies, one for each port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: J. Harvey Crawford
  • Patent number: RE37194
    Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Pharmacopeia, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kirk, Robert H. Grubbs