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

Abstract: A tar sand volatilizer system thermally removes petroleum crude oil from tar sands or shale oil. A series of heated augers or thermal screws are used to elevate material temperature gradually using conductive heat transfer. The thermal screws blades and auger case receive a heated fluid. The screws are driven by variable speed drive systems. The unit is sized for any throughput rate desired. Hot clean material discharges into a rotary cooler and re-hydrator unit. The exhaust gases are pulled through a high temperature filter collector for particulate removal. The particulate free petroleum vapor laden hot gas exits the filter house into a multi stage condenser system with water chillers where the vapor temperature is gradually cooled. A microwave upgrader system processes crude oil using catalyst injected microwave technology to produce a diesel like fuel oil in a continuous process stream.

Abstract: A method and system for high-throughput screening of multiphase reactions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment the method includes the steps of sequentially loading a plurality of discrete combinations of reactants into a longitudinal reaction zone; reacting each of the combinations as it passes through the reaction zone to provide a continuously or an incrementally varying reaction product; and sequentially discharging the reaction product of each of combination from the reaction zone as reaction of each combination is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a waste product and producing a synthesis gas is provided. The system includes a sealed, heated rotatable drum for preheating and preparing the waste material suitable for a plasma reactor, and processing the material in the reactor. The synthesis gas created by the reactor is used to preheat the waste material by circulating the hot synthesis gas around the drum. In an alternative embodiment, the hot synthesis gas flows through the drum to preheat the waste material and to clean the synthesis gas. Different methods of cooling and cleaning the synthesis gas are used. The system may comprise two plasma reactors in combination with a rotating desorber drum.

Abstract: Novel devices for synthesizing ferrate and uses thereof are described. One aspect of the invention relates to devices and systems for synthesizing ferrate at a site proximal to the site of use.

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: An apparatus for burning coal to produce substantially pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells, together with “sequestration ready” carbon dioxide and a stream of oxygen depleted air for powering gas turbines. The apparatus includes two fluidized bed reactors and a third transfer line reactor. The first reactor is supplied with coal particles or “char” and fluidized with high temperature steam. The second reactor is fluidized with high temperature steam and the third reactor is fluidized by compressed air. Solids circulated among these three reactors include a mixture of materials containing coal, calcium compounds (present as CaO, CaCO3 and mixtures thereof) and iron compounds (present as FeO, Fe2O3 and mixtures thereof).

Abstract: A molten metal reactor (10) quickly entrains a feed material in the molten reactant metal (16) and provides the necessary contact between the molten reactant metal and the feed material to effect the desired chemical reduction of the feed material. The reactor (10) includes a unique feed structure (24) adapted to quickly entrain the feed material into the molten reactant metal (16) and then transfer the molten reactant metal, feed material, and initial reaction products into a treatment chamber (12). A majority of the desired reactions occur in the treatment chamber (12). Reaction products and unspent reactant metal are directed from the treatment chamber (12) to an output chamber (14) where reaction products are removed from the reactor. Unspent reactant metal (16) is then transferred to a heating chamber (15) where it is reheated for recycling through the system.

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: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a continuous processing apparatus for high temperature thermal treatment of granular materials. The apparatus includes a vertical conveyor means with an internal feed mechanism for transporting granular feedstock upward, an external export means for taking reacted product downward wherein said internal feed heats said granular feedstock by absorbing heat from the product flowing downward through said export means, and a heating means disposed around a top portion of said vertical conveyor means and said external export means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a dissolved polymer from solids, wherein the solid is separated off by sedimentation and the sedimented solid is washed in countercurrent with a solvent. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing polymers in a solvent, wherein a) a polymer having a low molecular weight is prepared in solution, b) the solid which is undissolved in the reaction mixture is separated off by sedimentation and c) the mixture which has been freed of the solid is polymerized further until a particular molecular weight has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate has a housing with an inlet and an accept outlet. A rotatable distribution member is positioned within the housing. A rotor and stator assembly is positioned within the housing radially outside of the distribution member. A toothed ring is interposed between the distribution rotor and the rotor and stator assembly. The toothed ring and the rotor and stator assembly define a gas ring therebetween. A reactant gas supply is fluidly coupled with the gas ring.

Abstract: A gasification reactor apparatus (10) comprising a gasification vessel (12), a gas-fired combustion chamber (70) and a combination fan and cyclone unit (20) in an upper part (12′) of the vessel (12) with two functions: first, the fan (62, 64) impels incoming feedstock (14, 14′) centrifugally into contact with the hot inside surface of the vessel to produce rapid onset of gasification. Second, the unit (20) exerts a cyclonic motion on the product gas causing outward separation of particulate matter from the gas, which passes to the outlet via a path through the middle of the vessel (12).

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 molten metal reactor (10) quickly entrains a feed material in the molten reactant metal (16) and provides the necessary contact between the molten reactant metal and the feed material to effect the desired chemical reduction of the feed material. The reactor (10) includes a unique feed structure (24) adapted to quickly entrain the feed material into the molten reactant metal (16) and then transfer the molten reactant metal, feed material, and initial reaction products into a treatment chamber (12). A majority of the desired reactions occur in the treatment chamber (12). Reaction products and unspent reactant metal are directed from the treatment chamber (12) to an output chamber (14) where reaction products are removed from the reactor. Unspent reactant metal (16) is then transferred to a heating chamber (15) where it is reheated for recycling through the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alkylating an alkylation substrate with an alkylating agent in the presence of solid catalyst particles in a transport reactor is disclosed. Solid catalyst particles in the transport reactor effluent recirculate to the inlet of the transport reactor through one or more conduits. The rate through each conduit is regulated by fluid-controlled valves that use the alkylation substrate as the regulating fluid. This method and apparatus help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of catalyst from the effluent of the transport reactor to the bottom of the transport reactor. This method and apparatus also help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of alkylation substrate to the bottom of the transport reactor with minimal bypassing by the alkylating agent around of the transport reactor. This invention finds use in the production of motor fuels by the alkylation of liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of solid catalyst particles.

Abstract: A waste rubber treatment process and appartus therefor for vaporizing rubber and separating the vaporized rubber into its usable components. The waste rubber treatment process and appartus therefor includes heating a quantity of rubber in an atmosphere at a negative pressure and at a temperature between 340 Celsius and 510 degrees Celsius such that the rubber is vaporized and defines a vaporized rubber. The vaporized rubber has a plurality of hydrocarbon constituents therein. A venturi separator sprays the vaporized rubber with oil having a boiling temperature greater than 175 degrees Celsius. The oil binds to heavy oil in the hydrocarbon constituents. A remaining portion of the vaporized rubber is condensed such that light oils in the hydrocarbon constituents liquefy and are separated from hydrocarbon gases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilisation chamber for use in a sterilisation device or the like, said chamber being adapted to enclose goods to be sterilised during a sterilisation process. The chamber has a self-supported structure being essentially manufactured from a polymeric material.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a NOX reducing unit, a duct to receive a flue gas stream from said NOX and reducing unit, and an activation source associated with the duct. In use, the activation source applies energy to the flue gas stream to facilitate the removal of contaminants from the flue gas stream. Further, the method comprises providing an activation source is downstream of a NOX reducing unit. The activation source is then activated to facilitate the removal of contaminants from the flue gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for self-propagating high temperature synthesis of an inorganic compound from a combustible charge mixture of initial ingredients. The apparatus comprises mechanisms for continuously feeding the combustible charge into a reaction chamber and removing the synthesized compound therefrom. The apparatus also contains sensors to control and contain the combustion inside a combustion zone of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of solids with pressurized liquid gases, in particular liquid ammonia, with which the to be treated solid is fed into a pressure reactor at atmospheric pressure. Subsequently the pressurized liquid gas is fed to the pressure reactor and after a pre-set dwell time the resultant liquid gas/solid mixture is expanded explosion-like into an expansion tank. With this at least two reactors are operated in a time-staggered manner. Furthermore an apparatus is described for the treatment of solids with pressurized liquid gases, which comprises at least two parallel arranged pressure reactors for the alternating taking in of a solid and a liquid gas, which each have inlet and outlet openings for the solid provided with shut-off elements as well as each at least one inlet opening for the liquid gas, at least one expansion tank which is connected to the respective pressure reactors, and conveying means for feeding the solid as well as the liquid gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.

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: An apparatus for moving a series of boats loaded with samples into one end of a furnace, testing each sample by heating it to the point where the gases to be analyzed are released and discarding the boat with the remaining ashes, while maintaining the sample and the gasses emitted by the sample free from atmospheric contamination in the furnace. The sample is initially positioned in the furnace by use of a pushing mechanism in the form of a rod driven by a step motor. The boat remain in position after the gasses are driven from the sample, until another sample is introduced. The boat with the new sample pushes the boat with the ashes of the previous sample towards a means for automatic extraction of the boat from the furnace.

Abstract: Used oil is treated in a reactor to remove contaminants. The reactor comprises a rotating vessel forming an internal reaction chamber. The vessel is housed within a heating chamber. The inside of the vessel is indirectly heated by conduction through the vessel walls. The reaction chamber contains a permanently resident charge of non-ablating, granular coarse solids. Within the reaction chamber, the oil is vaporized and pyrolyzed, producing a hydrocarbon vapour. Coke is formed as a byproduct. Contaminants, such as metals and halides, become associated with the coke. The coarse solids scour and comminute the coke to form fine solids. The fine solids are separated within the reaction chamber from the coarse solids and are removed from the vessel through a pipe located at the axis of the vessel. The hydrocarbon vapours are also removed from the vessel through the axial pipe, as a separate stream. Residual fine solids are separated in a cyclone from the vapour stream.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously calcining gypsum includes a flash calcining impact mill, a feed bin adjacent the impact mill for holding gypsum, and a gypsum feed control mechanism for supplying gypsum from the feed bin to the impact mill at a substantially constant rate. A method for continuously producing calcined gypsum includes the steps of providing a flash calcining impact mill and providing a feed bin adjacent the impact mill, the feed bin containing gypsum to be calcined. A gypsum feed control mechanism is provided for supplying gypsum from the feed bin to the impact mill. Gypsum is supplied from the feed bin to the impact mill at a substantially constant rate, and the impact mill is operated to dry, grind, and calcine the gypsum.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pyrolizer are disclosed in which carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed in a two stage process. In the first stage the materials are moved through a pretreater using augers and are heated to between 180 and 220 degrees C. In the second stage the materials are moved through a pyrolysis reactor using augers and are heated to between 500 and 1,100 degrees C.

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.

Abstract: A microwave applicator chamber to effectively sterilize animal waste having a series of rotating chamber sectors carrying the waste under a source of intense radio frequency energy. The animal waste emerges free of pathogens and odor causing bacteria, ready for incorporation into plant fertilizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for continuous gas-phase polymerisation of olefin(s) in a fluidized-bed reactor, comprising drawing off the polymer from the vertical side wall of the reactor into a lock hopper via a draw-off conduit so that all flow of the polymer in the draw-off conduit is produced according to a downward direction forming with a horizontal plane an inclination with an angle A at least equal to the angle of repose .beta. of the polymer and not exceeding 90.degree.. The present invention improves the degree of filling of the lock hopper and reduces the amount of gas drawn off with the polymer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of organic materials (typically incorporated in domestic and industrial wastes, including auto shredder residues) to produce useful synthesis gas (primarily CO & H.sub.2) with effectively non-toxic ash residue by means of a preferably stoichiometric burner directed into a single stage reactor containing a tumbling charge thus heated to 650.degree. to 800.degree. C. (below the incipient fusion temperature of the charge) resulting in thermally cracking and gasifying the organic materials in the charge and reacting the complex hydrocarbons and gas evolved with the CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O generated by the burner by combustion of a fuel and oxygen-containing gas at a high flame temperature, typically 2500.degree. to 3000.degree. C.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and device to treat and remediate contaminated soils and sludges and, in particular, relates to a treatment unit which is transportable, quickly mobilized, and capable of remediating large quantities of waste by exothermic stabilization processes such as the calcium oxide based DCR process.

Abstract: A continuous denitration apparatus capable of ensuring mass processing of a nitrate solution of a nuclear fuel and a continuous stable operation. By a rotation of screws, uranium nitrate solution supplied from a liquid feed inlet is continuously conveyed. A trough is divided into a concentration zone, a denitration zone and a drying zone. Microwaves emitted from a microwave incident inlet pass through a microwave permeable part provided in a critical shield plate for covering the upper part of the trough and are applied to the uranium nitrate solution of high concentration and high viscosity, conveyed by the screws. The uranium nitrate solution is denitrated to prepare a denitrated product (uranium trioxide). This denitrated product is dried in the drying zone to obtain powder to be discharged from an outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the separation and extraction of a waste material into a solid, a liquid, and a gas phase utilizing a rotating drum that is sealed from the atmosphere. The exterior of the drum is heated and the waste material flows through the interior of the drum where the liquid components are vaporized and the solids are dried. The drum includes a oxidizing section where the hot dried solids, after the majority of the liquids have been vaporized, are mixed with gas containing oxygen for oxidizing the remaining particles of oxidizable material in the solids. Hot exhaust gases flow through the interior of the drum in a counter current direction of the flow of the solids to maintain an inert atmosphere in the heating section where the vaporization takes place and to prevent the condensables from flowing back over the solids and condensing. The vapors flow through a chamber that contains a hot oil spray for removing solids from the vapors, and then flow to a condenser.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing catalyst from a distillation column reactor and replacing the catalyst with fresh or regenerated catalyst. More specifically a small particulate catalyst is supported by wire mesh or screen or filter medium on trays in a conventional distillation column and substantially submerged by the liquid on the trays. The vapor rising through the liquid tends to keep the catalyst in suspension in the liquid. A draw-off is provided for each tray having catalyst supported thereon whereby liquid containing the suspended or slurried catalyst can be removed to a separator during operation. The catalyst is separated, as in a settling tank separator, from the liquid recycled to the tray until all the catalyst has been removed. The separated catalyst is removed for either regeneration or discarding. Fresh catalyst can then be added to the separator where it is slurried into the liquid again being recirculated from the tray.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are disclosed for fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons using a cross-flow or swirl type catalyst regenerator. Instead of a single catalyst withdrawal outlet for regenerated catalyst, multiple catalyst withdrawal points are provided. Use of multiple catalyst outlets, or a continuous radial catalyst outlet, greatly reduces stagnant regions in the bed.

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).

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 reactor system is disclosed for the treatment of cellulosic pulp in which pulp is distributed upward through a vertical reactor using a unique conical distributor and is discharged using a unique dilution method to eliminate plugging. The system is particularly useful for delignifying virgin wood pulps or decolorizing pulps made from waste paper materials.

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.

Abstract: A reactor for highly viscous media with a horizontally oriented reactor casing having an inlet and an outlet in which a cage-like rotor is mounted in a rotary manner by means of stub shafts. To the cage-like rotor are fixed elements, e.g., rings, which are immersed in and thoroughly mix the media. A stripping rotor is provided coaxially with the cage-like rotor. Both rotors rotate within one another and mix and deliver the media and thereby form free surfaces. In addition, they also clean one another through a scraping action.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a product comprising a carbide compound, such as for example silicon carbide. A reactor is provided which has a chamber defined therein which is divided into a combustion zone and a reaction zone. A combustible mixture is injected into the combustion zone in a direction generally toward the reaction zone, and is accordingly combusted in the combustion zone. At least one reactant (i.e. silane) is injected at the boundary between the zones into the reactor chamber in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber so as to react to form raw product containing the carbide compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing catalyst from a distillation column reactor and replacing the catalyst with fresh or regenerated catalyst. More specifically a small particulate catalyst is supported by wire mesh or screen or filter medium on trays in a conventional distillation column and substantially submerged by the liquid on the trays. The vapor rising through the liquid tends to keep the catalyst in suspension in the liquid. A draw-off is provided for each tray having catalyst supported thereon whereby liquid containing the suspended or slurried catalyst can be removed to a separator during operation. The catalyst is separated, as in a settling tank separator, from the liquid recycled to the tray until all the catalyst has been removed. The separated catalyst is removed for either regeneration or discarding. Fresh catalyst can then be added to the separator where it is slurried into the liquid again being recirculated from the tray.

Abstract: Process for discharging solid particulate products present in a fluidized bed reactor in which the polymerization or copolymerization of alpha-olefins is carried out, in a system consisting of a vessel connected to the reactor by way of a pipe provided with a first valve and connected to a reservoir situated downstream by way of a pipe provided with a second valve, the said method being characterized in that:the two valves consist of continuously rotating plug, valves, these valves being moved in such a way that the two valves are not open at the same time, even partly, and the volume of the vessel comprises between 1/10 and 1/000, and preferably between 1/100 and 1/500 of the volume of fluidized solid contained in the reactor.

Abstract: A reactor for carbothermal reduction is disclosed. By supplying gaseous nitrogen throughout a discrete aliquot of a preferably pelletized mixture of aluminum oxide, carbon and, optionally, calcium oxide during the carbothermal reduction thereof to aluminum nitride and continuously removing gaseous reaction products therefrom, a high quality aluminum nitride is produced. One means of supplying gaseous nitrogen to the mixture of solid reactants is a perforated tray having a hollowed-out bottom. Gaseous nitrogen supplied to the hollowed-out portion flows through the perforations and throughout solid reactants contained in the tray. The carbon may be alternatively supplied, in whole or in part, as a gaseous reactant.

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.