Abstract: A water treatment system for treating water. The water treatment system includes a primary water treatment station and a solid-based sulfurous generator downstream from the primary water treatment station for producing aqueous sulfurous acid for further treatment of the water. In one embodiment, the solid-based sulfurous generator includes a hydraulic air inlet shut off valve safety system for automatically reducing the combustion air to the sulfurous generator when water is not delivered to the solid-based sulfurous generator. Also, in one embodiment, the water treatment system includes a control system that monitors the pH of the treated water to control the water flow rate through the solid-based sulfurous generator to achieve the desired concentration of sulfurous acid in the water being treated.

Abstract: Enabling a transalkylation process to handle both C10 alkylaromatics and unextracted toluene permits the following improvements to be realized. No longer extracting toluene allows a reformate-splitter column to be eliminated. The extraction unit can be moved to the overhead of a benzene column and integrated together with the transalkylation unit to reduce costs. No longer requiring a rigorous split between C9 and C10 alkylaromatics allows a heavy aromatics column to be eliminated. Such an enabled transalkylation process requires stabilization of a transalkylation catalyst through the introduction of a metal function. These improvements result in an aromatics complex apparatus with savings on inside battery limits curve costs and an improvement on the return on investment in such a complex.

Abstract: Described is a process and a device for carrying out a reaction in liquid medium during which evolution of gas occurs. The process can be applied in particular to a reaction employing a peroxide such as hydrogen peroxide and, in particular, to the reduction of chlorine present in an aqueous effluent.

Abstract: Installation for chemical conversion of a feedstock by Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprising a reactor that contains a slurry constituted by at least one suspension of at least one solid in a liquid, a gas feed, a circuit, external to the reactor, of continuous circulation of a stream of slurry, whereby said slurry is drawn off at least one point (A) and reintroduced at least in part at least one other point (B), a section for separation of at least one slurry fluid that passes through said external circuit, whereby said installation also comprises: means allowing to shut down the circulation of said slurry in said circuit, means for introducing under pressure at least one fluid for purging the slurry that is contained in the circuit, and means allowing the circulation of the slurry in said external circuit under conditions such that the Reynolds number is greater than 2,500.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one absorber, at least one cold separator from which is extracted a gaseous phase that feeds the absorber, at least one recycling to said cold separator of at least a portion of liquid effluent that is obtained from the absorber and which is mixed with the feedstock, at least one heat exchanger for cooling the mixture prior to the recycling, at least one conduit for recovering a light hydrocarbon-enriched liquid fraction obtained from the cold separator and at least one conduit for evacuating gases from the absorber, said device being useable for the treatment of a hydrogen-rich gas or for the recovery of a hydrocarbon-enriched liquid.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A vessel is mounted external to a liquid sulfur storage pit for degassing liquid sulfur at atmospheric pressure. Liquid sulfur is re-circulated from the pit to a static mixing device extending from a head space to the liquid sulfur which provides intimate contact of the liquid sulfur as it flows downwardly and sweep air flowing through the head space above the pit. Further, the static mixing device prevents free fall of liquid sulfur and the hazards of static electricity associated therewith. Use of a heat traced gas outlet induces flow of sweep gas from the system, obviating the need for a steam eductor or blower.

Abstract: After various sugar nucleotide solutions and glycosyltransferases (or primers) have been mixed, they are introduced into a reaction tank (column) with primers (or glycosyltransferases) immobilized thereon. Then solutions coming out of the reaction tank are led to an ultrafiltration column. The oligosaccharide synthesizer according to the present invention is equipped with a flow path for ensuring that glycosyltransferases or primers separated by the ultrafiltration column are returned into a container for storing each solution in a sample injector.

Abstract: A gas siphon type reactor (10) is used to carry out a three phase chemical reaction under pressure, such as the reduction of uranyl nitrate to uranous nitrate by hydrogen, in the presence of a catalyst made up of platinum on a silica carrier. The control of the pressure in the reactor (10) is provided by regulating the liquid and gas flow rates from separator (52), into which the liquid and the gas leaving the reactor (10) are routed. The liquid in the reactor (10) is tapped from a lateral branch pipe (32) fitted with a filter (36) and emerging in the upper area (30), behind a profiled wall (34).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering a clean liquid condensate from a synthesis gas at elevated temperatures and pressures. The apparatus includes at least one heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the synthesis gas down to below 200° F. (93° C.) so as to form a syngas condensate at elevated pressure. The syngas condensate is flashed so that it separates into a liquid phase condensate and a gas phase. The liquid phase condensate comprises water, dissolved ammonia and particulates. The gas phase contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various sulfur containing compounds and trace amounts of other compounds that may have been dissolved in the syngas condensate. The gas phase is removed from the flash tank and sent to a sour gas treatment unit and/or flare. The liquid phase condensate is then filtered so as to remove larger sized particulates. Clean liquid condensate is reused in the gasification process.

Abstract: A sugar chain synthesizer comprising one or more reaction columns packed with immobilized glycosyltransferase and/or glycosidase; one or more separation means, arranged downstream from the reaction columns, for separating reaction products, unreaction products and byproducts contained in the solution eluted from the reaction columns; a first pump for feeding a primer of water soluble polymer and buffer solution to the reaction columns through a first selector valve; a second pump for feeding a buffer solution and sugar nucleotide solution to any one of the reaction columns through a second selector valve; one or more circulation flow paths connecting between a flow path downstream from the separation means and a flow path upstream from each of the reaction columns; and a third selector valve, arranged between the separation means and one or more circulation flow paths, for selective connection between the separation means and a desired circulation flow path.

Abstract: A PCB decomposition reactor includes: an injector for injecting a mixture of water and sodium hydroxide connected to the lower part of the reaction vessel; an outlet pipe for withdrawing treated fluid connected to the sidewall of the reaction vessel and a cyclone for separating sodium carbonate from the treated fluid; a discharge pipe connected to the top of the cyclone to discharge treated fluid from which precipitated sodium carbonate has been removed; a downcomer for the separated fluid connected to the bottom of the cyclone so that precipitated sodium carbonate and fluid containing it are discharged therethrough and to an injector which is connected to a feed pipe for feeding a mixture of PCB and mineral oil; and a gas supply nozzle for injecting a gas into the reaction vessel installed at the bottom of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A chemical hydride hydrogen generation system and an energy system incorporating the same are provided. The hydrogen generation system comprises: a storage tank for storing a chemical hydride solution; a reactor containing a catalyst; a pump for supplying the chemical hydride solution from the said storage means to the reactor so that the chemical hydride solution reacts to generate hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst; and a second supply line for continuously supplying the solvent of the solution to the chemical hydride solution during the reaction. The energy system comprises the hydrogen generation system, a fuel cell for generating electricity and water from hydrogen and an oxidant, and a separator for recovering the water generated in the fuel cell and supplying the water to the chemical hydride solution during the reaction.

Abstract: A system and reactor stack for generating hydrogen from a hydride solution in presence of a catalyst. The reactor stack includes a number of reactor plates and separator plates alternate with one another, to define reaction chambers alternating with coolant chambers. Each reactor plate has a first face defining a solution flow field and an opposing second face defining a coolant flow field. Each solution flow field comprises a common reaction chamber and a plurality of channels opening into the common reaction chamber. The catalyst is provided in the common reaction chamber. Each reaction chamber is configured to receive the hydride solution and to bring at least a portion of the hydride solution in contact with the catalyst. Each reaction chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent reaction chamber and each coolant chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent coolant chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing BHP contaminants (alkali hydroxide and H2O2) from a recycled aqueous alkali chloride solution stream before the stream is fed to a chloralkali cell so that the contaminants do not impair the operation of a chloralkali cell. Unwanted alkali hydroxide within the recycled alkali chloride brine solution is reacted with chlorine gas and converted into an alkali chloride, which is useful in the operation of the chloralkali cell, and oxygen gas, which is outgassed from the system. Any H2O2 remaining in the recycled stream after elimination of the alkali hydroxide is reacted with chlorine to form HCl and oxygen gas. The HCl raises the pH of the brine solution, after which the pH may be adjusted by the addition of supplemental alkali hydroxide.

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: An exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine having a bypass exhaust gas passage, openable through a switch-over valve, branched from an exhaust pipe at a location downstream of a catalytic converter and again merged into the exhaust pipe at a downstream point, an adsorbent installed in the bypass exhaust gas passage which adsorbs unburned component of the exhaust gas, and an EGR pipe which recirculates the exhaust gas including the unburned components at a location upstream of the catalytic converter, wherein the EGR pipe is made of metal such as stainless steel and is connected to the bypass exhaust gas passage such that the recirculation pipe is brought into thermal contact with the exhaust pipe, thereby enabling to effectively prevent blocking or corrosion of the EGR pipe or switch-over valve from occurring. The inner wall of the recirculation pipe is formed with liquid repellent and oil repellent film so as to overcome moisture-related problems more effectively.

Abstract: The method for the reformation of fuels, in particular of heating oil (20?) and of another liquid fuel is carried out using an oxygen containing gas (5a, 5b, 21?, 22?). The method includes the following steps: formation of a fuel/gas mixture by dispersing of the fuel in a jet of the oxygen containing gas (21?); additionally an admixture of gas of a return flow (3b) and vaporization of the dispersed fuel; generation of synthesized gas from the gas mixture by means of partial oxidation and also reformation processes by heterogeneous catalysis; branching off of the produced synthesized gas into a product flow (3a) and the return flow (3b) for a recirculation; and a regulated extraction of heat from the return flow for the setting of a predetermined temperature of a catalyst support (10) on which the heterogeneous catalysis takes place.

Abstract: A fuel processor system capable of circulating fuel processor system gases, such as reformate, anode exhaust, and/or combustor exhaust, through the fuel processor to provide a number of distinct advantages. The fuel processor system having a plurality of fuel cells discharging an H2-containing anode effluent and an O2-containing cathode effluent. A fuel processor is also provided for converting a hydrogen-containing fuel to H2-containing reformate for fueling the plurality of fuel cells. A catalytic combustor is positioned in series downstream from the plurality of fuel cells and a vaporizer reactor is coupled to the catalytic combustor. A bypass passage is finally provided that interconnects an outlet of at least one of the group consisting of the fuel processor, the plurality of fuel cells, the catalytic combustor, and the vaporizer reactor to the inlet of the fuel processor. The bypass passage is operable to circulate a fuel processor system gas to the inlet of the fuel processor.

Abstract: A moving bed process for producing aromatic compounds comprises at least a first step in which principally naphthene dehydrogenation is carried out in the presence of hydrogen in a mole ratio (H2)1/(HC), said step being followed by at least one subsequent step carried out at a mole ratio (H2)2/(HC)2, the process also comprising reducing the catalyst with hydrogen in a ratio (H2)red/(HC). In accordance with the invention, (H2)1/(HC)+(H2)red/(HC)≦(H2)2/(HC)2, (HC) representing the molar quantity of feed in the first step and (HC)2 that of the subsequent step, or (H2)1/(HC)+(H2)red/(HC)>(H2)2/(HC)2, but where (H2)1/(HC) is less than (H2)2/(HC)2. Particular application to reforming.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to enable the continuous isolation of an organometallic compound, such as trimethylindium form a liquid feedstock. The liquid feedstock is delivered to a distillation column (2) having two heating zones (6, 8) to effect dissociation of the feedstock thereby liberating the organometallic compound which is collected as a vapour form the top (4) of the column.

Abstract: Production and processing plant in particular for the processing of food or hydrocarbons and the production of pharmaceuticals, including pipework for transferring fluids from one part of the plant to another, the pipework including at least one substantially rigid pipe having at least one section with a centreline curving, preferably substantially continuously, in three dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing non-photosensitive fatty acid silver salt grains having a first feeding device for feeding a silver ion-containing solution, the solvent of which is water or a mixture of water and an organic solvent, to a closed mixing device; a second feeding device for feeding a solution of a fatty acid alkali metal salt, the solvent of which is water, an organic solvent, or a mixture of water and an organic solvent, to the closed mixing device; a third feeding device for feeding water, or a mixture of water and an organic solvent to the closed mixing device; and the closed mixing device for mixing matter fed from the first, second and third feeding devices, and discharging a liquid containing non-photosensitive fatty acid silver salt grains.

Abstract: A recycling and recovery system and process comprising a flash gas separator that receives a slurry comprising liquid medium and solid polymer particles. The flash gas separator separates the diluent from the solid polymer particles as a vapor stream comprising at least diluent and heavies. A line receives the vapor stream from the flash gas separator. The line leads to a heavies removal system that yields a liquid that is relatively concentrated in heavies and a diluent vapor that is relatively free of heavies. The liquid is passed to a heavies column, while the diluent vapor is passed to a diluent recycle chamber and then recycled to a slurry polymerization reactor without additional treatment to remove heavies.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide recirculating apparatus (20, 120) is disclosed for use in an arrangement having combination means (115) and a path for the flow of a gas through the combustion means (115). The apparatus (20, 120) comprises extraction means (221) for extracting carbon dioxide from a first region of the path downstream of the combustion means (115). It further includes condensing means (26, 30) for condensing the extracted carbon dioxide, and feed means (36, 136) for feeding the condensed carbon dioxide to a second region of the path upstream of the combustion means.

Abstract: A gas generation system includes a reformer for producing a hydrogen-containing reformate gas using raw materials, at least a first of the raw materials containing carbon and hydrogen, a separator device configured to selectively separate the hydrogen-containing reformate gas into hydrogen and a residual gas, and a recirculation system. The recirculation system recirculates an amount of the residual gas from a first location downstream of the separator device to a second location upstream from the separator device. The gas generation system may be used to produce a hydrogen-containing gas from liquid hydrocarbons, such as gasoline or diesel oil, for operating a fuel cell. The fuel cell may be part of a drive device or of an auxiliary power unit, in particular in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Solid fuels, such as contaminated biomass and solid city waste, are converted into a synthesized gas by gasification and exploitation of the energy contained in the fuels. The fuel is gasified an a co-current gasogen (1), while the cinders are separated, removed and purified after a fraction of the fuels has undergone combustion and before the fuel has been gasified. Cinder purification is made by complete combustion, while the fuel that has undergone the gasification step without being completely transformed in CO is recirculated by mixing it to fresh fuel material. The process is carried out in an apparatus comprising a vertical co-current gasogen (1) and a device for the separation and removal of cinders (16,19,5,6) as well as a scorification chamber (3) where cinders are purified from accompanying fuel material by complete combustion and are then collected in a waste tank (28).

Abstract: A caustic recovery system comprising an oxygen source adapted to provide a gas stream comprising at least 30% oxygen. A method of regenerating caustic comprising intermingling spent caustic with a gas stream comprising at least 30% oxygen.

Abstract: A reactor vessel is provided with a solvent in a supercritical PVT state for use in depositing films on a deposition substrate. A metal organic precursor is dissolved in the supercritical solvent, as is a reaction agent. A chemical reaction deposits a film, such as a metal film on a semiconducting wafer, and reaction byproducts including a ligand ensue from the chemical reaction. Effluent from the reactor vessel is submitted to a precursor-forming agent that reacts with the ligand to rejuvenate the precursor. Alternatively, the precursor-forming agent can be used for point-of-use formation of the precursor with or without recycle of reaction byproducts.

Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: In a process for the production of urea, substantially pure ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a reaction space (1) from which comes out a reaction mixture subjected to stripping (2) to obtain a partially purified mixture sent to a urea recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8). From the recovery section (3, 4, 7, 8) it is obtained a dilute carbamate solution, which is subjected to stripping (9) with recycling of vapors to the reaction space (1) after condensation (6). This process achieves high conversion yield with reduced energy consumption and low implementation costs.

Abstract: There is provided a reforming apparatus which shows high efficiency and excellent operation-starting performance, in spite of its compact body and simple structure.

Abstract: A cavitating hydrogen generator is provided to mechanically separate hydrogen molecules from water to be used as a fuel source. Turbines fans rotating at a high RPM agitate water that is introduced into a vacuum and captures and separates the resulting hydrogen and oxygen molecules and stores the hydrogen molecules and purges the oxygen molecules. Any remaining water molecules existing as vapor or otherwise are transported through a recycling conduit where they are cooled prior to reintroduction to the cavitation chamber.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing purified bulk silicon from highly impure metallurgical-grade silicon source material at atmospheric pressure. Method involves: (1) initially reacting iodine and metallurgical-grade silicon to create silicon tetraiodide and impurity iodide byproducts in a cold-wall reactor chamber; (2) isolating silicon tetraiodide from the impurity iodide byproducts and purifying it by distillation in a distillation chamber; and (3) transferring the purified silicon tetraiodide back to the cold-wall reactor chamber, reacting it with additional iodine and metallurgical-grade silicon to produce silicon diiodide and depositing the silicon diiodide onto a substrate within the cold-wall reactor chamber. The two chambers are at atmospheric pressure and the system is open to allow the introduction of additional source material and to remove and replace finished substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of catalytic cracking gasolines containing dienic and/or acetylenic impurities, and mercaptans, said apparatus comprising at least one selective hydrogenation reactor 3 containing at least one fixed catalyst bed, and having at least one line 1 for introducing a feed, at least one effluent outlet line, and a line supplying hydrogen to the reactor, said reactor being followed by at least one stabilization drum 4 connected to said effluent outlet line, the drum having at least one gas outlet line 5 and at least one stabilized effluent outlet line, and said effluent passing into at least one sweetening reactor 8 comprising at least one effluent inlet line 6 and at least one effluent outlet line, said reactor having close thereto at least one oxidizing agent supply line, said apparatus also comprising at least one drum 9 for degassing the effluent from the sweetening reactor 8, said drum 9 having at least one gas outlet line and at least one outlet line 11 for dedienized, stabiliz

Abstract: A gas generation system includes a chemical reactor configured to produce a gas from a continuous flow of aqueous solution, and includes a pump configured to control the flow of the aqueous solution through the chemical reactor to control a production rate of the gas.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for the conversion of synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbon products, comprising a plurality of injector-mixing nozzles, a tank reactor, a gas recycle line having a first end and a second end and a slurry recycle line having a first end and a second end. The plurality of injector-mixing nozzles is arranged at or near the top of the tank reactor, each injector mixing nozzle having a first inlet for a suspension of a catalyst in a liquid medium, at least one second inlet for synthesis gas and an outlet positioned within the tank reactor for discharging a mixture of synthesis gas and the suspension from the injector-mixing nozzles in a downwards direction into the tank reactor. The tank reactor has a first outlet for discharging a product suspension at or near the bottom thereof and a second outlet for a gaseous recycle stream at or near the top thereof.

Abstract: A method for operating a reformer installation for providing hydrogen-containing gas, especially during a starting phase of energy generation using a fuel cell, includes feeding an incoming stream to and discharging an outgoing stream from, the reformer unit, branching-off at least one outflowing partial stream from the outgoing stream, and feeding-back the outflowing partial stream, as an inflowing partial stream, to the incoming stream, to at least partially form a circulating stream. The outflowing partial stream has a composition corresponding to a composition of the outgoing stream upon emerging from the reformer unit. A reformer installation includes at least one reformer unit having feed and discharge lines and a line connecting the discharge line to the feed line, at least partially forming a circulating stream. The method and installation provide a highly efficient production of hydrogen and especially short times required for starting the reformer installation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a batch-type polyester polymerization apparatus, which is manufactured by assembling a conventional batch-type apparatus with a thin film tower. The batch-type polyester polymerization apparatus is advantageous in that oligomer is polymerized while forming a polyester thin film on each inclined plate of a thin film tower, and a polycondensation reaction is conducted in a polycondensation reactor as well as the thin film tower, thus greatly reducing polymerization time.

Abstract: A method and system for desulfurizing flue gas in which desulfurization is effected by bringing absorbent slurry containing limestone into contact with flue gas. The method classifies absorbent slurry extracted from a desulfurization absorber, returns a fine-side fluid to the desulfurization absorber, and sends a coarse-side fluid to a solid-liquid separator. Supplied limestone powder is mixed to yield limestone slurry by a solid-liquid mixer, and the limestone slurry is classified, sending the small-particle fluid component thereof to the desulfurization absorber, and sending the large-particle fluid component thereof to a limestone fine grinder. And, limestone contained in the large-particle fluid component is finely ground by the limestone fine grinder and the finely ground limestone is sent to the desulfurization absorber.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrate includes supplying hydrate producing substance in a gas state into an aqueous phase in a hydrate producing vessel, thereby providing the hydrate producing vessel having a gaseous phase including the hydrate producing substance and the aqueous phase, and spraying water including methane dissolved therein into the gaseous phase containing the hydrate producing substance in the hydrate producing vessel, thereby reacting the water and the hydrate producing substance to produce hydrate.

Abstract: A device for processing thermoplastic materials has a melting unit for melting an initial thermoplastic material and forming a flow of liquid thermoplastic material, a pyroliser for processing the liquid thermoplastic material by pyrolysis, an element for connecting the melting unit with the pyroliser, an element for withdrawing from the pyroliser products of pyrolysis, and an element for recirculating at least a part of products of pyrolysis back into the pyroliser.

Abstract: Improved method for recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from hydrocarbon conversion processes are disclosed. A monolith catalyst reactor means is utilized in treating the waste gas stream from the hydrocarbon conversion process to assist in recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the waste gas stream. The present invention also provides a method for improving the yield of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon conversion process utilizing a monolith catalyst reactor means.

Abstract: A continuous preparative process, including monitoring production, for acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof, by carbonylation, in an industrial installation, of methanol or a carbonylatable derivative of methanol with carbon monoxide in a liquid phase in the presence of water and a homogeneous catalyst system. In a reaction zone I, the carbonylation is carried out in the liquid phase at a temperature of 150 to 250° C., under a pressure of 5·105 to 200·105 Pa and with venting of part of a gaseous canopy above a liquid phase level in said reactor. Then, in a vaporization or flash zone II, a liquid originating from the zone I at a pressure below that of zone I is partially vaporized to form a liquid fraction which is recycled into the reactor, and in a purification zone III, a vaporized fraction originating from flash zone II is distilled on a distillation column.

Abstract: A system is described for recovering a purified distillable component from a starting mixture utilizing a transition tank to receive a transition mixture distilled from a starting mixture, which is returned to the system for further distillation. The system includes a condenser which features an annular tube having cooling fins arranged inside and outside its annular region to improve its cooling efficiency, and a reflux column which features a flow distributor and a flow centralizer to improve mixing of the rising vapors with the descending liquid. The system also includes a temperature sensor located between the reflux column and the condenser for supplying temperature measurements used in the automatic, operator-less control of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalysts and catalytic methods for selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in a gas stream containing one or more oxidizable components other than H2S to generate sulfur dioxide (SO2), elemental sulfur (S) or both without substantial oxidation of the one or more oxidizable components other than H2S. The catalysts and methods herein are useful, for example, for the selective oxidation of H2S to SO2, sulfur or both in the presence of hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon oxygenate, sulfur-containing organic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen or carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A reformer includes an evaporation portion for evaporating a raw material, a reforming portion for producing a reformed gas whose principal element is hydrogen from the raw materials, a CO reduction portion for reducing CO involved in the reformed gas, a circulating conduit portion having a storage tank for storing the raw material, a feeding device for feeding the raw material under pressure, a cooling device for cooling the CO reduction portion and a supply device for supplying the raw material to the evaporation portion. The supply device includes a conduit branched from the circulating conduit portion connected to the evaporation portion and a flow control device provided in the conduit.