Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing one or more sulfur compounds from one or more hydrocarbons. The process may include passing a hydrocarbon stream from a prewash zone containing a coalescing zone to an extraction zone. Often, the zones are contained within a single vessel and the coalescing zone comprises an oleophilic media.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is presented for the removal of sulfur from a catalyst. The catalyst is a dehydrogenation catalyst, and sulfur accumulates during the dehydrogenation process. The sulfur is removed before the catalyst is regenerated to prevent the formation of undesirable sulfur oxide compounds created during regeneration. The catalyst, during regeneration, includes redispersion of a metal on the catalyst, and removal of sulfur oxides overcomes the interference with chloride retention and metal redispersion in the regeneration process.

Abstract: A desulfurization system includes: a fuel supply part for supplying a hydrocarbon-based fuel containing water and a sulfur compound to a subsequent stage; and a desulfurization part for desulfurizing the above hydrocarbon-based fuel supplied from the above fuel supply part, wherein, in the above desulfurization part, the above hydrocarbon-based fuel is brought into contact at a temperature of 65 to 105° C. with a catalyst prepared by loading silver on an X-type zeolite.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components of waste gas streams, comprising contacting the waste gas stream with an aqueous solution, removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components from the waste gas stream, and containing the carbon dioxide and/or additional components, in one form or another, in a composition. In some embodiments, the composition is a precipitation material comprising carbonates, bicarbonates, or carbonates and bicarbonates. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises carbonate and/or bicarbonate co-products resulting from co-processing SOx, NOx, particulate matter, and/or certain metals. Additional waste streams such as liquid, solid, or multiphasic waste streams may be processed as well.

Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.

Abstract: Built-up roofing surfacing sheets that include a white, resin coated aluminum foil adhered to one side of an asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat and sand adhered to the other side of the asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat, the surfacing sheet being compliant with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 in effect as of Sep. 11, 2006, and methods of manufacturing the built-up roofing surfacing sheets.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a solvent with a sulfur stream comprising sulfur and a contaminant, separating the sulfur from at least some of the contaminant and at least some of the solvent, thereby producing a decontaminated sulfur stream, contacting the decontaminated sulfur with a washing agent, and separating the sulfur from at least some of the washing agent, thereby producing a purified sulfur stream comprising elemental sulfur.

Abstract: Devices and improved methods are provided for operation of ultrasonic transducers and horns.

Abstract: A desulfurizing device for a fuel cell includes a dehydrating element for absorbing moisture in a hydrocarbon fuel, and a desulfurizing element for absorbing a sulfur compound included in the hydrocarbon fuel that flows out of the dehydrating element. In another embodiment, the desulfurizing device for a fuel cell includes a dehydrating element for absorbing moisture included in a fuel, and a desulfurizing element. The desulfurizing element absorbs a sulfur compound included in the fuel flowing out of the dehydrating element if temperature of the desulfurizing element is below a predetermined temperature, and the desulfurizing element desorbs a sulfur compound included in the desulfurizing element whenever the desulfurizing element is heated above the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: At least one of the multiple process parameters (MPPs) is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one is a targeted process parameter (TPP). The process also has a defined target limit (DTV) representing a first limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP. A first logical controller predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a first prior time period and the DTV. A second logical controller establishes a further target limit (FTV) representing a second limit on the AAV of the TPP based on one or more of the predicted FAVs, and also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a prior time period and the FTV. The second logical controller directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point.

Abstract: A controller directs performance of a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs), including a controllable process parameter (CTPP), a targeted process parameter (TPP), a defined target value (DTV) representing a limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP over a defined moving time period of length TPLAAV. A storage device stores historical data representing the AVs of the TPP at various times over a prior time period (PTP) having a length of at least TPLAAV. A processor predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP over a future time period (FTP) based on the stored historical data and the current values of the MPPs. The processor also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the predicted FAVs, the current values of the MPPs and the DTV, and directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point for that CTPP.

Abstract: A chemical feeder for use in a water circulation system includes a body, a head attached to the top of the body, and a flow passage extending through the head. A portion of the water flowing through the flow passage is diverted into the body, where the water mixes with chemical tablets contained therein. A strainer is positioned inside the body and a stand pipe connects the strainer to the flow passage. Venturi forces within the flow passage draw the chemical solution from the body and into the flow passage, where the chemical solution mixes with the water flowing therethrough. It is possible to control the concentration of the chemical solution by controlling the flow of fluid from the flow passage into the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the removal of sulfur, in the form of hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S), from gas, such as natural gas or industrial gas streams, in which the sulfur is removed and separated in the form of particulate elemental sulfur. The apparatus and process are advantageously configured so as to maintain control over the development of undesired concentrations of particulate sulfur in the precipitation catalyst solution with which the sulfur is separated from the gas stream.

Abstract: A spray tower for removing acidic gases and particulate matter from flue gases produced by processing operations of the type carried out in utility and industrial facilities. The spray tower is equipped with a tank that serves as a reservoir for an alkaline slurry used to remove acidic gases and particulate matter from the flue gases. The slurry is pumped from the tank to spraying devices located within the tower. The spray tower further includes an internal structure that enables the slurry to be oxidized and gently agitated within a limited region of the tank, and without the requirement for two separate aeration and agitation devices. As a result, the construction, operational and maintenance costs of the spray tower are significantly reduced as compared to prior art spray towers.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator comprising a first roller disposed on one side of a tank containing a slurry subjected to solid-liquid separation at such a height that the lower part thereof is immersed in the slurry, and driven rotationally in a direction which enables the slurry attached to its surface to be lifted up and discharged to the outside of the tank; and a second roller disposed above the first roller facing the first roller so that the second roller comes into pressure contact with the slurry attached to the first roller and lifted up so as to remove the liquid from the slurry; as well as a wet flue gas desulfurization apparatus using this solid-liquid separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove acid gases from a flue gas containing sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. There is a heat exchanger to reduce incoming flue gas temperatures. Gas from the heat exchanger are oxidized to their higher oxidation state. A reaction tower receives the oxidized gases. The reaction tower includes a reaction surface. There is a first inlet for gases adjacent the base of the reaction tower and a second inlet for a basic compound in the reaction tower above the first inlet. The arrangement allows counter current flows of the gas and the basic compound to enable scrubbing of the gas. There is an outlet for scrubbed gas and an outlet for liquids at the tower base.

Abstract: Impurities are removed from pieces of sulfur by dropping the pieces directly into a bath of heated liquid sulfur disposed in a vessel. The liquid sulfur is heated externally of the vessel and conveyed thereto. The sulfur pieces melt in the bath. A movable element, such as a rotary screen drum or conveyor blades for example, is disposed in the bath for agitating the bath and entraining the impurities.

Abstract: Contaminants, such as sulphur, sulphur compounds and other pollutants are removed from fossil fuels. The fossil fuel in a liquid medium, such as crude oil or a coal slurry, is exposed to metallic copper to react the sulphur with copper ions and settle out the resulting copper sulphide. Additional additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting pulverous or granular material from a mixture means of a solvent brought into contact with the mixtue. A receptacle is provided for receiving the material to be extracted as well as the solvent. A conduit system is connected with the lower portion of the receptacle and empties into the upper portion of the receptacle. Within the conduit system is arranged a device for conveying the solvent to be withdrawn from the receptacle as well as the mixture containing the material to be extracted. The device also serves to mechanically form a dispersion of the material to be extracted in the solvent. The device includes a rotatable body operated at a speed of 10,000 to 30,000 rpm.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously separating sulfur from an aqueous sulfur suspension which is heated above the melting point of sulfur. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having heating and stirring devices in its upper part, the lower part of the vessel serving as a settling tank where sulfur is precipitated out of the aqueous solution and withdrawn through an outlet in the bottom of the vessel. Inclined separator plates extend within an outer annular chamber formed between the vessel and heating device. Intermediate the upper and lower parts of the vessel is a substantially horizontal, shallow conical partition which has apertures or slots therein to permit the suspension to pass from the upper part to the lower part. A steam-heated jacket surrounds the vessel. Pressure sensing devices are utilized to maintain the level of the water in the top part and the boundary surface between the water phase and the sulfur phase in the bottom part at desired heights.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously separating sulfur from an aqueous sulfur suspension which is heated above the melting point of sulfur. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having heating and stirring means in its upper part, the lower part of the vessel serving as a settling tank where sulfur is precipitated out of the aqueous solution and withdrawn through an outlet in the bottom of the vessel. Intermediate the upper and lower parts of the vessel is a substantially horizontal, shallow conical partition which has apertures or slots therein to permit the suspension to pass from the upper part to the lower part. A steam-heated jacket surrounds the vessel; while pressure sensing devices are utilized to maintain the level of the water in the top part and the boundary surface between the water phase and the sulfur phase in the bottom part at desired heights.

Abstract: A reactant gas is mixed intimately with a liquid and/or particulate solution in a pressurized container and agitated with high energy. Mixing occurs initially by spraying the liquid and gas together to form an emulsion with great surface contact between the reactants, and the emulsion mix is improved and maintained by agitating in the container. The container is carried on oscillatable supports and is driven by an imbalance drive for vertical oscillation in any of several configurations. Loose mixing balls or bodies are optionally carried in the container to increase the agitation and to grind solid particles carried into the solution. The grinding bodies also source protective reaction-deposited layers from the solid particles to speed the reaction. Pressure and temperature of the process is readily controlled.