Abstract: A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons that are solid or have a high boiling temperature and may be laden with metals, sulfur or sediments, into liquids (gasolines, gas oil, fuels) with the help of a jet of gas properly superheated between 600 and 800° C. The process comprises preheating a feed 5 in a heater 8 to a temperature below the selected temperature of a reactor 10. This feed is injected by injectors 4 into the empty reactor 10 (i.e., without catalyst.) The feed is treated with a jet of gas or superheated steam from superheater 2 to activate the feed. The activated products in the feed are allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and at a selected pressure in the reactor and are then run through a series of extractors 13 to separate heavy and light hydrocarbons and to demetallize the feed. Useful products appearing in the form of water/hydrocarbon emulsions are generally demulsified in emulsion breaker 16 to form water laden with different impurities.

Abstract: To provide a method and facility for enabling CO2 gas generated in a cement manufacturing facility to be separated and recovered at a high concentration. To this end, according to the present invention, the calcination of a cement material and the recovery of CO2 gas generated in a calciner are performed by one of the following steps of: [1] superheating the cement material before calcination to at least the calcination temperature thereof in a superheating furnace and then mixing the superheated cement material with a new cement material before calcination in a mixer/calciner; [2] mixing, in the mixer/calciner, the cement material before calcination with a part of high-temperature cement clinker discharged from a cement kiln; and [3] using an externally heated calciner.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for digesting cellulosic material that includes a vessel containing a digestion chamber and having an opening that provides access to the digestion chamber. A container for holding the cellulosic material is located within the digestion chamber. A closure interfaces with the vessel opening to form a seal against a predetermined digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber. A fluid-transporting system directs digestion fluids from a supply in the digestion chamber through a port and the container toward any cellulosic material therein. Digestion fluid distributed from the port through the container soaks the cellulosic material. Also provided are processes for digestion cellulosic material.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus in which solid gelatin chunks are liquefied, tempered, and debubbled in a single operation. The debubbling step is accomplished by evacuating and sealing off the loaded solid reservoir and heat exchanger before initiating the liquefying step. After the vacuum is applied, the gelled chunks are pressed into the heat exchanger, where heat is applied to the gelled chunks of photographic material. This liquefies the gelled chunks of photographic material. When the liquefied product gives a positive pressure at the heat exchanger outlet, the liquefied product is allowed to flow from the heat exchanger. Liquefying and tempering are performed as the solid chunks are pushed through the heat exchanger by the reservoir piston.

Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical treatment of lignocellulosic materials comprises two concentric compartments, the inner one is used for chemical reaction whereas the outer is used for generation of hot water or steam. The top and the bottom of the outer compartment is closed and connected to the inner one. These two are interconnected by two steam conduits. The inner compartment is also connected to a circulation pump and a heat exchanger. The bottom of this inner compartment is equipped with a quick-release valve which may be used to execute explosive discharge of the treated lignocellulosic material. On top of said apparatus is a cover which allows experiments to be performed under pressurized conditions. For experimentation, lignocellulosic material in form of chips (large particles) may be treated either with heated chemical solution or steam. Materials in form of fibers (fine particles) may be treated by means of vapor or by heat conduction furnished by the outer compartment.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for recovering one or more components of a sterilizing gas. Typically, the sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide, mixed with a relatively inert diluent such as a halocarbon. The sterilizing gas discharged from a sterilizing chamber is cryogenically cooled in a condenser, such that the ethylene oxide and the diluent are liquefied. The remaining gaseous impurities, such as air, are removed from the condenser, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere. The liquefied mixture of ethylene oxide and diluent is periodically drained from the condenser, and filtered to remove impurities. This liquid mixture can then be separated into its constituent components for later use. The liquid mixture can also be vaporized and combined with fresh ethylene oxide, as needed, to produce a fresh sterilizing gas mixture which is recycled to the sterilizing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking-dehydration and sterilization-drying of organic wastes, comprises a chamber (1) heated by a double walled enclosure (2) that communicates with fire tubes (3), the enclosure (2) receiving hot gases from a firebox (4). The hot gases pass through conduits (5) to diffusion nozzles (6) immersed in the products (7) to be dried. Some of the combustion gases are recycled by a ventilator (8) via a conduit (9) and a cyclone (10) to the firebox (4). The ventilator (8) draws in fresh air through a preheating heat exchanger (11) that is heated by the combustion gases which are then vented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the recovery and/or recycling of dimethylether (DME) during a methanol-to-chemical (MTC) conversion reaction. The hydrocarbon output is divided into liquid, vaporous and aqueous products. The liquid hydrocarbon products are reboiled to liberate dissolved DME and then provided as a liquid hydrocarbon product output. Vapor products resulting from the reboiling are combined with the vapor hydrocarbon stream and DME is removed therefrom in a DME absorber. The resultant vaporous hydrocarbons are passed out of the system as a product and the DME absorber materials recycled. In one embodiment, the DME absorber materials are methanol and water and these are combined with the aqueous liquid stream, stripped to reduce the water content, and resubmitted to the MTC reaction section for conversion.

Abstract: An extraction enclosure is connected by a pipe in its upper region to a source of steam. A drawer having a grill base for containing vegetable materials to be extracted permits the introduction of vegetable materials into the extraction enclosure. The base of this latter enclosure communicates with a subjacent refrigerated or cooling enclosure, provided with discharge means.There is thus avoided or minimized risk of overheating and/or of the hydrolysis of the essential oil in the course of extraction and there is eliminated or minimized all obstacles of flux of vapors and of liquid at the refrigerant level. The charging and discharging of the extraction enclosure are also simplified.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment, such as drying, freezing, crystallization of wet solids, slurries, suspensions, pulps and similar materials with heating or cooling.The apparatus is characterized by a treating body having two sections. The first section has a horizontally arranged axially flared annular treating drum rotatable around the horizontal or near-horizontal longitudinal rotation axis, and having end plates with a material feeding inlet pipe leading into the interior through one end plate, while the other end plate is provided with an opening arranged eccentrically in relation to the rotation axis. The second section of the treating body is connected rigidly and thus rotatably to the treating drum, the second section of the treating body having at least three duct-like oblong treating members leading into each other.

Abstract: In a selective hydrogenation process wherein at least two catalyst beds in series are utilized, the temperature of the feed stream to the first catalyst bed and the temperature of the feed stream from the first catalyst bed to the second catalyst bed is controlled so as to maintain a desired reaction temperature in both catalyst beds and to maintain a desired relationship between the amount of the impurity selectively hydrogenated in the first catalyst bed and the amount of the impurity selectively hydrogenated in the second catalyst bed.