Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for producing a polyvinyl alcohol that can reduce energy consumption without deterioration in quality of the product polyvinyl alcohol. First, one or more vinyl esters are polymerized or a vinyl ester and other copolymerizable monomers are copolymerized to give a polyvinyl ester. Then, a raw saponification solution containing the polyvinyl ester and an organic solvent is fed through a channel 1 and a saponification catalyst-containing solution is introduced into the center of the channel. They are then mixed with static mixers 2 and the mixture 4 is subjected to saponification reaction, as it is placed on a belt 3.

Abstract: A process for synthesis of urea and a related reaction section of a urea plant, where: ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a liquid phase in a first reaction zone (S1) and heat (Q1) is withdrawn from said first reaction zone to promote the formation of ammonium carbamate, the liquid product (103) from said first reaction zone is then passed to a second reaction zone (S2) distinguished from said first reaction zone, and heat (Q2) is added to said second reaction zone to promote the decomposition of ammonium carbamate into urea and water, where the liquid phase in at least one of said first reaction zone and second reaction zone is kept in a stirred condition. A downflow reactor for carrying out the above process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the system size, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for various facility sizes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for continuous production of liquid fuels from biomass are provided. Some embodiments utilize a thermochemical process to produce a bio-oil in parallel with a thermochemical process to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas. Both product streams may be fed into a third reaction chamber that may enrich the bio-oil with the hydrogen gas, for example, in a continuous production process. One product stream may include a liquid fuel such as diesel. Some embodiments may also produce other product streams including, but not limited to, electrical power generation and/or biochar.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with in situ catalytic reduction to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product.

Abstract: A system includes a first reactor configured to receive a first gaseous stream and generate a first solids stream, a second reactor configured to receive the first solids stream, receive a second gaseous stream, and generate a second solids stream, and a solids pressurizing feeder configured to convey the first solids stream or the second solids stream. The solids pressurizing feeder is configured to at least substantially reduce or prevent fluid flow between the first reactor and the second reactor.

Abstract: In a method of producing carbonate mineral, a first aqueous solution containing an alkaline earth metal ion extracted from a cation exchange medium by a cation exchange reaction and carbon dioxide are added to a second aqueous solution to form a carbonate mineral.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention for producing an aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate is an apparatus for producing an aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate by synthesizing the aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate on a base material having a catalyst on a surface thereof, the apparatus including: a formation unit that processes a formation step of causing an environment surrounding the catalyst to be an environment of a reducing gas and heating at least either the catalyst or the reducing gas; a growth unit that processes a growth step of synthesizing the aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate by causing the environment surrounding the catalyst to be an environment of a raw material gas and by heating at least either the catalyst or the raw material gas; and a transfer unit that transfers the base material at least from the formation unit to the growth unit.

Abstract: A multi-step method for the continuous synthesis of ibuprofen or a synthetic precursor of ibuprofen is provided that does not require any intermediate purification or isolation steps and uses reagents compatible with downstream reactions. According to some embodiments, a method is provided wherein isobutylbenzene and a propionyl compound may be converted into a first product in a first Friedel Crafts acylation reaction. The first product may then be converted into a second product in a 1,2-aryl migration reaction. Finally, the second product may be converted into ibuprofen in a hydrolysis reaction. The present invention also provides a method wherein only the first and second reaction steps or only the second and third reaction steps are performed. An apparatus is also provided having two or more microreactors and two or more junctions in particular arrangements for the synthesis of ibuprofen or a synthetic precursor of ibuprofen.