Abstract: Process for using reactions of gas/solid type in which the solid reactant contains an at least partially hydrated salt.The process makes it possible to shift the position of the equilibrium line of the reaction under consideration and to reduce its slope in a Clapeyron diagram so as to cover a wider temperature region for a limited pressure range.

Abstract: An industrial waste management facility (IWMF) for disposing of spent potlining includes a co-current gas-fired rotary kiln for containing a molten pool of spent potlining throughout the entire length of the rotary kiln from the inlet to the outlet, an ash quencher and cooler for receiving molten residue from the discharge end of the rotary kiln, a secondary combustion chamber, and a down-draft transition chamber for channeling discharge gases from the rotary kiln to the secondary combustion chamber. Pneumatic injection slingers feed and distribute spent potlining into the inlet end of the rotary kiln. A discharge dam provides a predetermined average depth of molten bath material in the rotary kiln over its entire length. A blended ratio of comminuted materials injected through the pneumatic injection slinger feeder is adjusted and controlled in response to signals received from a radiative optical kiln bath temperature measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of finely divided metal and/or ceramic powders by reacting appropriate metal compounds and appropriate reagents in the gas phase (CVR) chemical vapor reaction, wherein the metal compound(s) and the further reagents are brought to reaction in the gaseous state in a reactor and are subsequently homogeneously condensed directly out of the gas phase, with exclusion of any wall reaction, and are subsequently separated from the reaction medium.

Abstract: A process for producing ultra-fine ceramic particles in which droplets are formed from a ceramic precursor mixture containing a metal cation, a nitrogen-containing fuel, a solvent, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the nitrogen containing fuel. The nitrogen-containing fuel contains at least three nitrogen atoms, at least one oxygen atom, and at least one carbon atom. The ceramic precursor mixture is dried to remove at least 85 weight percent of the solvent, and the dried mixture is then ignited to form a combusted powder.

Abstract: Composition and methods; for carrying out a variety of oxidation reactions, reduction reactions, or both utilizing a free radical generating catalyst, a mediator, and a reductant are disclosed. The free radical generating catalyst is generally a peroxidase obtained from living organisms, such as white rot fungi. Suitable peroxidases include lignin peroxidase, horse radish peroxidase, and lactoperoxidase. Suitable mediators include veratryl alcohol, iodine, methoxybenzenes, Mn II, and ABTS. Suitable reductants include EDTA, oxalate, hydroquinones, quinones plus quinone reductase, and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A computer based, iterative process for generating chemical entities with defined physical, chemical and/or bioactive properties. During each iteration of the process, (1) a directed diversity chemical library is robotically generated in accordance with robotic synthesis instructions; (2) the compounds in the directed diversity chemical library are analyzed to identify compounds with the desired properties; (3) structure-property data are used to select compounds to be synthesized in the next iteration; and (4) new robotic synthesis instructions are automatically generated to control the synthesis of the directed diversity chemical library for the next iteration.

Abstract: In order to work up pyrotechnial material, I. pyrotechnical material A, where predominantly alkaline reaction products are formed, and pyrotechnical material B, where predominantly acidic reaction products are formed, are subjected to controlled combustion, II. the combined crude gases are cooled to a temperature below 400.degree. C, III. the combined crude gases are purified under dry conditions by first feeding them into a preliminary separator, coarse particles being separated off, and then feeding the crude gas via fine dust filters in order to separate off finely divided solids, and/or IV. the crude gas is optionally purified under wet conditions by first passing it through a rotary scrubber and then passing it via one or more absorption unit(s), and V. the pure gas is released as waste air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a catalyst composition for the destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The process includes the step of contacting the VOCs with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which is a metal-exchanged, metal-impregnated aluminosilicate zeolite with at least one exchanged metal in the zeolite being selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn, Pd, and Pt, and at least one impregnated metal in the zeolite being selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Pd and Pt, and wherein the difference between the exchanged metal and the impregnated metal varies the temperature necessary to promote oxidation of the compounds and for a contact time sufficient to oxidize the compounds. The process reaction temperature can vary from about 100.degree. C. to about 650.degree. C. and the contact time can vary from about 0.01 to 20 seconds. Preferredly, the reaction temperature is from about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A chemisorption reaction process is carried out under conditions in which the volumetric expansion of the complex compound reaction product is restricted, and at half-cycle reaction periods of less than 30 minutes each, and/or in a reaction chamber having a maximum mean mass diffusion path length of less than about 15 mm, and/or a maximum heat diffusion path length of less than 1.5 mm.

Abstract: Both the drying and also the removal of the water crystalization take place carefully in a respective fluidized bed apparatus (A, B) without any danger of overheating. This is achieved by a complete homogenous fluidization through indirectly heated hot gas. A substantial quantity of energy is transferred via heat exchanger systems (4 or 12) in the fluidized layer. These are heated by heat carrying media. The constructional design of the fluidized bed apparatuses (A, B) which have a rectangular base outline ensures a narrow dwelltime spectrum and a pronounced temperature/moisture profile without the aid of differentially fluidized chambers. Because of the comparatively cold infeed zone and the careful heating which thereby arise the characteristics of the crystals are favourably influenced. The product is characterized by high quality homogenity. In the case of the calcining of moist gypsum no undesired gypsum modifications arise.

Abstract: Solid residues arising from the reclamation of metal from, for example, insulated wires and automobiles, have lead (Pb) sufficiently insolubilized to pass the EPA toxicity test. Addition of water soluble phosphate, especially phosphoric acid, increases the immobilization of lead (Pb) so as to make such residues in compliance with the toxicity tests over a substantially broader pH range, particularly with respect to the more stringent TCLP extraction test.

Abstract: High temperature reactions are conducted within a high pressure reaction vessel. The interior surfaces of the high pressure containment vessel are protected from the high temperature and corrosive effects of the reaction by causing the reactants to converge in a vortex which contains the highest reaction temperature within the central portions of the reactor. A toroidal reaction vessel is disclosed in which the reactants are directed into a vortex at the axis of origin of the torus by flow guides.

Abstract: A process and a sorbent/catalyst composition are described for the oxidation of volatile organic compounds. The process uses the steps of adsorbing a volatile organic compound in a first segment of a sorbent/catalyst bed at an adsorption temperature, followed by sequential heating of an opposed second segment of a sorbent/catalyst bed, downstream of the first segment, from an initial temperature to an oxidation temperature, desorbing the volatile organic compound from the first segment of the bed by heating, and cooling of the first and second segments of the bed respectively. The sorbent/catalyst contains an adsorption segment, e.g., metal oxides, unexchanged zeolites, carbon and polymeric resins, etc., and a catalytic segment for the subsequent catalytic oxidation of the compounds.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for the treatment of particulate material contaminated with polyhalogenated aromatic compounds (PHAs). The method includes vaporizing the PHAs from the material and dissolving the vaporized PHAs in a glycol-based solvent solution. The PHAs are then removed from the solution so that the glycol can be reused.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of carbon dioxide in deep sea, which comprises compressing and dehumidifying gaseous carbon dioxide to be disposed of, passing the so compressed carbon dioxide gas through a cold sea water region where a temperature condition enough to liquefy the compressed carbon dioxide gas prevails via a pipe line to effect cooling of the gas by heat exchange with the cold sea water to thereby liquefy the compressed carbon dioxide gas, conducting the liquefied carbon dioxide through an extension of the pipe line to such a depth of sea water, that the specific weight of the liquefied carbon dioxide at such depth is greater than that of the ambient sea water of such depth, and then discharging out the liquefied carbon dioxide into such deep sea.

Abstract: A submergible torch for removing nitrate and/or nitrite ions from a waste solution containing nitrate and/or nitrite ions comprises: a torch tip, a fuel delivery mechanism, a fuel flow control mechanism, a catalyst, and a combustion chamber. The submergible torch is ignited to form a flame within the combustion chamber of the submergible torch. The torch is submerged in a waste solution containing nitrate and/or nitrite ions in such a manner that the flame is in contact with the waste solution and the catalyst and is maintained submerged for a period of time sufficient to decompose the nitrate and/or nitrite ions present in the waste solution.

Abstract: Composition and methods for carrying out a variety of oxidation reactions, reduction reactions, or both utilizing a free radical generating catalyst, a mediator, and a reductant are disclosed, The free radical generating catalyst is generally a peroxidase obtained from living organisms, such as white rot fungi. Suitable peroxidases include lignin peroxidase, horse radish peroxidase, and lactoperoxidase. Suitable mediators include veratryl alcohol, iodine, methoxybenzenes, Mn II, and ABTS. Suitable reductants include EDTA, oxalate, hydroquinones, quinones plus quinone reductase, and hydrogen peroxide. The free radical generating catalyst is generally activated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and reacts with the mediator to form the free radical of the mediator, which is an oxidant. The free radical of the mediator in turn reacts with the reductant to form the free radical of the reductant, which is also a reductant.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of refuse is characterized by combustion of combustible, solid, pasty or liquid waste materials in a combustion plant with a combustion gas containing at least 50% oxygen. Combustible waste materials are burned in the presence of at least one material selected from the group consisting of non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metal oxides, alkali compounds, and alkaline earth compounds. The aforementioned combustion is accomplished by burning materials which produce at least one material of the aforementioned class of materials together with the waste materials, by introducing at least one of the materials of the class into the combustion plant together with the input of waste materials or into the hot gas stream, or any combination of these which achieves a desired waste composition. The by-products of the process are cleaned flue gas and a slag in which hazardous materials present in the input waste material are mineralized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of conducting a chemical reaction in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst, in which a feedstock is passed through a catalytic reactor, said reactor comprising a solid reactor bed with a catalytically active material present thereon, and at least one heat supplying and/or discharging reactor wall, and in which the catalyst bed consists of elementary particles of material sintered together and to one side of the wall, there being no sintered material present on the other side of the reactor wall, and in which the maximum distance in meters (x.sub.

Abstract: A process for heat treating spent pot linings from Hall-Heroult electrolytic cells which comprise carbon and silico-aluminous materials impregnated with fluorides. The pot linings are ground to a particle size less than 5 mm, and formed into an intimate mixture with calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate dihydrate having a particle size less than 1 mm. The mixture is injected into the center of a vortex formed by a flow of circulating hot gas at the top part of a reactor at a temperature between 700.degree. and 1100.degree. C., and extracted from the bottom part of the reaction at a temperature between 400.degree. and 750.degree. C. after a contact time of less than 2 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatus for mixing oxidizable reactants with oxidant and/or oxidizing oxidizable reactants. Through using particular mixing and/or oxidizing arrangements, the risk of flammable or explosive reactions can be significantly reduced or prevented. When ammonia is used as the reactant, nitric acid can be obtained.

Abstract: In a process utilizing steam, the method of producing at least a portion of said steam includes heating a solid substance so as to generate steam, followed by capturing the generated steam at a pressure greater than one atmosphere gage pressure for use in the process at a pressure greater than one atmosphere gage pressure. Suitable solid substances are aluminum hydrate or aluminum fluoride. New hydrated aluminum containing products and uses for those products are obtained by the use of the process.

Abstract: In a chemisorption reaction process wherein a polar gas is repeatedly alternately adsorbed and desorbed on a complex compound formed by adsorbing said polar gas on a metal salt, said complex compound capable of having a first density if allowed to expand without restriction during said adsorption, a method of increasing the reaction rates of said chemisorption reaction process comprises controlling the volumeric expansion of said complex compound formed during at least the initial adsorption reaction of said polar gas on said metal salt to form at least a partially structurally immobilized, self-supporting, coherent, reaction product mass having a second density. The metal salt may also be mixed with a zeolite, activated carbon, activated alumina or silica gel prior to the first adsorption reaction.

Abstract: Impinging fluid jet streams are used in a continuous crystallization process to achieve high intensity micromixing of fluids so as to form a homogeneous composition prior to the start of nucleation. This process permits direct crystallization of high surface area particles of high purity and stability.

Abstract: Reaction rates in chemisorption reactions involving solid reactants and gaseous ligands are improved by maintaining optimized solid density throughout the reaction. Methods and apparatus which restrict volumetric solid expansion, compression of the solid reactant, and mixture with inert solid porous or particulate materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A new class of metal-exchanged, metal-impregnated zeolite catalysts has been prepared for the oxidation of halogenated organics including chlorinated, fluorinated and chloro/fluoro hydrocarbons. These catalysts are supported or unsupported, comprising from 0 weight percent, hereinafter wt.%, to about 95 wt. % of a binder, from about 10 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of a metal-exchanged zeolite, and from about 0.2 wt. % to about 12 wt. % of an impregnating metal compound, said percentage being calculated as the metal loading on an oxide basis, where the metal in the metal-exchanged zeolite can be selected from the representative and illustrative group consisting of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mo, and Mn and the impregnating metal compound can be selected from the representative and illustrative group consisting of compounds of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Pd, and Pt.

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: Treatment solutions for removing asbestos containing materials from substrates and for converting asbestos-containing materials to a non-asbestos material, which comprises an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an acid and 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid solution hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: A method for treating asbestos-containing material for removing such material from a substrate where it is installed and for destroying the asbestos in such asbestos-containing material, comprising wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of a weak organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Optionally, the aqueous solution further comprises about 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The weak acid solution assists in the removal of the asbestos-containing material and hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: Bottom ash arising from solid waste combustion has lead (Pb) sufficient quantity to sometimes fail the EPA TCLP test. Addition of water-soluble phosphate, especially phosphoric acid, increases the immobilization of lead (Pb) so as to make such residues in compliance with the toxicity tests over a substantially broader pH range, particularly with respect to the more stringent TCLP extraction test. The bottom ash may be wet or dry when contracted with the water-soluble phosphate. The contacting is preferably preformed in an enclosed environment to avoid bottom ash contact with or exposure to the ambient atmospheres prior to treatment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to conducting chemical reactions in reverse micelle or microemulsion systems comprising a substantially discontinuous phase including a polar fluid, typically an aqueous fluid, and a microemulsion promoter, typically a surfactant, for facilitating the formation of reverse micelles in the system. The system further includes a substantially continuous phase including a non-polar or low-polarity fluid material which is a gas under standard temperature and pressure and has a critical density, and which is generally a water-insoluble fluid in a near critical or supercritical state. Thus, the microemulsion system is maintained at a pressure and temperature such that the density of the non-polar or low-polarity fluid exceeds the critical density thereof. The method of carrying out chemical reactions generally comprises forming a first reverse micelle system including an aqueous fluid including reverse micelles in a water-insoluble fluid in the supercritical state.

Abstract: Halogenated organic species, e.g., chlorinated or brominated dioxins or dibenzofurans, PCBs, and the like, are consumed by contacting such species, at a temperature of greater than 220.degree. C., with a stoichiometric excess, relative to the halogen content thereof, of at least one alkali metal alcoholate.

Abstract: A membrane (14) for extracting hydrogen from fluid streams containing hydrogen consists essentially of a first layer (16) of a refractory metal or alloy which is permeable to hydrogen and has first and second surfaces (18,20). A second layer (22) is electroless or electrolytically deposited over the first surface (18) and attached thereto. A third layer (24) is similarly deposited over the other refractory surface (20), the second and third layers (22,24) consisting essentially of palladium, palladium alloys or platinum. A modification of this, for use in some applications, is the above membrane coated on only one surface with palladium, palladium alloys or platinum.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of ultrafine particles or atom clusters is disclosed. The ultrafine particles of size between about 10 to 1000 Angstroms are formed by the disruption of the crystal lattice or micrograin structure of the metal, alloy or intermetallic compound in one or both of two spaced electrodes by a high frequency, high voltage, high peak current discharge. The ultrafine particles are not subjected to fractionation as in evaporative processes and accordingly are remarkably predictable in both particle size, distribution of sizes and atomic composition, and also are readily transportable in carrier gases.

Abstract: Polychlorinated waste materials such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxines (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuranes (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are subjected to nonpolluting destruction by combusting said materials together with waste sulfuric acids, acid tars and similar sulfur- and carbon-containing waste products of various compositions and consistencies in a multi-stage combustion furnace.

Abstract: A radioactive catalyst is disclosed which comprises a fine particle of semiconductor and a high radioactive platinum group element deposited on the particle of semiconductor. The radioactive catalyst serves as a source of radiation and also as a catalyst for oxidation-reduction reaction. By bringing the radioactive catalyst into contact with water, the water is decomposed by the oxidation-reduction reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A metallic oxide catalyst, containing cupric oxide and an amount of one or more of AgO, HgO or CdO effective for enhancing the ability of the catalyst for removing gaseous hydrides from a gas stream.

Abstract: A residue from the production of chlorosilanes from raw silicon is treated with steam and aditionally with nitrogen-oxygen mixtures. The resulting residue has a lower chloride content.

Abstract: This application relates to a catalyst and a process using this catalyst to convert or destroy organic compounds including organohalogen compounds. A preferred catalyst contains as catalytic components titania, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide, tin oxide and at least one noble metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium, characterized in that the vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide and noble metals are uniformly dispersed on the titania. The process of this invention comprises contacting the gas stream, which contains organohalogen compounds and other organic compounds, at a temperature of about 200.degree. to about 500.degree. C. with the catalyst described above in the presence of an oxidizing agent and water. The oxidizing agent can be oxygen or air.

Abstract: Water-insoluble chlorinated hydrocarbons can be largely degraded by mixing with nitric acid and heating to temperatures of 150.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. under pressures of 6 bar to 350 bar.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detoxification of aluminum spent potliner by thermal treatment in a rotary kiln while blended with limestone and metal silicates to destroy cyanides and convert the soluble fluoride salts to relatively insoluble calcium fluoride and fluoride-bearing minerals, quenching the hot kiln discharge with an aqueous lime slurry to convert residual soluble fluoride salts on the particle surfaces to an insoluble form, and treating aqueous landfill runoff and capture with lime or limestone and recycling the treated water to the process. The treated material is suitable for landfilling in a non-hazardous waste landfill or marketing as a raw material. Air emissions are innocuous and there is no aqueous discharge.

Abstract: A method of treating lead contaminated soil to reduce the amount of mobile lead contained in the soil, the method which comprises: (a) providing an agent selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphate compounds, inorganic phosphite compounds and mixtures thereof; and (b) contacting the agent with the soil to react the agent with the lead and form immobilized, acid-insoluble lead compounds, thereby reducing the amount of mobile lead in the soil.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls are chemically degraded by contact with a Lewis acid catalyst in a nonaqueous liquid medium, in the presence of a cation which combines the chlorines on the PCBs to form a solid chloride of the cation which will precipitate out from the liquid medium. Preferred Lewis acids are metal halides, particularly a combination of aluminum chloride and ferric chloride, and the preferred cation is potassium in the form of potassium hydroxide. The process is susceptible to both batch and continuous operation. The process for chemically degrading PCBs with a Lewis acid catalyst can be applied to PCB-containing soils, sediments and sludges by contacting those materials, under anhydrous conditions, with Lewis acids and preferably with Lewis acids and a metal cation capable of reacting with the hydrohalogen released from the PCBs by the Lewis acids. The Lewis acids may be supplied to the process by the adventitious corrosion of a vessel containing the PCB-contaminated soil.

Abstract: In a process for exothermic and heterogeneous synthesis, for example of ammonia, in which the synthesis gas is reacted in several catalytic beds with axial-radial or only radial flow, the reaction gas is collected at the outlet from the last catalytic bed but one and is transferred to a system for heat recovery external to the reactor, and is re-introduced into the last catalytic bed.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic decomposition of chlorofluoro-alkanes commonly named as "flons" into harmless substances against destructing ozone layer of the stratosphere by using the catalyst comprising alumina or alumina -silica complexed oxide, wherein the range of Al/(Al+Si)atomic ratio is 1.0 to 0.5, in the presence of steam at the temperature of 350.degree. to 1.000.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process in which a melt is mixed with, and emulsified in a colder aqueous phase at a temperature below the crystallization point of the molten compound, the melt only solidifying in the form of the dispersed particles after the emulsification step. To this end, the melt is sprayed into the aqueous phase to form a preliminary emulsion (12) and the preliminary emulsion is finely dispersed for 0.005 s to 0.15 s in a following homogenization nozzle (8) to form an emulsion (15) which then solidifies to form the final crystal suspension. The particle size can be clearly and reproducibly adjusted through the nozzle pressure during the emulsification step. The process may be used in particular for the production of highly concentrated dispersions of high-melting organic materials.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for the production of peroxyacids from concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide and an oxyacid. The total amount of concentrated hydrogen peroxide is divided into at least two portions which are added separately in series to the concentrated oxyacid.

Abstract: Process for removing an industrial residue containing sodium sulphate, in which the sodium sulphate in the residue 7 is treated with a calcium salt 12 to precipitate calcium sulphate 13, which is sent to a rock salt deposit 15, from which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride 16 is withdrawn.The process applies to the residues from the desulphurization of fumes by means of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic decomposition of chlorofluoro-alkanes commonly named as "flons" into harmless substances against destructing ozone layer of the stratosphere by using the catalyst comprising iron oxide supported on active carbon at the temperature more than 300.degree. C. in the presence of steam.

Abstract: A spray combining apparatus for use at the outlet of a fluid collection system (10) includes an outlet pipe (11) containing a diffuser and atomizer (15) adjacent an outlet opening (18). A conical rain cap (19) is mounted vertically above the outlet opening. A downwardly-facing nipple and spray nozzle (22) is positioned above the rain cap. The nozzle is supplied with a pressurized second fluid from a source (26). If first fluid is detected in the outlet, the second fluid is discharged through the spray nozzle in a selected enveloping pattern toward the outlet. As the atomized first fluid is emitted from the outlet opening, it is combined with the enveloping spray of the second fluid. The resulting neutralized or "washed" product is either suspended in the air, or is contained in the vicinity of the outlet.