Abstract: A continuous process for the production of a gaseous product (12), and as a liquid byproduct (16), at the same time by reacting a liquid reagent in a reactor (4) is disclosed. The positive difference between the pressure at the entrance to and an pressure at the outlet of the reactor (4) is kept constant. The process can be used to generate oxygen by decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and this oxygen can be used in welding and cutting sets.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating coarse and fine solid particles from flue gases in a circulating fluidized bed reactor provide for flue gases to be led to a cyclone separator, located adjacent the reactor. A discharge opening is provided in the lower portion of the separator, opening into a suction chamber interposed between the discharge opening and a return duct. Coarse particles are returned to the reactor via the return duct while fine particles are pulled into a suction pipe connected to the suction chamber, and are then returned to the reactor separately from the coarse particles. At the same time, a minor portion of the flue gases are removed through the discharge opening in the separator with the solid particles and returned to the reactor. The major portion of the flue gases is discharged through an opening in the upper portion of the separator.

Abstract: A fore line trap is located before the forepump in a vacuum system. The trap utilizes a cracker, which may be a heated filament or a plasma, and cold walls. The cracker cracks pnictide gas species such as P.sub.4 into other species such as P.sub.2 which have a higher sticking co-efficient. The pnictides are deposited on the cold walls. The cold walls preferably comprise a sleeve which may be removed from the trap and replaced by a clean one.

Abstract: Solid residues arising from the burning of solid wastes have lead and cadmium sufficiently insolubilized to pass the EPA toxicity test only where the pH in the EPA test is between 7.5 and 12.0. Addition of water soluble phosphate, especially phosphoric acid, increases the immobilization of lead and cadmium so as to make such residues in compliance with the toxicity tests over a substantially broader pH range.

Abstract: Low energy start-up procedure for ammonia plants which employs ammonia as the start-up media, thereby avoiding the BTU loss associated with venting unconverted hydrocarbons and the threat to catalyst beds associated with rapid buildup of temperatures therein.

Abstract: A continuous process for separating charged components of a fluid mixture is disclosed which comprises forming a sorption zone and a desorption zone, said sorption and desorption zones being separated by a boundary of a sorbent material which continuously moves back and forth between the sorption and desorption zones, causing a fluid mixture to flow into the sorption zone wherein an electrical potential is imposed to promote sorption of one of the charged components of the mixture by the sorbent material, and imposing an electrical potential in the desorption zone such that the sorbed component will be desorbed when the sorbent material containing the sorbed component moves into the desorption zone. This sorption separation process may be used in a network (including a linear series) of sorption/desorption units for separation of multiple components of fluid mixture or for more complete separation of one component of a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The waste stream includes gas and liquid components. The flow rates for the reactants of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid component such that the liquid component tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants. The containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compression of a gaseous stream 1. The stream 1 is cooled by a liquid 15 that evaporates at least partially in the gaseous stream. The injected liquid has a composition different from that of the gas to be compressed, and is a component employed in the process in which compression is required and conducted. Alternatively, the liquid is selected from the starting materials to be employed in the process.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption gas separations are conducted inside an open loop Stirling cycle apparatus which may operate as an engine, refrigerator or heat pump. Adsorbent surfaces are associated with the thermal regenerators of the Stirling cycle apparatus, so that a preferentially adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated by parametric pumping into a colder end of an engine or into a warmer end of a refrigerator or heat pump, while a less readily adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated into warmer end of an engine or into colder end of a refrigerator or heat pump. Flow control means are provided to introduce the feed gas into the working space of the apparatus and to remove separated product fractions. Feed gases may be chemically reactive within a portion of the working space, with reactant and product species of the reaction separated by the apparatus to drive the reaction off equilibrium.

Abstract: Hazardous waste containing inorganic compounds which contain heavy metals or particular hazardous anionic groups or which are hazardous halides or non-metal oxides or sulfides is contacted with molten aluminum to provide reduction to lower less hazardous oxidation state.

Abstract: Toxic compounds, entrained in water, are dissociated in an electric arc (e.g. 12000.degree. F.) in an airtight chamber charged with oxygen; metal ions (M.sup.+) resulting from dissociation are recombined as gaseous oxides (MO.sub.x) which are educted from the chamber and disposed of.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytic conversion of fluid introduced into the upper end of a vessel (1), passed through a catalyst bed in the vessel (1), passed through passage (20) between guide elements (14) arranged in the vessel (1), and removed from the lower end of the vessel (1), wherein at or near narrow parts of the passages (20) cooling fluid is introduced into the passages (20) to control the temperature in the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A reactor tube 20 for a high-temperature fluid wall reactor has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of a refractory material which permits the tube to be heated to incandescence. The reactor tube in turn radiates energy inwardly to a reaction zone to sustain the desired high-temperature reaction. At least a length of the tube 20 is perforated to permit an inert gas to pass through the tube to form a protective fluid wall for preventing the radially-inward reactant products from contacting the inner surface 84 of the tube. Perforations 78 are located, shaped and dimensioned such that inert gas jets 86 are formed each having a substantially radially-directed momentum sufficient to repel the reactants. The injection of inert gas is controlled so that gas jets overlap to form the protective fluid wall, but the gas jets do not disturb flow within the radially-inward reaction zone. Sections of the reactor tube may remain unperforated, but are protected by the downstream flow of the injected inert gas.

Abstract: Metal ions are reduced from a higher to a lower oxidation stage using ferrophosphorus as the reductant.

Abstract: A method of using solar energy in a chemical synthesis process comprising steam reforming hydrocarbons or gasifying carbonaceous fuel, converting the product of the steam reforming of hydrocarbons or the gasifying of carbonaceous fuels to an ammonia synthesis gas, converting the ammonia synthesis gas to ammonia, supplying the heat required for the steam reforming of hydrocarbons or the gasifying of carbonaceous fuels by a heat transfer fluid, heating the heat transfer fluid in a solar receiver when solar energy is available, heating the heat transfer fluid by combusting a portion of the ammonia when sufficient solar energy is not available to supply the necessary heat to the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Cholinesterase inhibiting agents such as nerve gas agents and pesticide agents are destroyed by reaction with molten aluminum and the gaseous products are analyzed and recycled if they are not essentially free of such agents.

Abstract: A device for and method of working up etching and pickling liquids consisting of a vertical furnace having one or more vertical reaction spaces through which balls move at a maximum packing density.The furnace has a temperature gradient from the bottom (high) to the top (low). The reaction space and the balls consist of a material which is inert with respect to the liquid to be worked up. The liquid is introduced into the upper side of the furnace so that a film is formed in the heated surface of the balls. The salt dissolved in the liquid decomposes pyrolytically. The metal oxide is deposited on the surface of the balls and is removed therefrom after leaving the reaction space. The acid residue vapours are drained at the top and recovered in a separate absorber to the original pickling or etching acid.

Abstract: A process for removal of iron cyanide complex or complexes from a solution is described, the process being characterized by contact of the solution containing the complex or complexes with ammonium polysulfide or sodium polysulfide, or a mixture thereof, at a temperature of from about 110.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A reactor tube 20 for a high-temperature fluid wall reactor has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of a refractory material which permits the tube to be heated to incandescence. The reactor tube in turn radiates energy inwardly to a reaction zone to sustain the desired high-temperature reaction. At least a length of the tube 20 is perforated to permit an inert gas to pass through the tube to form a protective fluid wall for preventing the radially-inward reactant products from contacting the inner surface 84 of the tube. Perforations 78 are located, shaped and dimensioned such that inert gas jets 86 are formed each having a substantially radially-directed momentum sufficient to repel the reactants. The injection of inert gas is controlled so that gas jets overlap to form the protective fluid wall, but the gas jets do not disturb flow within the radially-inward reaction zone. Sections of the reactor tube may remain unperforated, but are protected by the downstream flow of the injected inert gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating articles such as batteries in a manner permitting safe disposal thereof, each of the articles comprising a casing having reactive material therein, wherein the article casing is opened to allow access to the interior thereof, fluid is introduced to the interior of the opened casing, and any evolved gas is removed. The steps of opening the casing, introducing fluid and removing gas are performed simultaneously in a reaction vessel which is supplied with the fluid and which is in communication with gas collecting and scrubbing means. The reaction vessel preferably comprises a deluged hammermill and a tank. The hammermill is supplied with articles by a remotely fed conveyor and which discharges into a tank, fluid is supplied to the hammermill and to the tank, and the gas collecting and scrubbing means is in communication with both the hammermill and tank. The fluid preferably is water or an alkaline neutralizing solution.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the destruction of toxic organic halogenated substances which comprises treating in a reaction chamber under a reductive atmosphere and at a temperature of from 1000.degree. to 1600.degree. C. a mixture of a toxic organic halogenated substance, carbon and a carbonate or bicarbonate of an alkali metal or of an alkaline earth metal whereby vapors of the alkali or alkaline earth metal are generated "in situ" to cause total degradation of the toxic organic halogenated substance into alkali or alkaline earth metal halide and carbon with the production of carbon monoxide which is subsequently oxidized into carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed over chrysotile asbestos fibers which comprises oxidizing in the presence of moisture with ozone a mass of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed on chrysotile asbestos fibers, whereby the hydrocarbons are degraded mainly to carbon dioxide and substantially pure chrysotile asbestos is recovered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for conducting chemical and biological reactions. A reactor is provided that includes a reaction matrix member formed from microporous ceramic. A chemical or biological material is fixed within the pores of the porous matrix, and reaction solution is passed through the porous matrix member at a controlled rate. Preferably, the matrix member is tubular in shape and comprises a plurality of concentric layers of ceramic material, each layer having a substantially uniform pore size, but the plurality of layers having a progressively decreasing pore size with respect to the preceding layer. Each layer may also have a different thickness than other layers. Reaction solution is introduced into an axial bore through the ceramic matrix member, and the product solution is collected from the outside of the ceramic matrix member. Optionally, lumens within one or more adjacent ceramic layers, and/or spaces between layers can be provided.

Abstract: A continuous process for separating components of a fluid mixture is disclosed which comprises forming a sorption zone and a desorption zone, said zones being separated by a boundary of a sorbent material which continuously moves back and forth between the zones, causing a fluid mixture to flow into the sorption zone wherein the conditions are such to promote sorption of one of the components of the mixture by the sorbent material, and creating conditions in the desorption zone such that the sorbed component will be desorbed when the sorbent material containing the sorbed component moves into the desorption zone.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a methane-enriched gas wherein a hydrogen-deficient carbonaceous material is treated with a hydrogen-containing pyrolysis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce a product gas mixture including methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The improvement comprises passing the product gas mixture sequentially through a water-gas shift reaction zone and a gas separation zone to provide separate gas streams of methane and of a recycle gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane for recycle to the process. A controlled amount of steam also is provided which when combined with the recycle gas provides a pyrolysis gas for treatment of additional hydrogen-deficient carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A process for determining the composition of an aqueous solution of ammonia and carbon dioxide from which ammonium carbamate or ammonium carbonate crystallizes out upon cooling to below the saturation temperature. The density and the saturation temperature of the solution are measured, and the ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water composition is determined by reference to densities and saturation temperatures of aqueous solutions of ammonia and carbon dioxide of known composition. The composition thus determined can be used to effect control over the composition of such aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A method for conducting a chemical process in which a feed containing at least one liquid is introduced into a vessel containing a plurality of packed, vertically arranged tubes, and in which at least one liquid product and at least one gaseous product are obtained, in which the tubes and a space above them are kept flooded with liquid by controlled removal of liquid product from the lower portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A continuous process for separating components of a fluid mixture is disclosed which comprises forming a sorption zone and a desorption zone, said sorption and desorption zones being separated by a boundary of a sorbent material which continuously moves back and forth between the sorption and desorption zones, causing a fluid mixture to flow into the sorption zone wherein the conditions are such to promote sorption of one of the components of the mixture by the sorbent material, and creating conditions in the desorption zone such that the sorbed component will be desorbed when the sorbent material containing the sorbed component moves into the desorption zone. This sorption separation process is used in a network (including a linear series) of sorption/desorption units for separation of multiple components of fluid mixtures or for more complete separation of one component of a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A continuous process for separating components of a fluid mixture is disclosed which comprises forming a sorption zone and a desorption zone, said sorption and desorption zones being separated by a boundary of a sorbent material which continuously moves back and forth between the sorption and desorption zones, causing a fluid mixture to flow into the sorption zone wherein the conditions are such to promote sorption of one of the components of the mixture by the sorbent material, and creating conditions in the desorption zone such that the sorbed component will be desorbed when the sorbent material containing the sorbed component moves into the desorption zone. There may be disposed between the sorption and desorption zones at least one roller and at least one moving belt or at least two moving belts. The process can also be used to form a mixture with content of the sorbable component controlled by the sorption/desorption cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for effecting chemical syntheses in gaseous phase, under pressure, in the presence of a solid catalyst, for instance, for ammonia synthesis from hydrogen and nitrogen or for the synthesis of methanol or higher homolog alcohols from hydrogen and at least one carbon oxide.The reactor (8) of substantially cylindrical shape, (see FIG. 4) contains a plurality of elongate compartments (9) of parallelipiped shape, adjacent to each other, the adjacent walls of the compartments or the common walls of the adjacent compartments being gas-tight walls (1), said tight walls forming hollow plates wherein are provided channels for the flow of a fluid heat carrier flowing through said walls under a pressure substantially equal to the pressure to which are subjected the reaction gases.

Abstract: A gas generator in which the gas is produced by a reaction between a solid metal and a liquid reactant. The generator is operated to produce hydrogen intended as an energy source particularly for operating internal combustion engines. A solid reactant is reacted with a liquid reactant under conditions in which both reactants are moving and continuously maintained under operating conditions. The solid is in the form of metal balls which are conveyed through a reaction chamber on inclined perforate channels. The liquid reactant is sprayed over the moving balls. Waste solid reaction products are removed by the rolling action of the balls on the perforate channels and the washing action of the sprayed liquid reactant. In the production of hydrogen, aluminum metal balls are used and the liquid reactant is a solution of sodium hydroxide. Because the reaction is exothermic, excess heat is removed by cooling the liquid reactant.

Abstract: Precursors, particularly of non-oxide ceramics, are prepared by special seeding, under carefully controlled conditions. Such procedures can lead to the preparation of unique powders, which may be useful, for example as abrasives, or further processed in special manner to prepare a variety of metal substances. Such procedures can permit final firing to sintered product.

Abstract: Processes for the conversion of gases into useable products as exemplified by the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form paraffinic hydrocarbons, hydrogen and nitrogen to form ammonia, and water and carbon monoxide to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be effected at reaction conditions which include temperatures in the range of from about 200.degree. to about 700.degree. C. and pressures ranging from atmospheric to about 1000 atmospheres. The catalyst system which is to be employed to effect these reactions will comprise an iron-containing compound admixed with elemental copper, and potassium-, aluminum- and vanadium-containing compounds.

Abstract: A protective garment fabricated at least in part from a composite fabric which contains a layer of a highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer having sulfonic acid multivalent metal ion salt functional groups.

Abstract: A method for destroying toxic organic chemical products. The method is particularly adapted for the destruction of polyhalogenated polyphenyls, especially polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The toxic organic chemical product is intimately contacted and reacted with a molten mixture of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal nitrate, so that it is converted to harmless products which, in the case of PCBs, include a halide salt, at least one carbon oxide, and water. By incorporating a substantial excess of nitrate in the mixture most of the salt is caused to precipitate and to settle out to the bottom for easy removal.

Abstract: A method for forming a uniform distribution of a substance in calcium hydroxide to obtain pulverulent preparations. The substances are those particularly in a fluid stage such as a solvent, emulsion or suspension.

Abstract: A first gas produced or supplied at a first location is reacted (combined) with a selected reactant in a reversible chemical reaction to produce a gaseous reaction product which is converted to liquid-form and conveyed, as a liquid, to a second location remote from the first location, whereupon it is converted back to its original gaseous constituents in a chemical reaction the reverse of the initial reaction. The regenerated first gas, now at the second location, is separated from the regenerated reactant which is returned to the first location to be used again.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for fluidized solids systems used in chemical and thermal processes wherein homogeneous, dense, fluidized bed conditions are attained at high superficial gas velocities with reduced back mixing of gases by use of multiple vertically arranged fluidized bed zones interconnected by downcomer conduits extending from the lower portion of an upper bed to the lower portion of a lower bed to provide high solids circulation.

Abstract: According to the present invention a saturated aqueous solution comprising at least one alkali metal hydroxide and at least one alkali metal nitrate is provided which can be spray added to a fused anhydrous bath which contains alkali metal materials.

Abstract: A method for removing oxide contamination from titanium diboride powder involves the direct chemical treatment of TiB.sub.2 powders with a gaseous boron halide, such as BCl.sub.3, at temperatures in the range of 500.degree.-800.degree. C. The BCl.sub.3 reacts with the oxides to form volatile species which are removed by the BCl.sub.3 exit stream.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for the efficient production of gaseous chlorine dioxide by the reaction between gaseous sulfur dioxide and an aqueous solution of a metallic chlorate. The chlorate solution and a highly concentrated sulfur dioxide gas are introduced into a packed columnar chamber at closely adjacent locations at the bottom of the chamber so as to flood the chamber and maximize both the contact area and contact time of the two reactants. Throughout the reaction the chamber is subjected to high vacuum imposed by an eductor which exhausts the chlorine dioxide gas and spent reactants. For use of the chlorine dioxide to produce potable water or treat foodstuffs, the chlorine dioxide and spent reactants are exhausted from the chamber separately by respective eductors substantially balanced with respect to each other to impose comparable vacuums upon the chamber.

Abstract: An organic waste containing halogen is destroyed by treatment in a molten salt pool comprising a mixture of a basic alkaline earth metal compound with an alkaline earth metal halide. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the pool containing the waste to produce a gaseous combustion product and to cause the halogen present in the waste to react with the basic alkaline earth metal compound to produce additional alkaline earth metal halide.

Abstract: The specification describes a process and apparatus for pumping and removal of unwanted gases by effecting a chemical reaction between the gases and a highly reactive substance which is in the form of aerosol particles, to form a non-volatile, solid reaction product. In one embodiment of the invention, the reactive substance is initially provided in the form of a solid; the solid is heated to liquify it; and the liquid is forced through spray nozzles under high pressure to form the desired aerosol particles, which then react with the gas to be pumped.

Abstract: A process for producing particles of a non-friable eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate for solar power station use is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the particles are produced by shock chilling a molten stream of mixed nitrate material and crushing the resulting flakes to a size range of between about -5 mesh and about +30 mesh. In a second embodiment, particles of this size are produced by spray granulation of a concentrated solution of mixed nitrate salts onto a fluidized bed to produce dry, free-flowing, solid spheres. In both embodiments, the particles are extremely hard, resistant to moisture pickup and adaptable to being readily shipped by bulk containers.

Abstract: Processes for carrying out catalytic exothermic and endothermic high-pressure gas reactions with a single-walled pressure vessel or shell containing cross-flow (e.g., radial flow) heat transfer exchangers, a continuous catalytic bed having at least two stages, and means for effecting "cross-over" material flows from "outside" to "inside" (for exothermic reactions) and vice versa (for endothermic reactions), whereby conditions of: maximum gas temperature always being in the core of said vessel or shell, minimal pressure drop, and minimal compression of catalyst particles are achieved, along with significant economic savings in cost of the pressure vessel or shell and catalyst (through extension of catalyst life).

Abstract: A method of storing heat is provided utilizing a chemical cycle which interconverts sulfuric acid and sulfur. The method can be used to levelize the energy obtained from intermittent heat sources, such as solar collectors. Dilute sulfuric acid is concentrated by evaporation of water, and the concentrated sulfuric acid is boiled and decomposed using intense heat from the heat source, forming sulfur dioxide and oxygen. The sulfur dioxide is reacted with water in a disproportionation reaction yielding dilute sulfuric acid, which is recycled, and elemental sulfur. The sulfur has substantial potential chemical energy and represents the storage of a significant portion of the energy obtained from the heat source. The sulfur is burned whenever required to release the stored energy.A particularly advantageous use of the heat storage method is in conjunction with a solar-powered facility which uses the Bunsen reaction in a water-splitting process.

Abstract: A simple and efficient process is provided for disposing of easily airborne carbon fibers by subjecting them to an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypohalogenite at an elevated temperature for a period of time sufficient to substantially destroy the fibrous configuration of said fibers. In a preferred embodiment, carbon fibers are contacted with a solution of sodium hypochlorite (approximately 5 to 6 percent active chlorine concentration by weight based on the weight of the solution) at a temperature of between about 50.degree. and about 60.degree. C. for between about 1 and about 12 hours.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for conducting catalytic reactions, particularly hydrogenation or oxidation of vaporous, carbonaceous materials, utilizing a plurality of thin catalyst bodies in a spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: A system for the thermal dissociation of gaseous matter into its component parts using solar energy and a molecular beam skimmer.