Abstract: The specification discloses a method for recovering non-ferrous metals such as zinc or copper iron from their concentrates, ores or any other metal containing materials into a solution containing these non-ferrous metals as sulphates and a minimal amount of dissolved iron. The resultant solution is suited without or with minimum pre-purification treatment for conventional electrowinning processes to recover such non-ferrous metals with less difficulties than the previous methods involving complex iron-removal processing. There is disclosed a method for recovering at least one non-ferrous metal soluble in sulphuric acid from a strong sulphuric acid solution containing said metal and iron as sulphates, said method comprising the following consecutive steps:subjecting said solution in a sub-divided form to thermal decomposition in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of from 600.degree. to 750.degree. C.

Abstract: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is thermally decomposed to alumina by sequential treatment in two dense fluidized-bed decomposers, the first decomposer being operated at a temperature of about 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. and the second at a temperature of about 900.degree. to 1100.degree. C. About 90 to 95 percent decomposition is achieved in the first decomposer, with substantially complete decomposition of the remainder in the second decomposer. Fluidization in the first decomposer is preferably achieved by means of recycle of product gases.

Abstract: Calcination of limestone to form a finely divided lime product without substantial contamination by impurities (especially carbon and ash) is accomplished in a secondary fluidized bed with reaction heat provided by recirculating entrained particles from a primary multisolid fluidized bed combustor.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing gas streams are converted to methane by a cyclic, essentially two-step process in which said carbon monoxide is disproportionated to form carbon dioxide and active surface carbon deposited on the surface of a catalyst, and said carbon is reacted with steam to form product methane and by-product carbon dioxide. The exothermic heat of reaction generated in each step is effectively removed during each complete cycle so as to avoid a build up of heat from cycle-to-cycle, with particularly advantageous techniques being employed for fixed bed, tubular and fluidized bed reactor operations.

Abstract: A device for producing solid aluminum chloride from gas containing gaseous aluminum chloride by means of a fluidized bed condenser. Between the inlet pipe for carrier gas and an outlet pipe for residual or waste gas there is a distributor plate with openings in the form of nozzles, at least one cooling facility, a feeding facility for the supply of gas containing gaseous aluminum chloride and a facility for drawing off the solid aluminum chloride. The outlet pipe for waste or residual gas is connected to the inlet pipe for carrier gas via a separator which separates out fine particulate aluminum chloride, which is then fed back to the bed to act as nuclei.

Abstract: A method for the production of reduction cell grade alumina from alkali metal/aluminum chloride complexes comprising the steps of:A. reacting the alkali metal/aluminum chloride complexes with oxygen in a three phase fluidized bed comprising:(I) as a solid phase, particles or pebbles of alumina of at least about 1/16" in average diameter;(II) as a gaseous phase oxygen fed at a rate to provide a fluidizing gas velocity above about 8'/sec.; and(III) as a liquid phase coating the particles of alumina an alkali metal/aluminum chloride complexes; andB. separating the product solids from the gases exiting the fluidized bed.

Abstract: Metal carbide powders containing free carbon which have heretofore been difficult to refine can be refined excellently by charging the metal carbide powders in a fluidizing bed consisting of fluidized heat-resistant particles and having a temperature of a determined range to burn and remove the free carbon contained therein, and by subsequently discharging refined metal carbide powders and combustion gas from an upper part of the fluidizing bed for recovery of the refined metal carbide powders.

Abstract: An economical, low temperature, closed loop, thermal decomposition process is provided for producing a controllable mixture of heterogeneously and homogeneously nucleated ultrahigh purity polycrystalline silicon suitable for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and photovoltaic solar cells.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for recovering non-ferrous metals such as zinc or copper from their concentrates, ores or any other metal containing materials into a solution containing these non-ferrous metals as sulphates and a minimal amount of dissolved iron. The resultant solution is suited without or with minimum pre-purification treatment for conventional electrowinning processes to recover such non-ferrous metals with less difficulties than the previous methods involving complex iron-removal processing. There is disclosed a method for recovering at least one non-ferrous metal soluble in sulphuric acid from a strong sulphuric acid solution containing said metal and iron as sulphates, said method comprising the following consecutive steps:subjecting said solution in a sub-divided form to thermal decomposition in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of from 600.degree. to 750.degree. C.

Abstract: In order to increase or maintain the capacity of fluid bed calciners in the calcination of phosphate rock containng large amounts of organic matter ("hot rocks"), the calciner is modified to permit a pyrolysis reaction to occur in the freeboard zone of the calciner. The hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide gas produced by the pyrolysis reaction are removed from the calciner and burned in an afterburner unit. Dust and fines entrained in the exhaust from the calciner are sent to a dust oxidation chamber outside the calciner for oxidation by addition of air.

Abstract: Fluidizable particulate solids are removed from a first zone operating at a relatively higher temperature and pressure to a second zone or collector operating or maintained at a lower temperature and pressure by an improved drain or particle removal system. The improved system includes moving the particles from the first zone downwardly within a substantially vertical inlet conduit or leg into the lower regions of a first chamber and upwardly through that chamber under fluidized particle transport conditions energized by a fluidizing media provided in the chamber. The particles move to a second chamber by overflowing a weir separating the first and second chambers and are mixed with cooler particles which extract heat within the second chamber under fluidized particle transport conditions energized by a second fluidizing gas source which further transports the particles to the collector or second zone. Heat is removed from the second chamber by indirect heat exchange.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process is disclosed which comprises subjecting a bed comprised of solid particulate magnetizable, fluidizable material within an external force field wherein at least a portion of the bed containing said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material and fluidizing fluid are subjected to a nontime varying and substantially uniform applied magnetic field having a substantial component along the direction of the external force field such that said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material has a component of magnetization along the direction of the external force field and wherein at least a portion of said bed containing the solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material is fluidized by a flow of fluid opposing said external force field at a superficial fluid velocity ranging between:(a) more than the normal minimum fluidization superficial fluid velocity required to fluidize said bed in the absence of said applied magnetic field; and,(b) less than the superficia

Abstract: The efficiency of a given reactor for the conversion of aluminum oxide bearing starting material by means of reducing and chlorinating gases or of carbon coated aluminum oxide bearing starting material by means of chlorinating gases in a solid/gas fluidized bed to yield aluminum chloride is improved by the addition of an inert, solid dilution agent to the bed. Whereas, as a result of the chemical reaction, the average particle size and bulk density of the reagent decreases in a batch process, and in a continuous process an equilibrium value is reached, the average particle size and the bulk density of the inert material remains unchanged. An initial average particle size of 60-80 microns proved successful; quartz, corundum, magnesium oxide of similar particle size and bulk density was added as dilution agent, and a gas flow rate of 2 to 30 cm/sec was attained along with quantitative conversion of the gaseous reagent.

Abstract: In a process that involves use of a fluidized bed of solid particulate material wherein fludization is obtained by passage of a gas through the bed, and the bed is stabilized by including discrete magnetizable particles in the bed and applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to the bed, temperature gradients that occur in the bed when the process in which the fluidized bed is used involves release or absorption of heat are reduced by periodically removing the magnetic field in a cyclical fashion. The period of magnetic field removal is long enough to destabilize the fluidized bed with respect to the positioning of fluidized particles so that the particles will move about in the bed, but the period of removal is not so long as to permit the unstabilized bed to exhibit a boiling or bubbling effect. The ratio of "on" time to "off" time is generally within the range of from about 4 to 1 to about 4000 to 1.

Abstract: In order to increase or maintain the capacity of fluid bed calciners in the calcination of phosphate rock containing large amounts of organic matter ("hot rocks"), the calciner is modified to permit a pyrolysis reaction to occur in the freeboard zone of the calciner. The hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide gas produced by the pyrolysis reaction are removed from the calciner and burned in an afterburner unit. Dust and fines entrained in the exhaust from the calciner are sent to a dust oxidation chamber outside the calciner for oxidation by addition of air.

Abstract: A process for the production of sodium aluminate comprising drying an aluminate solution containing from 45 to 350 g/l of caustic Na.sub.2 O with a molecular ratio of caustic Na.sub.2 O to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 from 1.1 to 1.8 in a fluidized bed of solid particles at 250.degree.-400.degree. C. of sodium aluminate using a gas heated to 750.degree.-950.degree. C. containing no carbon dioxide as a fluidizing medium and a heat carrier in an amount from 2000 to 25000 nm.sup.3 per 1 m.sup.3 of aluminate solution; feeding said aluminate, solution for drying by atomizing it at a velocity from 25 to 35 m/s thereby obtaining sodium aluminate in the form of pellets of a size from 0.5 to 8 mm with a bulk weight from 1.2 to 1.4 t/m.sup.3 completely soluble in water and alkaline solutions, with a maximum content of hygroscopic moisture of 0.3% by weight and a maximum content of water of crystallization of 5% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for continuous countercurrent contacting with magnetically stabilized fluidized beds. More particularly, the invention relates to the operation of a magnetically stabilized bed with continuous solid addition and removal. The bed particles which include a magnetizable component are stabilized against gas by-passing and solids back-mixing (except possibly for the flow or movement of the solids near entrance or exit ports or near fluid injection zones) during countercurrent contacting by the use of an applied magnetic field. The process of the invention is particularly suited for carrying out separation processes. The use of the applied magnetic field in such processes enables one to use small size fluidizable, adsorbent particles without encountering high pressure drops.

Abstract: Alumina values are extracted from clay by the steps of pelletizing into spherical particles, calcining the pellets in a fluidized bed reactor, extracting the clay in about 30-40% nitric acid, purifying the basic aluminum nitrate produced, crystallizing aluminum nitrate nonahydrate, decomposing the nonahydrate in at least three steps, calcining the produced alumina and reconstituting the NO.sub.x gases to nitric acid.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for conduct of fluidized bed reactions having an improved grate wherein at least one substantially continuous open slot sufficiently wide for passage of heavy solid particles is provided for preferential removal of heavy particles from the fluidizing chamber. The apparatus and process is particularly useful in coal gasification applications.

Abstract: Thermally splitting hydrate of aluminum chloride to produce aluminum oxide wherein the hydrate is at least partially split by contact with hot gases and hot calcined product in a turbulent zone, transmitting the material from the turbulent zone into a residence zone, recycling a portion of the solids from the residence zone to the turbulent zone in an amount to maintain a desired suspension density while the remainder is passed to a turbulent cooling zone in heat exchange with the fluidizing gas introduced into the turbulent zone.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a pendulum viscometer having damped torsional oscillations, in a laboratory catalytic fluid-bed reactor, to monitor a propensity to stick which is exhibited by certain supported catalysts. A fluid-bed of such catalysts has been found to become suddenly more sticky just before a point at which a change in pressure drop across the fluid-bed can be measured due to a process "upset". At this point ("the inversion point"), the upset is usually irremediable. The method includes correlating data on catalyst stickiness from a laboratory reactor operating at atmospheric pressure, with an expected level of catalyst stickiness in a commercial reactor operating at elevated pressure.A pendulum viscometer and related auxiliary apparatus is disclosed for magnetically and electrically measuring and recording the rate at which the pendulum's torsional oscillations are damped.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improving the quality of fluidization of fluidized solids and comprises the addition of fluidization promoters in particle form that have a smaller density and particle size than the neat solids. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the catalyst is a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and the fluidization promoter comprises carbon particles.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for recovering non-ferrous metals such as zinc or copper from their concentrates, ores or any other metal containing materials into a solution containing these non-ferrous metals as sulphates and a minimal amount of dissolved iron. The resultant solution is suited without or with minimum pre-purification treatment for conventional electrowinning processes to recover such non-ferrous metals with less difficulties than the previous methods involving complex iron-removal processing. There is disclosed a method for recovering at least one non-ferrous metal soluble in sulphuric acid from a strong sulphuric acid solution containing said metal and iron as sulphates, said method comprising the following consecutive steps:subjecting said solution in a sub-divided form to thermal decomposition in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of from 600.degree. to 750.degree. C.

Abstract: In a process for the production of alumina which comprises the steps of digesting bauxite to produce a precipitate of alumina trihydrate containing uncombined moisture, drying the alumina trihydrate to reduce the uncombined moisture content thereof, and feeding the dried alumina trihydrate to a calciner to convert the alumina trihydrate to alumina, improved economy is achieved by drying the alumina trihydrate in a fluidized bed in which the fluidized mass is heated indirectly by means of steam which is available from the digestion and recovery system. Drying of the alumina trihydrate in this manner prior to feeding it to the calciner also reduces the fuel requirement in the calciner and enables the throughput of the calciner to be increased.

Abstract: There is described a method for the decomposition of aluminum nitrate crystals to alumina comprising the steps of:(a) melting the aluminum nitrate crystals;(b) evaporating from the melted crystals in a once through evaporator at the boiling temperature of the mixture and for a time sufficient to remove water and associated nitric acid and to provide a fluid having an alumina concentration of at least about 18% by weight;(c) decomposing the product of step (b) at a temperature of between about 150.degree. and about 200.degree. C. and recovering the heat of condensation of the resultant vapors;(d) further decomposing the product of step (c) in a fluidized bed decomposer at a temperature of between about 300.degree. and about 400.degree. C. to reduce the residual nitrate concentration in the product to between about 5 and about 10 weight percent;(e) decomposing the product of step (d) in a fluidized bed decomposer at a temperature of between about 500.degree. and about 800.degree. C.

Abstract: Fines are removed from a fines-containing fluid by fluidizing a bed of fluidizable solids with the fines-containing fluid at conditions avoiding fluid spouting at the bed surface, the bed solids being preferably at least two orders of magnitude greater in size than the particles, and being coated with a substance whose stickiness changes during its residence time in the bed. Particles adhere to the transiently sticky solids and can be recovered for re-use. Useful for cleaning dusty gases and recovering catalyst from cracker flue gas.

Abstract: In a reactor for cracking heavy hydrocarbon oil through a fluidized bed of particles of natural ores, coke-like materials are deposited on a top of the reactor or pipe inside surfaces of a transfer line from the reactor to a scrubber. To effectively scour out the deposited coke-like materials, particles of natural ores having a mean diameter of a few hundred .mu.m is made to be contained in an effluent gas from the top of reactor, passing through the transfer line at a concentration of 1 to 40 g/m.sup.3. The particles of natural ores have a good effect of scouring out the deposited coke-like materials and can keep the transfer line efficiently clean even with a small amount of the particles of natural ores, decreasing a pressure drop in the transfer line.

Abstract: A process for treatment of antimony-containing materials in a fluidized bed by way of calcination of the materials at a temperature within the range of from 800.degree. to 1,100.degree. C. obtained by combusting a mixture of a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas in said fluidized bed. Said mixture of the gases is formed directly in said fluidized bed by supplying, thereinto, the fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas in separated streams uniformly distributed over the bottom cross-section of said fluidized bed so that the fuel gas stream is surrounded over the entire perimeter by the oxygen-containing gas streams.The process according to the present invention makes it possible to treat antimony-containing materials with a content of antimony ranging from 0.3 to 15% by weight and to obtain antimony-rich sublimates with a content of antimony as high as 40 to 75% by weight.

Abstract: A mixture of powders, preferably UO.sub.2 powders, is blended to complete homogeneity in a nuclear-safe, bubbling-bed fluidized bed blender. The blender includes a generally vertically-oriented, slab-shaped, nuclear-safe mixing vessel having a fluidizing grid disposed on the bottom of the vessel. The fluidizing grid comprises a linear array of generally downwardly-directed pyramidal-shaped hoppers each having walls converging into a conically-shaped closable opening. A plurality of gas orifices is provided for directing a flow of fluidizing gas downwardly into the bottom of each of the hoppers and fluidizing gas is supplied to the orifices at a velocity sufficient to cause bubbles of fluidizing gas to rise through and emerge from the mixture of UO.sub.2 powders until a homogeneous blend of solid UO.sub.2 powders is achieved. The apparatus eliminates dead-zones normally present near the bottom of prior art fluidized bed blenders.

Abstract: A mixture of fine and cohesive powders is blended to complete homogeneity in a nuclear-safe bubbling-bed fluidized bed blender having an improved fluidizing grid. The blender includes a generally vertically-oriented slab-shaped, nuclear-safe mixing vessel having a fluidizing grid disposed at one end of the vessel. The fluidizing grid comprises a linear array of generally downwardly-directed, pyramidal-shaped hoppers each having walls converging into a conically-shaped opening. A plurality of ball valves are employed, one such valve being disposed at the bottom of each hopper. The rotary closure member of each of the ball valves includes a first set of gas orifices for directing a flow of fluidizing gas upwardly in a divergent swirl-shaped pattern along the walls of each of the hoppers. In one embodiment a second set of fluidizing gas orifices for directing a flow of fluidizing gas downwardly into the apex of each of the hoppers is also provided.

Abstract: Fluoridic spent and waste materials, such as are generated in electrolytic aluminum reduction systems, are pyrohydrolyzed in a fluidized bed reactor. For fluidization of these materials, as well as for the combustion of carbon present in the materials, an O.sub.2 -containing gas stream, containing at least about 90% by volume O.sub.2, is employed. This results in the generation of an HF-containing offgas of significantly increased HF level, which can be employed for the manufacture of an AlF.sub.3 product of at least about 85% by weight AlF.sub.3 content from hydrated alumina. The offgas having the increased HF content can also be employed for the production of highly concentrated HF acid with significantly lower energy requirement needed for concentration than in conventional systems.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the recovery of HF in increased yield from spent aluminum reduction cell linings. The spent linings are pyrohydrolyzed in a fluidized bed reactor and the generated Na-containing vapors and gases are then contacted with a relatively finely divided source of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. Contacting is preferably accomplished in the close vicinity of the fluidized bed to obtain extended reaction between the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 source and the vapors. This extended reaction allows conversion of the Na-containing compounds, such as NaF and Na.sub.2 O to HF and an Na.sub.2 OxAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous high temperature treatment of sulfur-containing carbonaceous particles in an electrothermally heated fluidized bed is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a fluidizing stream is passed through carbonaceous particles introduced into a fluidizing zone at a velocity sufficient to fluidize said carbonaceous particles. The carbonaceous particles are heated in a fluidized state, and controllably fed into and discharged from the fluidizing zone at a rate sufficient to assure that the sulfur content of the particles are reduced below 0.5%. In another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is transformed from a relatively amorphous molecular state, into a graphite crystalline state.

Abstract: A pyrohydrolysis system is provided for the recovery of valuable components from waste and spent materials generated in electrolytic aluminum reduction facilities. The pyrohydrolysis system employs a dense phase fluidized bed reaction zone for the pyrohydrolysis of coarse feed, a dilute phase fluidized reaction zone for pyrohydrolyzing fine feed, this zone being superimposed and interconnected with the dense phase zone. The offgases, after removal of the solids, are contacted in a dilute phase fluidized zone, with a source of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to remove residual Na values and to produce Na-free HF. The solids from the first dilute zone, having a desired high Na:Al atom ratio, can be combined with the product clinker from the dense bed zone. The offgas, containing the source of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, is subjected to solids separation, the solids-free and Na-free HF is utilized, while the solids of low Na:Al mole ratio are recycled to the residual Na conversion step.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor including a first, upstream reaction zone having a fluidized bed of particles and a second, downstream heat recovery zone having a fluidized bed of particles. The reactor is designed adjacent the heat recovery zone to withdraw heat from the heat recovery zone at a temperature lower than the temperature in the reaction zone. In operation, the particles in the heat recovery zone cool and quench the effluent from the reaction zone so as to remove fines and volatile elutriates therefrom, rendering the effluent less corrosive and preventing back or side reactions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for contacting at least two solids and a fluid, particularly for retorting and/or gasification of solid carbonaceous materials such as coal, coke, shale or tar sands by introducing a solid heat-transfer material into an upper portion of a treatment or contacting zone and a solid carbonaceous material into a lower portion of the treatment or contacting zone. The solid heat carrier is fluidized by an upflowing gas and moves downwardly, while the solid carbonaceous materials are entrained and move upwardly. The fluidizing gas may be inert or reactive. Substantially countercurrent plug flow of the two solids in the treatment or contacting zone is maintained by including means for preventing back mixing, such as a packing material filling the treatment or contacting zone.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed system in a single vessel, typically as a combustor system for power or steam generation burning high-sulfur coal or as a gasifier for high-sulfur coal, which comprises forming an entrained fluidized bed in a first space region containing a first solid bed particle component, such as sand or hematite ore containing over 90% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: An oily mass of solids tailings is derived from flotation of bitumen during hot water extraction of bituminous sands, and subsequent separation of most of the bitumen from associated solids. This oily mass contains a high concentration of heavy minerals, in the order of 10% by weight titanium and 4% zirconium. The tailings are introduced into a hot reaction zone and contacted with oxygen while agitating the solids. The bitumen associated with the solids is burned, as is residual coke left from the combustion of the bitumen. The product particles are discrete, dry and clean. They can be slurried with water and passed through gravity concentrating means, such as a spiral, to produce a concentrate containing in the order of 18% titanium and 8% zirconium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for controlling corona generated ozone emissions in electrostatographic copying equipment. This is achieved by directing ozone rich gases through a novel fluidized bed reactor located in an exhaust channel of an electrostatographic copier. The novel reactor is provided with means for continuously or periodically purging fine particles from the perforated wall of the catalyst containing chamber proximate to the exhaust end of the reactor; thereby, preventing such fine particles from becoming permanently entrained within such perforation and creating a substantial pressure drop between the interior of the catalyst containing chamber and the exterior of said chamber proximate to exhaust end of the reactor. The preferred ozone neutralization system contemplated for use in this invention is a multiple stage device wherein a number of reactors are connected to one another in series.

Abstract: Recovery of high purity aluminum chloride is achieved by use of a series of condensers wherein the first condenser is operated at a high temperature of 80.degree.-110.degree. C to insure minimum condensation of other metal chlorides such as titanium chloride, silicon chloride, or the like, while a second condenser operates at a much lower temperature of from 20.degree.-50.degree. C to trap all impurities while reducing the chloride losses to a minimum. The product of the first condenser may then be used as a feed for the electrolytic reduction of aluminum chloride to metallic aluminum.

Abstract: A method and system for cracking hydrocarbons with distinct fluid catalyst particles differing in activity, selectivity and physical characteristics is described wherein a common catalyst regeneration system is employed which will measurably contribute to the heat requirements of the operation as well as the activity/selectivity characteristics of the catalyst employed. Except for size, the catalysts upon make-up may have different or identical catalytic characteristics. However, upon contact with a particular hydrocarbon stream, such as vacuum resid, the selectivity and coke producing characteristics of the catalysts may be altered.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process is disclosed which comprises subjecting a bed comprised of solid particulate magnetizable, fluidizable material within an external force field wherein at least a portion of the bed containing said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material and fluidizing fluid are subjected to a nontime varying and substantially uniform applied magnetic field having a substantial component along the direction of the external force field such that said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material has a component of magnetization along the direction of the external force field and wherein at least a portion of said bed containing the solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material is fluidized by a flow of fluid opposing said external force field at a superficial fluid velocity ranging between:(a) more than the normal minimum fluidization superficial fluid velocity required to fluidize said bed in the absence of said applied magnetic field; and,(b) less than the superficia

Abstract: In the production of aluminum chloride suitable for subsequent electrolytic reduction to metallic aluminum control of both the purity and the particle size is achieved by control of the entrance velocity of the aluminum chloride vapors in a fluidized bed, control of the fluidized bed temperature, and selective removal of the condensed particles from the bottom of the fluidized bed.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of aluminum chloride hydrate in which the preponderant portion of the hydrate is thermally decomposed in an indirectly heated reaction chamber while in a fluidized state with any remainder thermally decomposed in a directly heated rotary furnace and passing the formed aluminum oxide in heat exchange with combustion gases to cool the aluminum oxide and to preheat the combustion gases.

Abstract: Calcium sulfate is decomposed to CaO and SO.sub.2 by high temperature treatment in a fluidized bed wherein reductive and oxidative conditions are simultaneously maintained. A highly reducing gas is formed in the lower portion of the bed from partial combustion of the fuel in admixture with the primary fluidizing air. The quantity of the primary fluidizing air is limited so that the reducing conditions in the lower zone converts the CaSO.sub.4 to a mixture of CaO and CaS. Secondary air is introduced at a higher level in the bed to create an oxidizing zone in the upper portion of the bed above the reducing zone capable of converting CaS to CaO. The concurrent use of such reducing and oxidizing zones permits reducing conditions to be maintained which favor a high rate of decomposition even though these conditions favor the formation of CaS as well as CaO.

Abstract: Apparatus for the vapor phase polymerization of at least one polymerizable monomer comprising:(a) a horizontal, stirred reactor of substantially circular cross section containing a centrally-located drive shaft extending longitudinally through said reactor to which are attached a plurality of adjacently located paddles, which paddles cause essentially no forward or backward movement of the particulate matter contained in said reactor and extend transversely within and to a short distance from the internal surfaces of said reactor, said reactor being divided into two or more individually polymerization-temperature controllable polymerization sections by one or more barriers constructed to allow free gas mixing within said reactor and control particulate movement between said sections;(b) driving means for said drive shaft;(c) one or more outlets for removal of reactor off-gases situated along the topward part of said reactor;(d) one or more vapor recycle inlets situated along the bottomward portion of said rea

Abstract: A balanced closed cycle silicon refinery has been developed for producing electronic silicon from industrial grade silicon. Impurities comprising approximately 1% of the industrial grade silicon are removed during the refinery process to produce the purified silicon, while only a relatively small percentage of make-up chemicals are added to the system. In the refinery, hydrogen chloride is reacted with the impure silicon in a halide reactor to provide trichlorosilane and silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen. The trichlorosilane and/or silicon tetrachloride are purified to remove the impurities, and then reacted with the hydrogen from the halide reactor in a fluidized bed reactor to produce the purified silicon and an effluent comprised of unreacted trichlorosilane, silicon tetrachloride, hydrogen, and the by-product hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: A structure is provided for supporting and retaining bed of particulate material, such as a catalyst, in a reactor or the like, so that the material is prevented from falling through the structure when the material is in either a fluidized or agitated condition due to an upward flow of gas through the structure and material or when the material is quiescent. The support and retaining structure also provides a uniformly distributed gas flow through the material supported thereon and includes a first set of elongated, channel-shaped retaining members arranged in parallel, laterally spaced relation with the flanges of the channels extending upwardly and with elongated gaps between the flanges. A second set of elongated, inverted channel-shaped retaining members are also arranged in parallel, laterally spaced relation with their flanges extending downwardly and with elongated gaps between the flanges.

Abstract: Thermal decomposition of aluminum chloride hydrate in a fluidized bed reactor in which the concentration of solids diminishes from the bottom upwards, the improvement wherein most of the hydrogen chloride is removed from the hydrate by direct heat and the largely decomposed aluminum chloride is fed into a calcining reactor and from the calcining reactor to a residence time reactor fluidized at low gas velocity, recycling solids from the residence reactor to the calcining reactor in an amount to adjust the suspension density and feeding the remainder to a cooler after sufficient time in the residence reactor.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process is disclosed which comprises subjecting a bed comprised of solid particulate magnetizable, fluidizable material within an external force field wherein at least a portion of the bed containing said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material and fluidizing fluid are subjected to a nontime varying and substantially uniform applied magnetic field having a substantial component along the direction of the external force field such that said solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material has a component of magnetization along the direction of the external force field and wherein at least a portion of said bed containing the solid particulate magnetizable and fluidizable material is fluidized by a flow of fluid opposing said external force field at a superficial fluid velocity ranging between:(a) more than the normal minimum fluidization superficial fluid velocity required to fluidize said bed in the absence of said applied magnetic field; and,(b) less than the superficia