Abstract: This invention provides processes, systems and devices for cooling catalyst, preferably regenerated catalyst, by superheating steam and boiling water. The inventive process advantageously provides ideal cooling conditions while ensuring minimal hydrothermal deactivation of the catalyst during the cooling process. The invention is particularly well-suited for cooling catalyst in an oxygenate to olefins reaction system.

Abstract: An in-situ method for regenerating a deactivated catalyst removes a calcium sulfate layer masking active catalyst sites. A reducing agent converts the calcium sulfate to calcium oxide, which is then removed, by reintrainment into the flue gas steam using soot blowers or sonic horns. The method is particularly useful for regenerating selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts used to remove nitrogen oxides from flue gas produced by combustion of coal from the Powder River Basin. The method can be practiced using existing SCR system hardware, and without removing the SCR system from service.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of fixing nitrogen. An amount of titania catalyst is provided and contacted with a feed stream that includes nitrogen. The titania catalyst is heated. The heated titania catalyst fixes nitrogen in the feed stream to form nitrogen products, such as nitrates. The nitrogen products are then removed from the titania catalyst. In some examples, the titania catalyst is treated with a base. In further examples, the catalytic process is carried out in the absence of light for photochemically activating the titania catalyst.

Abstract: A process and device for purifying flue gases in refuse incineration plants during regeneration of a catalyst which serves for reducing nitrogen oxides, by, in a first step, removing acidic pollutant gases from the flue gas in a wet or dry manner, in a second step adding ammonia for reducing nitrogen oxides to the flue gas purified in the first step, in a third step feeding the flue gas admixed with the ammonia to a catalyst, where the catalyst is heated at a controlled heat-up rate for regeneration, which leads to liberation of ammonia, where the amount of ammonia added in the second step and the heat-up rate in the third step are controlled by the amount of a pollutant gas selected from the group of ammonia, and which the purified flue gas contains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for improving or optimizing a catalyst for the preparation of phthalic anhydride by gas-phase oxidation of o-xylene and/or naphthalene, which comprises the following steps: a) provision of a starting catalyst (C) comprising at least one first catalyst zone located towards the gas inlet and a second catalyst zone located closer to the gas outlet, with the catalyst zones preferably each having an active composition comprising TiO2; b) replacement of part of the first catalyst zone by an upstream zone of a catalyst having a higher activity than the first catalyst zone in order to provide an improved catalyst. Furthermore, an improved catalyst obtainable by this process is described.

Abstract: A method of modifying an alkylation catalyst to reduce the formation of condensed hydrocarbon species thereon. The method comprises providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a plurality of active sites. The plurality of active sites on the alkylation catalyst may include a plurality of weakly acidic active sites, intermediate acidity active sites, and strongly acidic active sites. A base is adsorbed to a portion of the plurality of active sites, such as the strongly acidic active sites, selectively poisoning the strongly acidic active sites. A method of modifying the alkylation catalyst by providing an alkylation catalyst comprising a pore size distribution that sterically constrains formation of the condensed hydrocarbon species on the alkylation catalyst or by synthesizing the alkylation catalyst to comprise a decreased number of strongly acidic active sites is also disclosed, as is a method of improving a regeneration efficiency of the alkylation catalyst.

Abstract: A method of operating a continuous system for a catalyst regeneration process wherein the regeneration section includes a combustion zone, at least one oxygen boost zone, a halogenation zone and a drying zone in serial progression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing supported metal catalysts comprising one or more catalytically active metals applied to a porous catalyst support and to processes that use such catalysts. The process requires the formation of an organic complex during the manufacture of the catalyst which after its formation is either partially or fully decomposed before reduction if the metal to form the catalyst. The catalysts have high levels of metal dispersion and uniform distribution of catalytically active metals on the support. The catalysts obtained form the processes are particularly effective in catalysing Fischer-Tropsch reactions and as adsorbants for the removal or organosulfur compounds from hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Processes for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts include the transportation of a modular, portable catalyst activation and/or regeneration unit to Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate production units. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a production unit at a catalyst treatment facility. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a synthesis reactor at a catalyst treatment facility.

Abstract: Processes for the alcoholysis, inclusive of transesterification and/or disproportionation, of reactants are disclosed. The alcoholysis process may include feeding reactants and a trace amount of soluble organometallic compound to a reactor comprising a solid alcoholysis catalyst, wherein the soluble organometallic compound and the solid alcoholysis catalyst each independently comprise a Group II to Group VI element, which may be the same element in various embodiments. As an example, diphenyl carbonate may be continuously produced by performing transesterification over a solid catalyst followed by disproportionation, where a trace amount of soluble organometallic compound is fed to the transesterification reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regenerating DeNOx catalysts having an increased SO2/SO3 conversion rate as a result of the cumulation of iron compounds, and is characterized in that the catalysts are treated with an essentially aqueous acid solution, preferably having a pH between 0.5 and 4, and with an addition of antioxidants.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods and apparatus for integrating a high temperature waste heat recovery system with a chemical or refining process which requires heat energy at a temperature less than the operational temperature of the waste heat recovery system. Additionally, the current invention provides methods and apparatus suitable for retrofitting existing process units requiring heat energy at a temperature of T2 with a waste heat recovery system operating at temperature of T1 where T1 is greater than T2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regeneration of a SOx removal catalyst (14) and a NOx reducing catalyst (12). Additionally, this invention relates to the reduction or elimination of sulfur breakthrough from the SOx removal catalyst (14) to the NOx reducing catalyst (12) that may occur during or after a regeneration sequence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of rejuvenating silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve catalyst that has been deactivated hydrothermally as well as a method of using the rejuvenated catalyst to make an olefin product from an oxygenate feed. In particular, the invention is directed to rejuvenating the catalyst by contacting it with warm water, ammonium salts, dilute acids or low pressure steam until the catalytic activity level of the catalyst has been increased to the desired extent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of rejuvenating silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve catalyst that has been deactivated hydrothermally as well as a method of using the rejuvenated catalyst to make an olefin product from an oxygenate feed. In particular, the invention is directed to rejuvenating the catalyst by contacting it with warm water, ammonium salts, dilute acids or low pressure steam until the catalytic activity level of the catalyst has been increased to the desired extent.

Abstract: A process for contacting a bed of particulate material, usually catalyst, with a transverse flow of fluid is disclosed. The particulate material moves or is prevented from not moving, while the fluid passes through the bed at a rate greater than the stagnant bed pinning flow rate. This invention is applicable to hydrocarbon conversion processes and allows for higher fluid throughput rates compared to prior art processes.

Abstract: A continuous process for upgrading sour crude oil by treating the sour crude oil in a two step process that includes a hydro-demetallization section and a hydro-desulfurization section, both of which are constructed in a permutable fashion so as to optimize the operating conditions and catalyst lifespan to produce a high value crude oil having low sulfur and low organometallic impurities.

Abstract: Provided herein are adsorbents and methods of using the adsorbents to at least partially remove one or more adsorbates. In an aspect, an adsorbate within a phase is at least partially removed by providing an adsorbent material and contacting the adsorbent material with the phase having an adsorbate, to at least partially remove the adsorbate. Various adsorbents are disclosed having the chemical formula RE1-x-y-zBxB?yB?zOw, where RE is RE is a rare earth metal, B is a trivalent metal ion, B? is a transition metal ion or an alkaline earth element, B? is a transition metal ion, 0?x?0.25, 0?y?0.95, 0?z?0.75, w is a number which results in charge balance, and x+y+z<1.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of an aromatization catalyst comprising identifying a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) of the catalyst, and oxidizing the catalyst prior to reaching the RDT. A method of aromatizing a hydrocarbon comprising identifying a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) for an aromatization catalyst, and operating an aromatization reactor comprising the catalyst to extend the Time on Stream of the reactor prior to reaching the RDT. A method of characterizing an aromatization catalyst comprising identifying a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) of the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying catalyst wherein the catalytic activity can be recovered over a wide temperature range is provided. Also provided are a method for recovering an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, and a catalyst system for exhaust gas purification. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst is characterized by containing an oxide A containing an oxide (A-1) containing an alkaline earth metal and/or a rare earth metal and an inorganic oxide (A-2), and a noble metal B supported by the oxide A. This exhaust gas purifying catalyst is also characterized in that the weight ratio of the oxide (A-1) containing an alkaline earth metal and/or a rare earth metal to the noble metal B is from 1:10 to 1:500.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the regeneration of adsorbent medium and the production of additional fatty acid esters, i.e., biofuel, in particular, by means of discharging adsorbed contaminants from an adsorbent medium such as an inorganic catalytic medium by methods that convert the contaminants into additional biofuel or biofuel intermediates, thereby increasing production efficiency, conserving labor, and reducing material waste and environmental contamination.

Abstract: A process for recharging the reaction tubes of a tube bundle reactor with a new fixed catalyst bed, in which a heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of an organic compound had been performed beforehand in a preceding fixed catalyst bed comprising Mo-comprising multielement oxide active compositions to form a steam-comprising product gas mixture, in which, before the recharge, solid deposit which had been deposited on the tube inner walls and comprises molybdenum oxide and/or molybdenum oxide hydrate is brushed away with the aid of a brush.

Abstract: An improved spent catalyst regenerator which contains sub-troughs branching off from the main trough, distribution troughs which extend outward from the sides of the main trough and the sub-troughs, and downflow tubes extending downward from the bottom of the main trough and sub-troughs.

Abstract: A method of converting oxygenate-containing feedstock to light olefins comprises charging a reactor with catalyst, feeding the feedstock into the reactor, contacting the feedstock with the catalyst and converting the feedstock to olefins while depositing byproducts on catalyst resulting in spent catalyst, regenerating the spent catalyst by combustion gases, and stripping the regenerated catalyst of gases entrained in the regenerating step. The stripping step is accomplished using nitrogen gas to strip the entrained gases from the regenerate catalyst. In one embodiment, regenerated catalyst is passed through a regenerated catalyst stripper before it is returned to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the activity of a catalyst metal particulate for hydrogenation reactions comprising calcining the particulate in an oxidant-containing atmosphere to partially oxidize it thereby forming a porous layer of oxides thereon, treating with an solution capable of oxidizing the calcined metal particulate and comprising a compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal to where said metal particulate has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume and activating it by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures thereby forming a dispersed active metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated particulate is calcined a second time under the same conditions as the first before final activation with a hydrogen-containing gas. The metal particulate is preferably sized after each calcination and any agglomerates larger than 250 microns are comminuted to a desired size.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for regenerating titanium-containing catalysts, characterized in that a deactivated catalyst is treated in an acidic solution having a pH value of ?3, and then dried and calcined. The process is simple in procedure and can make the catalytic activity, selectivity and stability of the regenerated catalyst be recovered to the level of its fresh catalyst.

Abstract: Dispersed Active Metal catalyst for hydrogenation reactions is produced by treating a substantially catalytically inactive metal particulate with a solution capable of oxidizing the metal particulate and comprising of at least one compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal thereby forming a layer of at least one of hydroxides and oxides thereon. The metal particulate is activated by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form a porous layer of Dispersed Active Metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated metal particulate is dried prior to activation, and also preferably calcined in an oxidant-containing atmosphere prior to activation. The treatment solution may advantageously contain a compound of at least one promoter metal for the added catalyst metal. The porosity of the layer provides enhanced catalyst activity as well as improved methane selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the activity of silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) molecular sieve catalyst particles during oxygenate to olefin conversion reactions. After regeneration of SAPO catalyst particles, the regenerated particles are mixed with particles having coke on their surface in a manner that maintains their catalytic activity at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A heavy oil is hydrorefined using a hydrorefining catalyst. A spent hydrorefining catalyst whose activity has decreased is heat treated (S1) and pulverized to obtained a regenerated powder (S2). This regenerated powder is fractionated according to its metal content (S3), formed (S6), dried (S7), and calcined (S7) to manufacture a regenerated catalyst whose volume of pores with a diameter of 50 to 2000 nm is at least 0.2 ml/g, and whose volume of pores with a diameter over 2000 nm is no more than 0.1 mL/g. Using this regenerated catalyst, a heavy oil containing at least 45 wt ppm vanadium and nickel as combined metal elements is hydrodemetalized, and the vanadium and nickel are recovered from the used regenerated catalyst (SS1). Through hydrorefining, the metal components are recovered more efficiently, and the spent catalyst can be reused to manufacture a regenerated catalyst that exhibits high reaction, activity.

Abstract: A high temperature denitration catalyst of a gas turbine single plant contains TiO2, at least one of WO3 and MoO3 and V2O5 of 0.5 wt % or less, preferably 0.2 wt % or less, or none of V2O5, and is optimized to be used in a temperature range up to a maximum 450 to 600° C. The used high temperature denitration catalyst is immersed into a V-containing water solution and dried and/or burned. An intermediate temperature denitration catalyst is produced containing a V2O5 component of 0.5 wt % or more, preferably 1.0 wt % or more, and is optimized for use in a temperature range of 250 to 450° C. This intermediate temperature denitration catalyst is re-used in a combined cycle plant after being modified or in other plants.

Abstract: An improved catalyst activation process for olefinic naphtha hydrodesulfurization. This process maintains the sulfur removal activity of the catalyst while reducing the olefin saturation activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust gas treatment method including oxidation treatment for converting metallic mercury contained in combustion exhaust gas into mercury chloride; and mercury removal treatment for removing mercury from the combustion exhaust gas by dissolving the mercury chloride in water, wherein a plurality of oxidation catalysts for performing the oxidation treatment are provided, and during the time when the oxidation treatment is performed, at least one of the oxidation catalysts performs catalyst performance restoration treatment without performing oxidation treatment. According to the present invention, the deterioration in mercury removal performance can be restrained even in continuous operation on condition that mercury is oxidized in a low temperature region not higher than 300° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to phosphine ligands and the use of such ligands in catalytic complexes with transition metals. The catalysts may be used in a variety of reactions and are especially useful for refining halogenoaromatics.

Abstract: A method of increasing the lifetime of a hydro-oxidation catalyst comprising, preferably, gold, silver, or mixtures thereof, and optionally one or more promoters, on a titanium-containing support, such as a titanosilicate or titanium dispersed on silica. The method of the invention involves contacting the catalyst support with a hydroxy-functionalized organosilicon compound, a carboxy-functionalized organosilicon compound, or a mixture of hydroxy- and carboxy-functionalized organosilicon compounds, such as, sodium methyl siliconate or (2-carboxypropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane. The contacting is preferably conducted during deposition of the catalytic metal(s) and optional promoters(s) onto the support. A catalyst composition and hydro-oxidation process utilizing the silicon-treated catalyst support are also claimed.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the activity of silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO) molecular sieve catalyst particles during oxygenate to olefin conversion reactions. After regeneration of SAPO catalyst particles, the regenerated particles are mixed with particles having coke on their surface in a manner that maintains their catalytic activity at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regenerating a catalyst used in a process for synthesizing hydrocarbons. The synthesis process involves contacting a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream comprising hydrocarbons. The regeneration process involves contacting a deactivated Fischer-Tropsch catalyst with a regeneration gas under regeneration-promoting conditions that include a pressure lower than the mean Fischer-Tropsch reaction pressure, for a period of time sufficient to reactivate the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing the heat required to maintain the desired temperature for catalyst regeneration. The catalyst is heated by contacting a reactant gas mixture with the catalyst in order to initiate an exothermic reaction and, once the desired temperature is achieved, exposing the catalyst to a regenerating gas. The temperature may also be maintained by heating the reactant gas mixture prior to contacting the catalyst and/or adding a liquid, which may be heated, to the catalyst. For heating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for regeneration, the reactant gas preferably contains less than 12 mole percent carbon monoxide and more preferably contains between 1 and 4 mole percent carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Improved methods for conducting solid acid-catalyzed, near- or supercritical heterogeneous chemical reactions (e.g., alkylation reactions) are provided which give enhanced product yields and permit longer processing runs. The preferred reactions of the invention are carried out in the presence of a solid macroporous catalyst having a surface area of from about 50-400 m2/g and a pore size of from about 70-150 ?. Product selectivity is enhanced by pressure-tuning of the reaction to promote production and separation of desired reaction products. In continuous processing, the chemical reaction may be interrupted before significant catalyst deactivation, followed by increasing reactor pressure and/or reducing reactor temperature to remove the accumulating coke; when the catalyst is regenerated, the original reaction conditions and reactant introduction may be resumed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of stabilizing metalloaluminophosphate molecular sieves and catalysts derived therefrom. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of treating such molecular sieves with one or more nitrogen containing compounds having a kinetic diameter greater than the average pore size of the activated molecular sieve and selected from the group consisting of amines, monocyclic heterocyclic compounds, organonitrile compounds and mixtures thereof to chemisorbed and/or physisorbed the compound onto the molecular sieve. The compounds may be easily desorbed before or during use and after storage. The invention is also directed to formulating the molecular sieve into a catalyst useful in a process for producing olefin(s), preferably ethylene and/or propylene, from a feedstock, preferably an oxygenate containing feedstock.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regenerating a catalyst used in a process for synthesizing hydrocarbons. The synthesis process involves contacting a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream comprising hydrocarbons. The regeneration process involves contacting a deactivated Fischer-Tropsch catalyst with a regeneration gas under regeneration-promoting conditions that include a pressure lower than the mean Fischer-Tropsch reaction pressure, for a period of time sufficient to reactivate the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and its utilization in a process comprising the step of carrying out an addition reaction of an alkylene oxide to an addition-receiving substance in the presence of a resin catalyst, thereby producing the addition reaction product, when the resin catalyst as used for the reaction is persevered so as to recycle it after it is recovered, the unreacted alkylene oxide remaining in the resin catalyst can be prevented from polymerizing and solidifying during the preservation, and the resin catalyst accordingly can be preserved stably for a long time. The resin catalyst as recovered after it is used for the reaction may be preserved under any of the following conditions: 1) at a low temperature of not higher than 40° C.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities from a mother liquor comprising a carboxylic acid, a metal catalyst, impurities by (a) evaporating the mother liquor comprising a carboxylic acid, a metal catalyst, impurities and a solvent in a first evaporator zone to produce a vapor stream and a concentrated mother liquor stream;(b) evaporating the concentrated mother liquor stream in a second evaporator zone to form a solvent rich stream and a super concentrated mother liquor stream; (c) mixing in a mixing zone a water-solvent solution and optionally an extraction solvent with the super concentrated mother liquor stream to form an aqueous mixture;(d) optionally separating organic impurities from the aqueous mixture in a solid-liquid separation zone to form a purified aqueous mixture; and (e) extracting the aqueous mixture or purified aqueous mixture with an extraction solvent in an extraction zone to form an extract stream and the raffinate stream.

Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, a regenerator, a stripper or a withdrawal well connecting to either of the vessels, includes a standpipe for circulating catalyst from one vessel to another, the standpipe having an inlet design which reduces gas entrainment during catalyst transport by partial de-fluidization in the standpipe inlet region. The standpipe inlet design could include multiple inlet openings through the top of the standpipe or from the side wall by slots, or both, and a horizontal disk surrounding the standpipe below the slots for blocking the upward flow of bubbles, the combination thereby forming a dense fluidization zone above the disk and surrounding the inlet, including the slots. Additionally, the disk may include a downwardly-projecting lip or edge forming an inverted void space around the standpipe and the downwardly-projecting edge may further include vent holes around its circumference which allow bubbles trapped under the disk to be vented outside the standpipe inlet region.

Abstract: Improved processes are provided for the production of alkyl aromatic compounds using zeolite catalyst(s) and for periodic reactivation in situ of zeolite catalyst(s) that have at least in part become deactivated. Processes according to this invention are typically carried out in a reaction section loaded with catalyst(s) wherein a desired alkyl aromatic compound is produced from feed aromatic and olefin compounds followed by a separation section in which the desired product is isolated and recovered. Alkylation, transalkylation, and/or isomerization reactions that occur in the reaction section are carried out in liquid phase or partial liquid phase over the said zeolite catalyst(s).

Abstract: In a fuel reforming apparatus having a reformer for reforming a raw fuel containing a hydrocarbon-containing compound so as to produce a hydrogen-rich fuel gas for use in a fuel cell, a carbon removal process for removing carbon deposited on a reforming catalyst contained in the reformer is executed by controlling the amount of the raw fuel supplied to the reformer and the amount of the oxygen supplied to the reformer so that a ratio of the number of oxygen atoms O supplied to the reformer to the number of carbon atoms supplied to the reformer becomes larger than an appropriate range of the O/C ratio that is to be established during a normal operation of the reformer.

Abstract: Dispersed Active Metal catalyst for hydrogenation reactions is produced by treating a substantially catalytically inactive metal particulate with a solution capable of oxidizing the metal particulate and comprising of at least one compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal thereby forming a layer of at least one of hydroxides and oxides thereon. The metal particulate is activated by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form a porous layer of Dispersed Active Metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated metal particulate is dried prior to activation, and also preferably calcined in an oxidant-containing atmosphere prior to activation. The treatment solution may advantageously contain a compound of at least one promoter metal for the added catalyst metal. The porosity of the layer provides enhanced catalyst activity as well as improved methane selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the activity of a catalyst metal particulate for hydrogenation reactions comprising calcining the particulate in an oxidant-containing atmosphere to partially oxidize it thereby forming a porous layer of oxides thereon, treating with an solution capable of oxidizing the calcined metal particulate and comprising a compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal to where said metal particulate has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume and activating it by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures thereby forming a dispersed active metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated particulate is calcined a second time under the same conditions as the first before final activation with a hydrogen-containing gas. The metal particulate is preferably sized after each calcination and any agglomerates larger than 250 microns are comminuted to a desired size.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and apparatus for improving distributions of both spent catalyst and transport gas into a regenerator of a fluid catalytic cracking unit. Spent catalyst and transport gases move upwardly through a spent catalyst riser and are diverted in a radially outward direction by a deflector cone. The catalyst and transport gas are re-mixed as they move radially outward between two disks before discharging from the outer edges (perimeter) of the distributor into the regenerator in a substantially uniform radial direction. The distributor is adapted to provide continuous discharge from its perimeter so as to cover the entire cross-section of the regenerator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to extract oil from Momordica cochinchinensis aril to yield an edible oil rich in &bgr;-carotene. The process can be carried out without the use of any harmful organic solvents, and provides products containing other carotenoids, such as lycopene, and fiber and vitamin E. This invention provides a bioavailable and stable source of &bgr;-carotene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, in areas where vitamin A deficiency exists. Products derived from this invention serve as a safe source of antioxidants and nutritional supplement for human and animal consumption, and for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries as well as providing a suitable, effective food additives and colorants.