Abstract: A reactor (1) for preparing phosgene by gas-phase reaction of carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a solid catalyst, which reactor has a bundle of parallel catalyst tubes (2) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the reactor whose ends are fixed in tube plates (3) and have a cap (4) at each end of the reactor (1), and has deflection plates (6) which are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reactor in the intermediate space (5) between the catalyst tubes (2) and leave free passages (7) located alternately opposite one another on the interior wall of the reactor, and in which the catalyst tubes (2) are charged with the solid catalyst, the gaseous reaction mixture is passed from one end of the reactor via one cap (4) through the catalyst tubes (2) and is taken off from the opposite end of the reactor (1) via the second cap (4) and a liquid heat transfer medium is passed through the intermediate space (5) around the catalyst tubes (2), where the reactor (1) has no tubes in the

Abstract: The efficiency of heat transfer to a furnace tube or coil in a furnace for cracking ethane, propane or naphtha feedstocks, or a mixture thereof may be improved by providing protuberances on the surface of the tube or coil having i) a maximum height from 3 to 15% of the coil outer diameter, ii) a contact surface with a coil, or a base, which area is 0.1%-10% of the coil external cross section area, and iii) a geometrical shape which has a relatively large external surface containing a relatively small volume.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a gaseous clathrate has a closed reaction vessel to which are fed a reaction gas and a reaction liquid while an interior of the vessel is maintained at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature so that the gaseous clathrate is formed in the vessel. An outlet nozzle on the vessel defines a flow passage opening into the vessel and having an inner wall surface extending between an inner inlet end inside the vessel and an outer outlet end. The passage extends along an axis, is rotation-symmetrical about the axis, and is of decreasing flow cross section from its inner end to its outer end. The inner wall surface is curved in an S-shape from the inner end to the outer end so that pressure in the vessel forces the formed clathrate out through the passage with increasing compression as the flow cross section decreases.

Abstract: A reactor (1) for preparing phosgene by gas-phase reaction of carbon monoxide and chlorine in the presence of a solid catalyst, which reactor has a bundle of parallel catalyst tubes (2) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the reactor whose ends are fixed in tube plates (3) and have a cap (4) at each end of the reactor (1), and has deflection plates (6) which are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reactor in the intermediate space (5) between the catalyst tubes (2) and leave free passages (7) located alternately opposite one another on the interior wall of the reactor, and in which the catalyst tubes (2) are charged with the solid catalyst, the gaseous reaction mixture is passed from one end of the reactor via one cap (4) through the catalyst tubes (2) and is taken off from the opposite end of the reactor (1) via the second cap (4) and a liquid heat transfer medium is passed through the intermediate space (5) around the catalyst tubes (2), where the reactor (1) has no tubes in the

Abstract: A process is proposed for continuously operating a plant for preparing acetylene from hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, cleavage in an arc or pyrolysis of hydrocarbons to obtain a reaction gas mixture which is conducted through one or more compressors, the pressure of the reaction gas mixture on the suction side of the compressor being controlled within a predefined range by means of a conventional controller, which comprises additionally using a higher-level model-supported predictive controller which reacts to abrupt changes in the mass flow rate of the reaction gas mixture.

Abstract: A method for producing a product comprising at least one selected from C2+ hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and combinations thereof from light gas comprising one or more of carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and methanol by forming a dispersion of light gas in a liquid feed, wherein the dispersion is formed at least in part with high shear forces and wherein at least one of the liquid feed and the light gas is a hydrogen source. A system for carrying out the method is also presented.

Abstract: A process is proposed for continuously operating a plant for preparing acetylene from hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, cleavage in an arc or pyrolysis of hydrocarbons to obtain a reaction gas mixture which is conducted through one or more compressors, the pressure of the reaction gas mixture on the suction side of the compressor being controlled within a predefined range by means of a conventional controller, which comprises additionally using a high-level model-supported predictive controller which reacts to abrupt changes in the mass flow rate of the reaction gas mixture.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of acetylene from hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, arc cleavage or pyrolysis, the material stream comprising the acetylene and soot obtained being fed to a compressor, wherein a liquid which takes up the major part of the soot present in the material stream is sprayed into the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock into olefinic hydrocarbon products in a furnace at a temperature of above about 1300° F. in a reactor furnace tube comprising a plurality of reaction lines constructed of a temperature-resistant, non-nickel containing material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus and process. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed, a second end through which the catalyst can exit, and optionally a center axis extending therebetween. The apparatus also includes a separation zone having a plurality of inlets, each inlet not being oriented along the center axes of the riser reactors, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. A plurality of deviating members are also provided, each deviating member being in fluid communication between the second end of a respective riser reactor and a respective inlet of the separation zone. The apparatus also includes a catalyst retention zone provided to contain catalyst, which is fed to the riser reactors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing an ?-olefin oligomer by subjecting an ?-olefin to oligomerization reaction in the presence of a catalyst and an organic solvent which comprises the step of spraying a solvent containing the organic solvent in the form of a linear or bar-like pressure fluid toward a wall surface of a vapor phase portion of a reactor from a nozzle fitted within a space of the vapor phase portion of the reactor to conduct the oligomerization reaction while cleaning the wall surface of the vapor phase portion of the reactor. In the production process of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent deposition of polymers onto the wall surface of the vapor phase portion of the reactor and stably operate the reactor for a long period of time.

Abstract: A process for converting an olefin feed to hydrocarbons suitable for fuel components or their feedstock. According to the process, an olefin feed, possibly together with another hydrocarbon feed, is contacted in a reactor with a catalyst in order to produce a hydrocarbon having at least one alkyl side chain. In the invention, the olefin feed is contacted with a particle-form fluidized catalyst in a circulating-bed reactor, wherein the catalyst forms the circulating bed of the reactor. When the operation is carried out in a circulating-bed reactor, the retention time of the feedstock is short. In this case, iso-olefins are formed quite selectively from n-olefins in isomerization. Since the useful life of the catalyst lengthens while the catalytic activity of the bed remains high for a long time, the conversion level also remains high. A long useful life of the catalyst is an economically highly significant advantage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pyrolysis tube for enhancing the yield of olefins and reducing a coking tendency in steam cracking of hydrocarbons. According to the present invention, the pyrolysis tube is characterized in that a plurality of mixing blades made by twisting two ends of a plate in opposite directions are included therein. The yield of ethylene is thereby improved and the coking tendency is reduced by mixing a fluid flow, improving a heat transfer rate and shortening a residence time of the reactants therein.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic compound to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound in a tubular reactor incorporating a spiral flow path. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide processes for the production of styrene or divinylbenzene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene or diethylbenzene, respectively. A feedstock containing a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst and comprising a hydrogen permeable outer wall. The alkyl aromatic compound is dehydrogenated to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound with the attendant production of hydrogen. The feedstock and products of the dehydrogenation reactor are flowed along a longitudinal spiral flow path providing for an outward radial flow of hydrogen to provide a pressure gradient through the hydrogen permeable outer wall of the reactor with the flow of hydrogen therethrough. Hydrogen is removed from the outer wall of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each of the riser reactors having a first end into which a catalyst can be fed and a second end through which the catalyst can exit the riser reactor; a separation zone into which the second ends of the riser reactors extend, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus; and at least one catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the first ends of the riser reactors, the catalyst return being provided to transfer the catalyst from the separation zone to the first ends of the riser reactors.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons that are solid or have a high boiling temperature and may be laden with metals, sulfur or sediments, into liquids (gasolines, gas oil, fuels) with the help of a jet of gas properly superheated between 600 and 800° C. The process comprises preheating of feed 5 in a heater 8 to a temperature below the selected temperature of a reactor 10. This feed is injected by injectors 4 into the empty reactor 10 (i.e., without catalyst.) The feed is treated with a jet of gas or superheated steam from superheater 2 to activate the feed. The activated products in the feed are allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and at a selected pressure in the reactor and are then run through a series of extractors 13 to separate heavy and light hydrocarbons and to demetallize the feed. Useful products appearing in the form of water/hydrogen emulsions are generally demulsified in emulsion breaker 16 to form water laden with different impurities.

Abstract: A device for producing and distributing a polyphase mixture between two fluids comprises a chamber for the passage of a first fluid, said chamber being pierced by perforated tubes or conduits to pass a second fluid in a different physical state than the first fluid or not miscible with the first fluid through the chamber, said tubes being pierced by at least one orifice allowing passage of the first fluid and mixing between the fluids via the tubes. The second fluid is injected upstream of said device and the first fluid is injected into said device.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic in which a feedstock containing the alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting vinyl aromatic product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for improving the catalyst life and efficiency in a gas flow catalyst bed reactor assembly. The reactor comprises an outer reaction vessel, an inner displacement cylinder, and an annular catalyst bed surrounding the displacement cylinder having a top half and a bottom half. Fluid flow improvement is achieved by adding at least one baffle to the top half of the displacement cylinder to improve uniformity of fluid flow in the reaction vessel and across the catalyst bed. Also disclosed is a process for improving fluid flow uniformity in a gas phase reactor comprising an outer reaction vessel, an inner displacement vessel having a top half and a bottom half and a reaction outer surface and an inert inner space, and an annular catalyst bed. The process comprises conducting fluid flow simulations using actual reactor conditions. During simulation, baffles are added on the outer reaction surface of the displacement reactor to improve simulated fluid flow.

Abstract: A device for distributing a poly-phase mixture comprises: at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, said mixture being in downflow mode through at least one bed of granular solid, comprising: at least one tray (P) located above one of said beds of granular solid, a plurality of mixer conduits (21) for said liquid and gas phases, each of said conduits comprising at least one upper cross section for flow (22) and at least one lower cross section for flow (23) allowing the mixture formed inside said mixer conduits to communicate with a bed of granular solid, said mixer conduits being provided over a portion of their height with one or more lateral cross sections for flow (26), said upper cross section for flow (22) allowing the majority of the gas phase to pass and said lateral cross section for flow (26) allowing the passage of the liquid phase into said mixer conduits and/or at least a portion of the gas phase respectively, said device comprising at least one jet disturber type dispersive system (2

Abstract: A slurry Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process for synthesizing liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas in a synthesis reactor also hydroisomerizes the synthesized hydrocarbons in one or more external lift reactor hydroisomerizing loops outside of the reactor, but which are a part of the reactor. A monolithic catalyst is used for the hydroisomerization and slurry circulation between the synthesis reactor and one or more loops is achieved, at least in part, by the lift action of a hydrogen treat gas injected into each loop.

Abstract: A slurry Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process for synthesizing liquid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas, in a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, also hydroisomerizes the synthesized hydrocarbons in one or more external downcomer reactor hydroisomerizing loops outside of the reactor, but which are a part of the synthesis reactor. A monolithic catalyst is used for the hydroisomerization, and slurry circulation between the synthesis reactor and the one or more hydroisomerization loops is achieved, at least in part, by density-difference driven hydraulics created by removing gas bubbles from the slurry passed into the loop. Preferably, catalyst particles are also removed before the slurry contacts the monolithic hydroisomerization catalyst.

Abstract: Vapor phase alkylation of an aromatic substrate in a multi-stage alkylation reaction zone having a plurality of series-connected catalyst beds providing mixing zones between adjacent catalyst beds. An aromatic substrate and a C2-C4 alkylating agent is supplied to an inlet side of a gas phase reaction zone causing vapor phase alkylation of the aromatic substrate as the aromatic substrate and the alkylating agent flow through the reaction zone from one catalyst bed to the next. A quench fluid comprising one or both of the aromatic substrate and the alkylating agent is supplied into the interior of the mixing zone through a plurality of flow paths. One portion of the flow paths is directed upwardly and another portion downwardly within the mixing zone. The quench fluid is supplied to the mixing zone through a plurality of dispersion channels spaced laterally from one another.

Abstract: A process for thermal and, optionally, catalytic upgrading and hydrogenation of hydrocarbons is described, wherein the hydrocarbons (oil) with a lower API grade is passed through one or more reactors connected in parallell or in series, preferably in series, in liquid state where it under pressure and intense agitation at a given temperature is thermally upgraded by increasing API, and that the product is discharged in liquid state, and whereby the agitation is effected by whipping elements, optionally made of a catalytic material acting as a catalyst in upgrading the oil in the reactor.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in which a feedstock containing ethylbenzene and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogehation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting styrene product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor, is allowed to flow through the gap between various porous tubes 4 constituting a group of porous tubes provided extending vertically in a decomposition reaction column 1 while air or oxygen is jetted homogeneously from the interior to the exterior of the porous tubes in the direction perpendicular to the stream of the hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor. The mixture is then ignited to form a diffusion flame layer B on the outer surface of the porous tubes 4. With the diffusion flame layer as a heat source, the hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor, undergoes pyrolysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting reactive distillations comprising a first distillation column, a first primary catalyst bed for carrying out a hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds comprising diolefins. The first primary catalyst bed is positioned in the distillation column to provide a first reaction zone for diolefins, and optionally, a first secondary catalyst bed above the first primary catalyst bed is provided as a second reaction zone for diolefins remaining in the first distillation column after the first reaction zone. A mixed saturated/unsaturated compound feed entry is provided below the first primary bed with a hydrogen feed below the primary bed. An overhead line connects to a second distillation column comprising a second primary catalyst bed for carrying out hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds comprising mono olefins from said first distillation column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoking and suppressing coke formation during pyrolysis has been discovered that does not require complete shut down of the pyrolysis furnace. For the decoking step, the hydrocarbon feed is cut off to one or more coils for usually less than about three hours during which a decoking additive is added to the steam flow in that coil. This additive is comprised of an aqueous solution of a group IA metal salt and a group IIA metal salt and catalyzes the coke removal. The hydrocarbon feed continues in the other coils during this procedure. After decoking, a suppression additive also comprising group IA and IIA metals is added to the steam and hydrocarbon feed. This suppression additive will melt onto the inner surfaces of the pyrolysis furnace coils, coating the coils with a glass layer which inhibits coke formation.

Abstract: A channel reactor arrangement and a process uses a heat exchange fluid with a high thermal density to indirectly heat or cool the reactants by indirect heat exchange. The system brings the efficiency of plate reactor arrangements to the effectiveness of high heat capacity heat exchange fluids such as molten salts and liquid metals. The channel reactor arrangement maintains a limited temperature gradient through the channels at all points to improve process selectivity. This type of arrangement is of a particular advantage where the reaction zone uses a heterogeneous catalyst system within a heat exchanging reaction section. The plate and channel heat transfer arrangement is particularly beneficial because of its high surface area provided per unit volume of channels.

Abstract: A channel reactor arrangement and a process that uses a high heat capacity heat exchange liquid to indirectly heat or cool by indirect heat exchange. The channel reactor arrangement maintains a pressure gradient through the channels and a pressure differential between the reaction channels and the heat exchange channels at all points to preserve the integrity of the plates defining the channels and to prevent any leakage of high heat capacity liquids into the reaction channels. The system brings the efficiency of plate reactor arrangements to the effectiveness of high heat capacity heat exchange fluids such as molten salts and liquid metals. The process overcomes the problem of low heat exchange pressure drop in combination with high reactant pressure drop by creating a negative pressure differential from reactant channels to the heat exchange channels.

Abstract: A method to condense or coalesce matter is carried out by providing a suitable, narrow passageway for throughput of matter in a vapor state, and passing the matter in a vapor state through said passageway, under conditions such that the matter is coalesced into a more ordered state. Also, a matter coalescing apparatus has a hollow housing in communication with at least one of--(A) a plurality of suitably narrow hollow passageways and (B) a suitably narrow, elongately hollow, matter-coalescing passageway--for throughput of matter to include as a vapor therein. Consequently, highly efficient yields of coalesced matter, to include liquid coalesced from vapor, even under only mild vacuum or at about ambient atmospheric pressure can be obtained. This is especially so with respect to oils, where yields as high as 95 percent or greater can be provided hereby. The invention can be practiced under such outstanding yield efficiencies without a general need for significant external cooling.

Abstract: The catalyst inside a catalytic reaction column is replaced while running the catalytic reaction by diverting a basically monophase fluid to keep it from passing through the catalyst, evacuating from the column the catalyst that has lost at least a portion of its properties, introducing into the column a quantity of catalyst that is approximately equal to the quantity of catalyst that was evacuated from the column, and restoring the circulation of the basically monophase fluid through the catalyst.

Abstract: A thermowell assembly and method which allows for arresting leakage in the case a thermowell begins to leak in a hydroprocessing process without having to shut down a flow of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroconversion reaction zone in the hydroprocessing process. The thermowell assembly comprises a first hollow sleeve section which supports a thermowell member, a ferrule sealing member which engages the first hollow sleeve section, a second generally cup-shaped second sleeve section wherethrough a thermocouple member slidably passes, and an outer sleeve member for maintaining the union of the first sleeve section, the ferrule sealing member, and the second sleeve section. The method comprises severing and/or removing the thermocouple member from the commenced-leaking thermowell member and placing a high pressure cap over an aperture left vacant by the thermocouple member to seal-off the leaking thermowell member from the atmosphere.

Abstract: The proposed method comprises passing the hydrodynamic flow of liquid hydrocarbons through a flow-through passage accomodating a baffle body providing for a local constriction of the flow; establishing the local flow constriction on at least one portion of the flow-through passage whose cross-sectional profile area is so selected as to maintain such a velocity of the flow on the portion of the passage that promotes the development of a hydrodynamic cavitation field past the baffle body having the degree of cavitation of at least one; processing the flow of a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons in the hydrodynamic cavitation field to initiate chemical transformations of liquid hydrocarbons resulting in a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mixture of liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A distributor assembly for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The distributor assembly has a circular plate with a plurality of hollow risers bound thereto for distributing hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through openings in the circular plate member. Each of the hollow risers has a tubular opening In its associated side. The distributor assembly is connected to an internal wall of a reactor. A method is also presented for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising flowing a mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon into a reactor zone to produce evolved hydrogen-containing gas; and flowing the mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through a plurality of tubular zones while admixing simultaneously therewith the evolved hydrogen-containing gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting antifoulant solution into a hot gaseous process stream in a thermal cracking furnace tube to inhibit coke deposition includes an inner antifoulant supply tube having one end connected to a pressurized supply of antifoulant solution and an access port along the furnace tube and the other end connected to an inlet of a centrifugal, atomizing nozzle having an outlet for discharging the antifoulant solution as a spray of small drops. An outer tube extends in concentric, insulating relation along the antifoulant supply tube between the access port and the nozzle, A flow deflector has an apertured peripheral wall with a portion defining a tubular mixing and vaporizing chamber extends coaxially along the furnace tube and an axial inlet end mounted in registration with the nozzle outlet to receive all spray therefrom. An axial outlet end is radially enlarged so as to deflect the gaseous process stream through wall apertures into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g., vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing petrol of high octane number by catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons by passing these hydrocarbons through a platinum/rhenium catalyst arranged in the form of a hollow cylinder at 450.degree.-500.degree. C. and a pressure of 1.5-3 MPa in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis, in which the feed mixture is passed through in the direction from the cylinder axis to the circumference thereof. The invention further relates to a reactor for carrying out the process mentioned, in particular as shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing one or more chemical products in which a chemical reaction is performed by causing one or more reagents to flow along the inside of a tube disposed in a radiation zone of a furnace. In the method, at least a portion of the tube is caused to vibrate so as to limit the deposition of reaction by-products on the inside wall of the tube. More particularly, the tube can be vibrated at a frequency lying in the range 50 Hz to 2000 Hz. The invention also provides apparatus for performing the method of the invention, which apparatus comprises a furnace including a radiation thermal enclosure through which at least one tube passes, which tube is provided with at least one excitation means suitable for generating tube vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of acetylene and synthesis gas by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons with oxygen, wherein the gaseous reactants are separately preheated, intimately mixed in a mixing zone, reacted after passing a burner block and rapidly quenched with an aqueous quench medium after reaction, further characterized in that the aqueous quench medium is recirculated in a closed system. Preferably the ratio of the gaseous reactants is selected in such a way that acetylene and soot produced in the reaction are obtained in a weight ratio of 50 to 500.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for promoting annularly uniform flow in a reaction space of a mixed phase reactor. The apparatus defines ports which face a shared direction relative to the axis. The apparatus is useful in a process, also described, in which fluid emerging from the ports creates a turning moment which rotates fluid in a plenum adjacent the reaction space.

Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a tube sheet having partition grooves used to form joints with partition plates contained within the exchanger head. The partition plates define chambers within the head of the exchanger which direct the fluid through the exchanger tubes and which allow for the use of an unequal number of tubes per tube-side pass.

Abstract: The operation of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor and catalyst distributed in the reaction slurry therein are improved by the presence in said reactor of one or more vertical downcomers open at both ends with gas disengaging areas located at their top end. The downcomer which circulates catalyst from the top of the reaction slurry to the bottom of said slurry is fully immersed in the reaction slurry and preferably extends from just above the bottom of the reaction zone of the reaction vessel to just below the top surface of the reaction slurry. The bottom end of said downcomer is shielded from intrusion of rising synthesis gas by the placement of a baffle which blocks rising gas entry but facilitates the exit of catalyst and liquid from the bottom of said downcomer and distributes them radially throughout the adjacent reactor slurry.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic conversion of a charge incorporating at least one oxygen compound such as methanol, into olefinic hydrocarbons having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Conversion takes place in a reactor (100), into which the charge is introduced by the pipe (20), the catalytic solid by the pipe (30) and the solid entrainment gas by the pipe (40), the reactor being connected by a pipe (1) to a co-current cyclone separator (S) making it possible to separate a solid phase from a gaseous phase containing the conversion products, which is recovered by the pipe (4). The solid phase is fed by the pipe (9) to a regenerator (R), in which the catalytic particles are at least partly regenerated before being returned by the pipe (80), connected to the pipe (30), to the reactor (100).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for initiating pyrolysis of a feedstock by establishing a continuous, standing shock wave. Several embodiments of a shock wave reactor (10, 100, 150) are disclosed; each is connected to receive an ethane feedstock and a carrier fluid comprising superheated steam. The feedstock and the carrier fluid are pressurized so that they expand into parallel supersonic streams that mix due to turbulence within a mixing section (36) of a longitudinally extending channel (12) of the shock wave reactor. The carrier fluid heats the ethane feedstock as it mixes with it, producing a mixture that flows at supersonic velocity longitudinally down the channel. A gate valve (44) disposed downstream of the channel provides a controlled back pressure that affects the position of the shock wave and the residence time for the reaction. The shock wave rapidly heats the mixture above a pyrolysis temperature, producing a desired product by cracking the feedstock.

Abstract: A process for isoparaffin-olefin alkylation is provided that permits the use of solid acid catalysts which require frequent regeneration and high isoparaffin/olefin ratios. The process comprises circulating in a reactor a slurry comprising solid acid zeolite catalyst particles (20-2000 microns) and feed of liquid reactants comprising isoparaffins and olefins in an isoparaffin to olefin molar ratio of less than 100, recycling a first portion of said slurry to provide an isoparaffin to olefin molar ratio in the reactor of at least 500, passing a second portion of the slurry to a separating means to separate alkylate product from said solid catalyst particles, and regenerating the catalyst particles.

Abstract: In a steam active catalytic process employing a fixed catalyst bed for the dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes wherein reaction temperatures above about 500.degree. C. (932.degree. F.) must be maintained for commercially feasible conversions, the decline in catalyst activity druing a production period is slowed by maintaining a substantially constant temperature for the reaction effluent while allowing the average temperature of the fixed catalyst bed to rise during a production period.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel. A method for storing hazardous liquids and a penetration-resistant storage tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: The operation of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor and catalyst distributed in the reaction slurry therein are improved by the presence in said reactor of one or more vertical downcomers open at both ends with gas disengaging areas located at their top end. The downcomer which circulates catalyst from the top of the reaction slurry to the bottom of said slurry is fully immersed in the reaction slurry and preferably extends from just above the bottom of the reaction zone of the reaction vessel to just below the top surface of the reaction slurry. The bottom end of said downcomer is shielded from intrusion of rising synthesis gas by the placement of a baffle which blocks rising gas entry but facilitates the exit of catalyst and liquid from the bottom of said downcomer and distributes them radially throughout the adjacent reactor slurry.