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: A process for the continuous production of a compound of Formula (II), HO—R1—ONO2 (II) wherein R1 is a straight chain alkyl radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, in a two-phase solvent system, comprising contacting a compound of Formula (I), HO—R1—OH (I) wherein R1 is as defined above, with nitric acid in the presence of a first solvent, wherein the compound of Formula (II) is continuously extracted into a second solvent, and the reaction is carried out in a mixing microreactor which provides a power loss of at least 1.3 times the power loss provided under identical conditions by a circular cross-section straight-channel microreactor having an internal diameter equal to the average hydraulic diameter of the mixing microreactor and a length equal to the length of the mixing microreactor.

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 invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system having: (1) a plurality of reactors connected in fluid flow communication and having at least one pair of reactors separated by an interstage position; (2) a line for supplying a reactant feed stream separately to an inlet of more than one of the plurality of reactors; and (3) a diverter in fluid communication with the interstage position and capable of directing a first portion of a product stream exiting one reactor in said pair of reactors to a first location and a second portion of the product flow stream to an inlet of another reactor in said pair of reactors.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the contact between solid catalyst particles and a feedstock while minimizing undesirable side reactions is provided. A plurality of feedstock jets are contacted with solid catalyst particles in a reactor having a non-homogenous contact zone and a unified flow contact zone.

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: 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: 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: Disclosed is a fluidized bed reactor wherein the average cross-sectional area occupied by a cooling coil, a dummy pipe and/or a cyclone leg is 10% or more of the average cross-sectional area of said reactor in a dense-phase fluidized catalyst bed region. The fluidized bed reactor in the present invention allows an improved fluidization of catalyst and thus allows an efficient reaction of a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a desired hydrocarbon product using a heterogeneous slurry catalyst, to the product of said process, and to the reactor utilized in such process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alkylating an alkylation substrate with an alkylating agent in the presence of solid catalyst particles in a transport reactor is disclosed. Solid catalyst particles in the transport reactor effluent recirculate to the inlet of the transport reactor through one or more conduits. The rate through each conduit is regulated by fluid-controlled valves that use the alkylation substrate as the regulating fluid. This method and apparatus help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of catalyst from the effluent of the transport reactor to the bottom of the transport reactor. This method and apparatus also help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of alkylation substrate to the bottom of the transport reactor with minimal bypassing by the alkylating agent around of the transport reactor. This invention finds use in the production of motor fuels by the alkylation of liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of solid catalyst particles.

Abstract: A process for the nonoxidative dehydrogenation of an alkylaromatic feed stream wherein the feed stream is passed through a radial reactor containing nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts, wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts are arranged in vertically layered beds within the radial reactor, and wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts include at least a first and a second nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein at least one of the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts has a different performance and/or operating characteristic than at least one of the other nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts.

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: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a desired hydrocarbon product using a heterogeneous slurry catalyst, to the product of said process, and to the reactor utilized in such process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for producing a desired hydrocarbon product using a heterogeneous slurry catalyst, to the product of said process, and to the reactor utilized in such process.

Abstract: The specification describes a method and a fixed bed apparatus for producing olefinic hydrocarbons from a charge of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with 2 to 20 carbon atoms and hydrogen in a chamber 1 comprising a plurality of parallel tubes 3 filled with a catalyst and arranged in rows. A so-called reaction phase and a catalyst-regenerating phase are carried out in the tubes of the chamber. The tubes are heated by appropriate radiant heating means 6, arranged in layers substantially perpendicular to the tubes. These layers heat a first part of the tubes (at the feed side) with a heat flux greater than the mean heat flux of the chamber and a second, subsequent part with a mean flux no more than equal to the mean heat flux, so that the isothermicity of the catalyst is substantially maintained, using appropriate control means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for indirectly heating an endothermic reaction by combustion of reactants or products from the endothermic reaction using a plate heat exchange arrangement in a highly efficient manner. This invention is particularly suited for processes such as the production of styrene or synthesis gas. When producing synthesis gas, oxidizing reactants in a secondary reforming step generates heat for a primary reforming step and the process improves selectivity and yield with a highly efficient heat exchange step that uses narrow channel for indirect heat exchange. The narrow channels are preferably defined by corrugated plates. The primary reaction channels will contain a catalyst for the promotion of the primary reaction such as steam reforming or ethylbenzene dehydrogenation.

Abstract: The invention relates ro a method of converting hydrocarbons. According to the method, a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon feed is passed into a circulating fluidized-bed reactor, wherein the feed is converted at a high temperatue under the influence of particulate matter kept in a fluidized state, and the converted hydrocarbon products are removed from the reactor in a gaseous phase. According to the invention, a circulating fluidized-bed reactor (1-3; 41-43) is used having an axially annular cross section and being equipped with a multiport cyclone (14,17; 52,63) for the separation of the particulate matter from the gas-phase reaction products. The reaction space comprises an intershell riser space (13; 50) formed between two concentrically located cylindrical and/or conical envelope surfaces. The separation of particulate matter from the gas-phase reaction products is performed by means of a multiport cyclone equipped with louvered vanes (14; 63).

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 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: 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: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the production of aromatic hydrocarbons from an aliphatic hydrocarbon charge with 2 to 12 carbon atoms.The process comprises a stage of contacting a charge of at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon with 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a zeolitic catalyst composition optionally containing at least one metal, in a reaction zone (40) containing reaction tubes (3), said reaction zone being heated by at least partial immersion in an enclosure (1) containing a fluidized particle bed (13), characterized in that said particle bed is at least partly heated by a heat supply (19,23) resulting from the injection of hot gases produced in a zone outside said enclosure and introduced into the fluidized bed under conditions such that the reaction temperature is 400.degree. to 600.degree. C.Application to the production of benzene, toluene and xylenes.

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 invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a subterranean 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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal conversion of methane to hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor 1 of elongated shape, connected at a first end to means 5 for supplying gas mixture containing methane (process gas), and connected at the opposite end to discharge means 10, the reactor having a plurality of electric heating means 3 surrounded by sheaths 4 over a first part (towards the first end). The heating means, which are substantially parallel, are arranged in sheets which are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, so that spaces or passages for circulation of the process gas and/or effluent are defined between the sheaths and/or between the sheaths and the walls 22 separating two consecutive sheets. The heating means are adapted to heat the passages by successive independent cross sections substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic method for the dimerization or codimerization or oligomerization, in particular selective, of olefins, carried out under pressure, in a reaction zone 1 containing a solid catalyst bed in which is disposed a plurality of hollow internal spaces 6.3a defined by walls, each being divided into an upper semi-space 6.3, 1a and a lower semi-space 6.3, 2a which communicate together through a connecting zone 6.6a. An autogenous thermoregulation fluid flows, in the form of a sheet, in said hollow internal spaces 6.3a after passing through a central distributing zone 6.1a and distributing zones 6.2a and before passing into collecting zone 6.4a and into a central collecting zone 6.5a.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic method for the dimerization or codimerization or oligomerization, particularly selectively, of olefins, carried out under pressure, in a reaction zone 1 containing a solid catalyst bed into which is disposed a plurality of hollow internal spaces 6.3 defined by walls and through which an autogenous thermoregulation fluid flows, in the form of a sheet, after passing through a central distributing zone 6.1 and distributing zones 6.2 and before passing through collecting zones 6.4 and into a central collecting zone 6.5.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for pyrolysis of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock in which the feedstock is counter-currently contacted with a hot hydrogenating gas stream flowing spirally from the periphery of a substantially circular reactor (1). The hydrocarbon feedstock is injected through an inlet (4) located toward the center of reactor (1). The hot hydrogenating gas is preferably formed by combustion, using a steam-oxygen mixture injected through inlet (2), of carbonaceous by-products from the pyrolysis. Product is removed centrally through outlet (3).

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.