Abstract:
Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process to produce aerated fuels for efficient combustion in an engine. In instances, the method comprises forming an emulsion of a gas and liquid fuel in a high shear device prior to introduction to an engine. A vehicular system for producing aerated fuels comprising a high shear device.
Abstract:
A method for producing toluene diisocyanate is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising phosgene gas bubbles dispersed in toluene diamine liquid phase, wherein said gas bubbles have a mean diameter less than 1 micron; and subjecting the dispersion to phosgenation reaction conditions, whereby at least a portion of the toluene diamine is phosgenated to form toluene diisocyanate. A system for carrying out the phosgenation of toluene diamine is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and/or ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of the hydrogen-containing gas (e.g. H2 gas) in the aldehydes and/or ketones. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydrogenation time with existing catalysts.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for the preparation of chlorohydrins are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins into the chlorinating phase. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce chlorination time.
Abstract:
Use of a high shear mechanical device in a process for production of starch by hydration and disruption of corn kernel particles in the presence of sulfur dioxide or bisulfite ions makes possible a decrease in mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing starch production. A system for production of starch is also provided in which a high shear mixing device is configured to receive an aqueous corn slurry from a pump that is disposed between the reactor and a gaseous sulfur dioxide inlet of the high shear mixing device. The high shear mixing device is also configured to generate a fine dispersion of sulfur dioxide bubbles and small corn particles in the slurry. A reactor is configured to receive the output from the high shear mixing device and to provide for starch production.
Abstract:
Herein disclosed is a method for hydrogenation comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a reactor in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the catalyst is present as a slurry or a fluidized or fixed bed of catalyst. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Also disclosed herein is a system for hydrogenation.
Abstract:
A system for converting a first substance into a second substance, the system including a mixing reactor configured to provide a reactant mixture comprising a first reactant, a second reactant, and a solvent; and a high shear device fluidly connected to the mixing reactor, wherein the high shear device comprises at least one rotor/stator set comprising a rotor and a complementarily-shaped stator symmetrically positioned about an axis of rotation and separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is in the range of from about 10 microns to about 250 microns; and a motor configured for rotating the rotor about the axis of rotation, whereby energy can be transferred from the rotor to the reactants thereby inducing reactions between the first reactant and the second reactant to form a product.
Abstract:
A method for halogenating, sulfonating, or sulfo-halogenating a feed comprising paraffin, by subjecting a mixture comprising the feed and a reagent selected from the group consisting of sulfonating agents, halogenating agents, and combinations thereof to a shear rate of at least 20,000s -1 to produce a high-shear treated product; cooling the high shear-treated product by heat exchange with a heat transfer medium, to produce a cooled product; and separating the high shear-treated product into an offgas and a liquid product comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfonated paraffins, halogenated paraffins, and sulfo-halogenated paraffins. A high shear system for the production of halogenated, sulfonated, or sulfo-halogenated paraffin is also provided.
Abstract:
A method for culturing algae comprising, forming an emulsion comprising a gaseous stream and a media utilizing a high shear device, wherein the emulsion comprises gas bubbles, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one toothed rotor and at least one stator; introducing the emulsion into a bioreactor; and introducing an algae into the bioreactor for growing the algae culture. Additionally, a method for producing liquids from an algae culture, the method comprising forming an emulsion comprising a buffer and algal components, wherein the emulsion comprises algal component globules; separating algal hydrocarbons; and processing algal hydrocarbons to form liquid hydrocarbons. Additionally, a system for producing liquids from an algae culture comprising at least one high shear device.
Abstract:
A reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and wherein the reactor is configured to subject a reactant stream to shear. A system for carrying out a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction, the system comprising a reactor as described above and a pump configured for delivering reactants to the at least one reactor. A method for carrying out a heterogeneously-catalyzed reaction by introducing reactants into a reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst under conditions which promote production of a desired product, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and forming a dispersion of reactants within the reactor, wherein the dispersion comprises droplets or gas bubbles of reactant with an average diameter of less than about 5um.