Some embodiments relate to an apparatus for holding a workpiece under tension while one or more operations are performed on the workpiece, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a first spindle rotatably coupled to the frame; a first coupler configured to couple the first spindle to a first end of the workpiece; a second spindle rotatably coupled to the frame; and a second coupler configured to couple the second spindle to a second end of the workpiece; wherein a distance between the first and second couplers is adjustable to hold the workpiece under tension between the couplers while the one or more operations are performed, and wherein the workpiece can be rotated with the couplers relative to the frame about a common axis of rotation extending between the couplers. Some embodiments relate to a system comprising a controller for controlling rotation of the workpiece. Embodiments also relate to processes comprising holding a workpiece under tension while performing one or more operations on the workpiece. Some of the processes, systems and apparatuses described may be particularly useful for cold spraying delicate workpieces such as 3D printed static mixers.

The present application relates to a process for producing normally gaseous, normally liquid, and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas in a three-phase reactor, said reactor comprising a top middle and bottom part wherein the bottom and top part are fluidly connected via one or more reactor tubes, wherein one or more reactor tubes comprise randomly stacked catalyst bodies held stationary in the reactor tube and the reactor is at least partially filled with a liquid medium, said process comprising the steps of: (i) introducing the synthesis gas into the reactor via the bottom part; and (ii) contacting the synthesis gas with a stationary catalyst to catalytically convert the synthesis gas at an elevated temperature to obtain the normally gaseous, normally liquid, and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons from synthesis gas; (iii) withdrawing the normally gaseous, normally liquid, and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons; wherein the catalyst bodies have an open celled foam structure.

A method of installing a temperature measuring device inside a reactor tube while filling the tube with catalyst is provided. The method includes inserting a positioning system, including multiple inflatable bladders connected at a central location to a centering ring, into reactor tube, the reactor tube comprising a distal end and a proximal end. Then inserting a temperature measurement device into the centering ring. Locating the positioning system at a first predetermined distance from the distal end. Then inflating the multiple inflatable bladders, thereby centering the centering ring and the temperature measurement device within the SMR tube, and introducing catalyst into the SMR tube, thereby enclosing the temperature measurement device in catalyst.

A device for centering a temperature measurement device inside a tube reactor that will be filled with catalyst, including a single inflatable bladder mechanically and fluidically attached to a centering ring.

A method of installing a temperature measuring device inside a reactor tube while filling the tube with catalyst is provided. The method includes inserting a positioning system, including a single inflatable bladder connected at a central location to a centering ring, into a reactor tube, the reactor tube comprising a distal end and a proximal end. Then inserting the centering ring around the temperature measurement device. Then locating the positioning system at a first predetermined distance from the distal end, and inflating the single inflatable bladder, thereby centering the centering ring and the temperature measurement device within the SMR tube. Then introducing catalyst into the SMR tube, thereby enclosing the temperature measurement device in catalyst.

A device for centering a temperature measurement device inside a reactor tube that will be filled with catalyst, including multiple inflatable bladders mechanically and fluidically attached to a centering ring,

A heat exchanger having a housing, which defines a first volume (V1), and having at least one conduit, which defines a second volume (V2), wherein the housing has an inlet and an outlet and at least one first opening and at least one second opening located opposite the first opening relative to the housing, wherein the at least one conduit extends through the first volume (V1) and connects the at least one first opening of the housing and the at least one second opening of the housing, and is connected at the two ends of the conduit to the housing in a fluid-tight manner. In order to provide a heat exchanger which has an improved possibility for compensating for the differential thermal expansion of the housing and the conduits, the at least one conduit does not extend in a linear manner inside the first volume (V1), and the at least one conduit is monolithically connected in the region of the first opening of the conduit and/or the second opening of the conduit to the housing.

A catalyst carrier for insertion in a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, said catalyst carrier comprising: a container for holding catalyst in use, said container having a bottom surface closing the container, and a top surface; a carrier outer wall extending from the bottom surface to the top surface; a seal extending from the container by a distance which extends beyond the carrier outer wall; said carrier outer wall having apertures located below the seal.

The invention relates to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a compact version. A compact reactor comprises a housing, rectangular reaction channels inside the housing, which are filled with a cobalt catalyst, synthesis gas injection nozzles in the number determined by the ratio of the number of channels to the number of synthesis gas injection nozzles, an input and output nozzle for heat transfer medium on which a pressure controller installed, and an assembly for withdrawing synthetic hydrocarbons. The cobalt catalyst is activated by passing hydrogen through it. Synthetic hydrocarbons are produced by passing synthesis gas through the reaction channels filled with the activated cobalt catalyst. The space velocity of synthesis gas is increased every 300-500 h, followed by returning to the initial process conditions. This provides a high-molecular-weight hydrocarbon output per unit mass of the reactor.

The disclosure is directed to the use of an upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound, to a method for producing a dihydroxy compound, and to a method for manufacturing polycarbonate. The upflow reactor for producing a dihydroxy compound of the disclosure comprises: a vessel; a catalyst bed disposed in said vessel; a distributor in fluid communication with an inlet through which reactants are introduced to said distributor, said distributor being disposed at a lower end of said vessel and comprising distributor perforation(s) disposed in said distributor, at least part of which distributor perforations are in a direction facing away from said catalyst bed; and a collector through which said product dihydroxy compound is removed, said collector being disposed at an upper end of said vessel.