Patent ID: 6054057
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B01J,C02F

Abstract:
A method for processing feed material which includes at least one reactant and water, under conditions wherein the temperature is within a range from above approximately 374.degree. C. to approximately 800.degree. C. and pressure is above approximately 25 bar, the method comprising the steps of:mixing the feed material in a high shear mixer;initiating reaction in a reactor chamber by jet mixing the feed material from a plurality of nozzles in a back-mixing section of the reactor chamber to create a reaction stream, the reaction chamber having a longitudinal axis; wherein the step of initiating the reaction includes directing the feed material substantially along the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber so that the feed material does not directly impinge upon a side wall of the reaction chamber and contact of the feed material with the side wall of the reaction chamber is minimized;carrying out additional reaction in the reaction stream in a plug flow section of the reactor chamber, the plug flow section being positioned lower than the back-mixing section; anddischarging the reaction stream from an exit port of the reactor chamber which is positioned lower than the plug flow section;wherein the flow of the reactor stream through the reactor chamber is substantially in one direction;wherein each nozzle releases a stream which contains at least a portion of the feed material, each stream being inclined toward the longitudinal axis and directed toward each other stream for collision between the streams.