Abstract: An apparatus of conducting electrophoresis experiments including a container for receiving an electrophoresis buffer and a buffer core assembly for holding gel-containing cassettes that are immersed in the buffer for molecular separation of an electrophoresis sample. The buffer core assembly defines a flow path for the electrophoresis buffer which can be circulated by means of a heat exchanger and a pump to effect controlled heat exchange between the buffer and the cassette surfaces thereby maintaining the gel and the electrophoresis process at a desirable temperature uniformly over the surfaces of the gel cassette. The buffer core assembly also has upper well for receiving a second electrically chargeable buffer in contact with the gel so as to impose an electric field on the gel for the electrophoresis in conjunction with the first buffer. The well is isolated from the first buffer to prevent mixing of the buffers and to reduce the risk of an electrical short.

Abstract: In the method for reclaiming styrene monomer from polystyrene, polystyrene is mixed with a solvent and heated to approximately 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. to depolymerize the polystyrene to produce a styrene monomer fraction and a heavier fraction of partial depolymerization products. The styrene fraction is separated from the heavier fraction to recover the styrene monomer and polystyrene partial depolymerization products. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent comprises a "styrene oil" which results from the incomplete depolymerization of polystyrene, at least a portion of which is recycled to mix with polystyrene. The method is useful in reclaiming styrene monomer from napalm, foamed polystyrene, and other polystyrene products. In the case of reclamation of napalm, the method also includes the steps of separating and recovering benzene and gasoline.

Abstract: In the method for reclaiming styrene monomer from polystyrene, polystyrene is mixed with a solvent and heated to approximately 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. to depolymerize the polystyrene to produce a styrene monomer fraction and a heavier fraction of partial depolymerization products. The styrene fraction is separated from the heavier fraction to recover the styrene monomer and polystyrene partial depolymerization products. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent comprises a "styrene oil" which results from the incomplete depolymerization of polystyrene, at least a portion of which is recycled to mix with polystyrene. The method is useful in reclaiming styrene monomer from napalm, foamed polystyrene, and other polystyrene products. In the case of reclamation of napalm, the method also includes the steps of separating and recovering benzene and gasoline.