Abstract: A pre-engine catalytic converter for use with fuels which are mixtures of hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds, such as alcohols, ethers and ketones, convertible to carbon monoxide and H.sub.2. The converter comprises two catalyst beds arranged in series, the first containing a catalyst suitable for the decomposition of organic oxygenates to CO and H.sub.2 and the second containing a cracking catalyst of the ZSM-5 zeolite type to convert the liquid hydrocarbon fuel to gaseous hydrocarbon fuel. Energy is extracted from the engine exhaust by heat exchange and utilized to support the catalytic reactions whereby the heating value and the octane rating of the fuel are increased. The performance and fuel economy of the engine are substantially improved.

Abstract: A process for N-phosphorylating heterocyclic amines, e.g., pyrrole, comprising treating the amine with a complex formed by a mixture of bromotrichloromethane and a trialkyl phosphite.

Abstract: A process for readily removing hydrogenation catalyst residue from solutions of hydrogenated olefins or olefinic polymers containing same comprising treating such solutions with non-aqueous acid followed by neutralization with anhydrous base and filtration.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring flow rates in systems where contaminants in the moving fluids can accumulate on normal measuring devices and render them inoperative. This instrument consists of pitot-static tubes inserted into the conduit, one upstream and one downstream, the nozzles of said tubes being fed with a purge gas at a pressure higher than that of the vapors in the conduit. The nozzles are enclosed by a capsule with an opening in the side to allow passage of the appropriate gas lines and release of the purge gas into the conduit, said capsule being separately supported on a flexible rod and serves as a flapper valve, altering the pressure on the pitot tube nozzle as the moving fluids push against the upstream end of the cylinder. The change in relative purge gas pressure in the pitot-static arrangement is then monitored as a function of flow rate in the conduit.