Abstract: A liquid alkali composition for use in fiber reactive dyeing of cotton and cotton blended fabrics or the like. The liquid alkali is a water-based solution of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal silicate. Preferably the composition is an aqueous mixture of potassium hydroxide and sodium silicate. In the most preferred embodiment the composition includes 35 wt % potassium hydroxide at a 45 wt % concentration, 25 wt % sodium silicate at 50.degree. Baume, 5 wt % of a borate, and the balance water. The resulting solution has a high enough pH to achieve reaction between the dye and fiber but is sufficiently buffered to achieve this reaction slowly so that the fiber reactive dyes fix in a level, uniform fashion.

Abstract: A melamine derivitive resin such as melamine formaldehyde is polymerized, but not significantly cross-linked, within the natural or synthetic cellulosic fibrous structure of a textile fabric of the type having a significant percentage of natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers, wool, or other animal fibers (usually cotton) by either steam curing the resin or by ensuring that the resin polymerizes on the alkaline side as by, for example, using an alkaline or latent alkaline catalyst. The transfer printing step then is effected with the resulting fabric exhibiting good color levels with superior hand characteristics and excellent wash fastness, as well as other physical properties.

Abstract: The separation characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for separation by the commonly used methods for removing particles from a gas stream are improved by injecting finely divided urea into the gas stream prior to its passage through the separator. The urea conditioner agglomerates the particles to facilitate their removal from the gas stream by the separator.

Abstract: The fusion point of coal ash in a boiler is reduced by introducing a boron-containing compound into a boiler containing coal ash and mixing the compound and the coal ash. Preferably the compound is introduced into the furnace box of the boiler as an intimate mixture of pulverized or crushed coal and the compound, the coal being intimately mixed with the compound prior to introduction of the mixture into the furnace box.

Abstract: The collection characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for collection by an electrostatic precipitator are improved by injecting finely divided ammonium sulfate into a particle-laden gas stream formed by the burning of coal while the gas has a temperature of 590.degree.-900.degree. C. Sufficient ammonium sulfate is injected to provide 75-1,250 grams per metric ton of coal burned to form the gas. After injection, the stream is directed through a heat exchange means and finally into the precipitator to collect the particles therein.

Abstract: The collection characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for collection by an electrostatic precipitator are improved by injecting finely divided ammonium bisulfate into a particle-laden gas stream formed by the burning of coal while the gas has a temperature of 590-900.degree. C. Sufficient ammonium bisulfate is injected to provide 75-1250 grams per metric ton of coal burned to form the gas. After injection, the stream is directed through a heat exchange means and finally into the precipitator to collect the particles therein.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting hot sulfidation corrosion of a metal surface and modifying the characteristics of any deposit thereon comprises the step of applying to such metal surface and any deposit thereon an inhibitor-modifier. The inhibitor-modifier is a mixture of chromium oxide and manganese oxide, the combustion product of a solution containing a soluble chromium compound and a soluble manganese compound, or a combination of the mixture and combustion product. The mixture and the solution contain chromium and manganese in a molar ratio of at least 1:1.