Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 15 to 30 mole percent ethylene oxide and 70 to 85 mole percent 1,1-dichloro-,2,2,2-trifluoroethane and/or 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: A sterilant mixture comprising 14 to 25 mole percent ethylene oxide and 75 to 86 mole percent 1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethane, and a sterilization method using same.

Abstract: A fluid separation device comprising an annular hollow fibers bundle in a shell having four ports, a fluid entrance port, a sweep fluid entrance port, a nonpermeate exit port and a sweep fluid-permeate exit port, wherein said bundle is encased in an essentially nonpermeable film barrier.

Abstract: A cryogenic nitrogen rejection unit with improved methane recovery wherein higher quality nitrogen reflux is generated by successive vapor partial condensations and the nitrogen is introduced into a separation column preferably in a cascade fashion.

Abstract: A method for endothermically dissociating contaminated acid wherein high velocity oxidant causes a recirculation flow within a combustion zone and combusts with fuel to release heat and wherein the heat is efficiently applied by the internal recirculation to the acid for endothermic dissociation of the acid.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system characterized by a hybrid argon column having trays in the lower portion and packing in the upper portion whereby the argon column is operated at a lower pressure thus enabling improved argon recovery while maintaining the pressure sufficiently high at the lower end of the argon column to enable fluid flow back to the main column system without need for pressurization.

Abstract: A gas-liquid mixing process and apparatus employing two or more stacked impeller-draft tube assemblies adapted to enable effective gas ingestion into a recirculating body of liquid by vortex development to be continued upon an appreciable variation in liquid level during the course of the mixing operation.

Abstract: Composite semi-permeable membranes comprised of an extremely thin layer of a sulfonated polysulfone polymer coated on a porous support are useful in processes for the selective permeation of ammonia from a mixture of gases containing the ammonia component in admixture with other gaseous components.

Abstract: A gas-liquid mixing vessel utilizes an axial flow, down-pumping impeller in a draft tube to create vortex development so as to draw gas from the overhead in a body of recirculating liquid. A surge tank is used to accommodate volume changes in the vessel, and a liquid level control feature, in which the gas phase pressures in the mixing vessel and the surge tank are adjusted, is used to maintain the liquid level in the mixing vessel at a desired level for proper vortex development.

Abstract: A method for combusting wet waste wherein heat released by the combustion of combustibles from dry waste is recirculated by operation of high velocity oxidant in order to dry wet waste.

Abstract: The incorporation of a small amount of metal fluoride or fluosilicate into the refractory fibrous insulating board lining of an aluminum refining vessel prevents the infiltration of the internal voids of said lining by molten aluminum.

Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus wherein a retractable isokinetic probe is insertable into a gas flow line through aligned guide tubes and a gas sample is isokinetically conveyed to a converging-diverging nozzle where its pressure is reduced by a controlled shock wave.

Abstract: Permeable membranes comprised predominantly of specifically defined polyester of 4,4'-(1H-alkylidene)bis[2,3,6-trialkylphenol] and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. The invention also pertains to the novel permeation processes for recovery of an oxygen/nitrogen or carbon dioxide/methane or helium/methane component from a mixture of said component with other components in the mixture.

Abstract: Composite membranes are prepared by depositing a separation layer on an asymmetric support layer. The separation layer has a selectivity equal to or greater than that of the material of the asymmetric support layer for a desired gas separation. The support layer is desirable produced in non-asymmetric form, and exposed to an elevated temperature approaching the glass transition temperature of the support layer material under non-swelling conditions to modify the structure thereof to create asymmetry therein, before or after the deposition of the separation layer, and to increase its compaction resistance and collapse pressure. Such desirable properties are conveniently achieved on a repeatable basis, enhancing the uniformity and reliability of the treated support layer and of composite membranes produced therefrom, for use in gas separation operations.

Abstract: A cryogenic distillation system wherein a first heat exchange fluid transfers heat in part from a process stream to the bottom of a column, and in part from a process stream to a second heat exchange fluid and out of the system, thus generating net refrigeration.

Abstract: Process for the dehydration of gases using composite permeable membranes, preferably hollow fiber composite membranes comprised of a porous support coated with an ultrathin layer of a defined sulfonated polysulfone or sulfonated polyether ketone. The processes also contemplate the use of a sweep or purge gas on the water-enriched permeate side of the composite membrane to increase the efficiency of the dehydration process.

Abstract: A welding method and shielding gas therefor which enables the use of gas metal arc welding to produce smooth welds with little or no surface oxidation and without encountering arc instability during the metal deposition.

Abstract: Sulfonated hexafluoro bis-A-polysulfone membranes of polymers and copolymers having the repeat unit of the structure; ##STR1## in the polymer molecule that exhibit improved permeation and separation characteristics and processes for the use thereof for separation of a component from a fluid mixture of said component in admixture with other components.

Abstract: The pump energy requirements for the dissolving of a gas in a liquid are significantly reduced by injecting gas bubbles into a stream of said liquid at a relatively low pressure, utilizing a pressure head of liquid to increase the solubility of the gas in the liquid, and employing liquid stream velocities and gas-liquid contractor diameters and lengths, gas dispersion means and residence times such as to obtain a desired level of gas concentration in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for dispersing a gas into a liquid. Gas is injected into a liquid and the flowing gas-liquid mixture is accelerated by a flow area contraction to at least sonic flow velocity, and subsequently decelerated by a flow area expansion to subsonic velocity. The attendant shock waves disperse the gas in the liquid. Preferred embodiments include off-centering the gas injection direction from the centerline of the contracting flow area and controlling the pressure at the exit of the expanding flow area.