Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene with M.sub.w between about 1,000 and about 50,000 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n ratio of less than about 8 by cationically polymerizing styrene monomer under substantially isothermal conditions where the conversion of styrene monomer is carried out in 2 or more stages by contacting with a cation generator. The polystyrene product finds utility as plasticizer for high molecular weight polystyrenes, as a binder resin in various coating applications, and as a precursor for further functionalized polystyrene derivatives. For example, a polystyrene of about 13,000 M.sub.w and M.sub.w /M.sub.n of about 4.9 is prepared by contacting styrene monomer with BF.sub.3 in 4 stages between a temperature of about 60.degree. C. and about 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making polystyrene with M.sub.w between about 200 and about 50,000 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n ratio of less than about 8 by cationically polymerizing styrene monomer under substantially isothermal conditions where the conversion of styrene monomer is carried out in 2 or more stages by contacting with a cation generator. The polystyrene product finds utility as plasticizer for high molecular weight polystyrenes, as a binder resin in various coating applications, and as a precursor for further functionalized polystyrene derivatives. For example, a polystyrene of about 13,000 M.sub.w and M.sub.w /M.sub.n of about 4.9 is prepared by contacting styrene monomer with BF.sub.3 in 4 stages between a temperature of about 60.degree. C and about 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Hot brines containing dissolved gases are produced from liquid-dominated geothermal wells by utilizing lift gases of essentially the same composition as said dissolved gases. The lift gas is separated from the produced brine and recycled. Heat is abstracted from the separated brine, which may be returned to the aquifer, processed for its mineral content or discarded. The gas lift is carried out under temperature and pressure conditions such that precipitation of minerals from the brine does not occur in the well bore. The problems which would result from the use of oxygen-containing and/or brine-soluble inert gases for the lifting operation are avoided. The problems attendant upon production of hot brines by pumping are also avoided.