Abstract: In one aspect, a hydroformylation reaction process comprises contacting an olefin, hydrogen, and CO in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst in a cylindrical reactor to provide a reaction fluid, wherein the reactor has a fixed height, and wherein a total mixing energy of at least 0.5 kW/m3 is delivered to the fluid in the reactor; removing a portion of the reaction fluid from the reactor; and returning at least a portion of the removed reaction fluid to the reactor, wherein the returning reaction fluid is introduced in at least two return locations positioned at a height that is less than 80% of the fixed height, wherein the at least two return locations are positioned above a location in the reactor where hydrogen and carbon monoxide are introduced to the reactor, and wherein at least 15% of the mixing energy is provided by the returning reaction fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect, a hydroformylation reaction process comprises contacting an olefin, hydrogen, and CO in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst in a cylindrical reactor to provide a reaction fluid, wherein the reactor has a fixed height, and wherein a total mixing energy of at least 0.5 kW/m3 is delivered to the fluid in the reactor; removing a portion of the reaction fluid from the reactor; and returning at least a portion of the removed reaction fluid to the reactor, wherein the returning reaction fluid is introduced in at least two return locations positioned at a height that is less than 80% of the fixed height, wherein the at least two return locations are positioned above a location in the reactor where hydrogen and carbon monoxide are introduced to the reactor, and wherein at least 15% of the mixing energy is provided by the returning reaction fluid.

Abstract: A process involving admixing a ligand and an alkanolamine. The process allows the use of ligand despite the presence of contaminating amounts of phosphorus acid, and improves the shelf life of premixed ligand solutions.

Abstract: The catalyst solution used in a hydroformylation process is prepared for storage by first reducing its acid concentration and/or water content, and then storing the solution under a blanket of syngas and/or an inert gas. Alternatively, or in addition to, the catalyst solution can be stored with an aqueous buffer comprising materials that will neutralize and/or absorb the acid species within the catalyst solution.

Abstract: A process involving admixing a ligand and an alkanolamine. The process allows the use of ligand despite the presence of contaminating amounts of phosphorus acid, and improves the shelf life of premixed ligand solutions.

Abstract: The extraction process for removing metal salts from an organic hydroformylation reaction fluid (“HRF”) prior to returning the HRF to a reaction zone of a hydroformylation process, the extraction process comprising the step of contacting the HRF with an aqueous buffer solution, is improved by contacting the HRF with water in addition to that present in the aqueous buffer solution, i.e., with added water.

Abstract: The catalyst solution used in a hydroformylation process is prepared for storage by first reducing its acid concentration and/or water content, and then storing the solution under a blanket of syngas and/or an inert gas. Alternatively, or in addition to, the catalyst solution can be stored with an aqueous buffer comprising materials that will neutralize and/or absorb the acid species within the catalyst solution.

Abstract: The extraction process for removing metal salts from an organic hydroformylation reaction fluid (“HRF”) prior to returning the HRF to a reaction zone of a hydroformylation process, the extraction process comprising the step of contacting the HRF with an aqueous buffer solution, is improved by contacting the HRF with water in addition to that present in the aqueous buffer solution, i.e., with added water.

Abstract: Improved full-face, flushed-seal respirators are provided having a primary sealing element adjacent to a breathing space and a secondary sealing element. Exhaled air (i.e., clean air obtained by passage through a filtering element or elements) is passed from the breathing space into a flushing channel formed between the primary and secondary seals. If there is leakage in the primary seal, air from this flushing channel leaks into the breathing space rather than ambient air. Air within the flushing channel will predominately be air that has already passed through the filtering elements. The present invention provides, therefore, an inexpensive respirator which provides significantly more protection than conventional negative-pressure respirators.

Abstract: Improved full-face, flushed-seal respirators are provided having a primary sealing element adjacent to a breathing space and a secondary sealing element. Exhaled air (i.e., clean air obtained by passage through a filtering element or elements) is passed from the breathing space into a flushing channel formed between the primary and secondary seals. If there is leakage in the primary seal, air from this flushing channel leaks into the breathing space rather than ambient air. Air within the flushing channel will predominately be air that has already passed through the filtering elements. The present invention provides, therefore, an inexpensive respirator which provides significantly more protection than conventional negative-pressure respirators.

Abstract: An integrated process for continuously making iron-containing materials is provided in which a finely-divided iron ore is at least partially reduced in a staged fluidized iron ore reduction process and subsequently transferred and further treated in a melting zone. A carbonaceous fuel and oxygen are reacted in the melting zone to generate sufficient heat to melt the added prereduced ore and also to generate a reducing gas rich in CO which is used to fluidize and prereduce the iron ore in the reduction zone. A carbonaceous fuel is mixed with the iron bearing material in the last stage of the reduction process to provide for absorption of excess heat from the hot reducing gases which are generated in the melting zone.