Abstract: Purified isopropanol is obtained from a crude reaction mixture by removing high boiling oils with activated carbon, extraction with a high boiling solvent and distillation with energy saving use of distillation vapors to heat successive distillation steps. Recyle of components also improves the overall economics of the process.

Abstract: The lubricating characteristics of high temperature fluids used in Rankine Cycle and heat pump systems has been enhanced by incorporating therein heterocyclic arenes containing 8 to about 18 ring carbon atoms and an average of 1 to 2 ring nitrogen or S atoms per arene, and optionally 1 to 2 ring O atoms with substituents such as alkyl, amino, keto oxygen or hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: An improvement to a continuous solvent extraction-steam-distillation process for the recovery of aromatic hydrocarbons in the range of C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 from a feed stream containing such aromatics and aliphatic hydrocarbons in the range of C.sub.5 -C.sub.16 which resides in using two extractive distillation zones thermally linked to recover heat and solvent, thereby resulting in a heat savings.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting tray comprising a perforated deck providing a major portion of the tray surface area and continuous phase liquid transfer means comprising a settling section extending outwardly from the tray deck on one side of the tray and joined in closed flow communication with a smaller cross-sectioned pressure drop section extending outwardly from the tray deck on the other side of the tray to provide a sudden contraction in cross-sectional area from the settling section to said pressure drop section substantially in the plane of the perforated deck for reduction of pressure in the liquid flowed therethrough.

Abstract: A solvent extraction-distillation process for the recovery of a water-soluble aliphatic amide having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof from an aqueous solution wherein the concentration of the amide is in the range of about 0.25 percent by weight to about 25 percent by weight, based on the weight of the solution, and the solvent is a compound having the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein M is OH or CH.sub.2 OH, R is hydrogen or an alkyl radical, there being at least one alkyl radical, and the total number of carbon atoms in all of said alkyl radicals taken together is 3 to 12, or a mixture of isomers thereof,Said compound or mixture of isomers having a boiling point higher than the amide and less than about 350.degree. C.