Abstract: Membranes having a multiplicity of openings therethrough which are sized and shaped to utilize the random motion of molecules of gas to produce gas flow through the membrane predominantly in one direction. Such membranes can be used in power systems, gas separation systems and other systems which utilize fluid flow.

Abstract: A membrane having a multiplicity of openings therethrough which are sized and shaped to utilize the random motion of molecules of gas to produce gas flow through the membrane predominantly in one direction. Such a membrane can be used in power systems, gas separation systems and other systems which utilize fluid flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing an aluminum alloy product and the resulting product having improved combinations of strength and corrosion resistance. The method includes providing an alloy consisting essentially of about 6-16% zinc, about 1.5-4.5% magnesium, about 1-3% cooper, one or more elements selected from zirconium, chromium, manganese, titanium, vanadium and hafnium, the total of said elements not exceeding about 1%, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities. The alloy is then solution heat treated; precipitation hardened to increase its strength to a level exceeding the as-solution heat treated strength level by at least about 30% of the difference between as-solution heat treated strength and peak strength; subjected to treatment at a sufficient temperature or temperatures for improving its corrosion resistance properties; and again precipitation hardened to raise its yield strength and produce a high strength, highly corrosion resistant alloy product.

Abstract: The method of thermally treating an article composed of an alloy consisting essentially of aluminum, 4 to 8% zinc, 1.5 to 3.5% magnesium, 1 to 2.5% copper, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.05 to 0.3% chromium, 0.1 to 0.5 manganese, and 0.05 to 0.3% zirconium, which method includes the steps of solution heat treating the article, then precipitation hardening the article at 173.degree. to 325.degree. F., then subjecting the article to a time and temperature within the perimeter ABCD of FIG. 4, and then again precipitation hardening at 175.degree. to 325.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and them removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminte slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: This invention includes apparatus and method for providing a support mechanism for electrode assemblies including positioning spacer of electrically nonconductive material having an inside surface forming an internal cavity and a heat pipe for passing a heat transfer fluid through the cavity along the inside surface. The heat pipe transfers heat away from the positioning spacer to form a protective layer of frozen bath around the positioning spacer.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound; forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for carbothermically producing an alkaline earth metal aluminide from an aluminum-bearing material which, in one aspect comprises forming a mixture of a carbonaceous reducing agent and a slag comprising the aluminum-bearing material, the alkaline earth metal compound, forming, at a first temperature, an alloy containing impurities in the slag; removing the alloy containing the impurities from the slag; and then heating the slag to a higher temperature to form the alkaline earth metal aluminide. The alkaline earth metal compound used in the process may comprise calcium carbide. Alternatively, both the alkaline earth metal compound and the aluminum-bearing material may be obtained using a calcium aluminate slag such as a byproduct from the steel industry. The calcium aluminate slag is purified in a preliminary step to remove silicon by alloying it with iron and then removing a ferrosilicon alloy formed in this step.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchanger apparatus and method including a tubular heat transfer surface, a heat transfer fluid which is made to pass along the surface, and a wire brush heat exchanger insert positioned to impinge the fluid flowing within the heat transfer surface. The brush heat exchange insert is composed of a ceramic material having a high absorptance and emittance.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchanger apparatus and method for enhancing heat transfer between a fluid and a tubular heat exchanger surface. The invention involves a heat transfer surface, a heat transfer fluid passed along the surface, and a metal or ceramic thin rod packing positioned to impinge the fluid flowing within the heat transfer surface. The thin rod packing is established in the form of a screen heat exchange insert composed of a metal or ceramic material having a high adsorptance and emittance.

Abstract: A cyclone separator is disclosed for effectively separating a gaseous or liquid medium from solid particles or for separating two or more similar substances by size or weight. The cyclone separator includes a chamber having a cylindrical member closed off by lower and upper end walls. A first inlet is tangentially formed in a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber and provides a means for introducing a first substance, for example, a carbonaceous fuel. A second inlet is also tangentially formed in a lower portion of the cylindrical chamber above and at an inclined angle to the first inlet. A second substance, for example, pressurized air, can be routed through the second inlet so as to combine with the fuel to form a combustible mixture. The mixture is circulated at a high velocity in an upwardly extending spiral path to promote burning and to produce combustible gas and ash.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat transfer apparatus and method for enhancing the heat transfer of fluid passing along a tubular heat exchange surface including positioning a heat exchange insert of planar or, sheet-like shape to form an unobstructed area of about 20%-80% of the tubular cross section. The heat exchange insert is constructed of a material having an absorptance and emittance to provide high radiative heat transfer over a substantially unobstructed line of sight between the insert surface and the tubular surface. Heat exchange inserts are further positioned in the tube or pipe to increase the mass of fluid contacting the insert by alternating the position of insert in the tube.

Abstract: This invention includes apparatus and method for providing a support mechanism for electrode assemblies including positioning means of electrically nonconductive material having an inside surface forming an internal cavity, means for passing a heat transfer fluid through the cavity along the inside surface, and wire or fiber in the path of the fluid. The wire or fiber is positioned essentially normal to the flow of the fluid and is positioned to provide a substantially unobstructed line of sight between the wire or fiber and the inside surface, the wire or fiber having a high radiative absorptance and emittance.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and fluid lift pump for raising liquids through a bundle of substantially vertical lift tubes adapted to raise liquids even while submerged less than 50% of total lift height, the tubes having about the same length extending side by side, each tube having an inside diameter of less than about one inch. The lift tubes communicate at the lower end with a housing defining a chamber capable of being filled with liquid to be raised, and the lower portion of the housing includes means for injecting a lifting fluid into the liquid in the chamber. The injecting means comprise an injecting orifice, having an inside diameter no larger than about the largest lift tube inside diameter, positioned below the lower ends of the lift tubes by a specified distance depending on the cross-sectional area of the bundle and the number of injecting orifices. Bubbles of lifting fluid rise through the liquid in the chamber, enter the lift tubes, and form rising slugs of liquid separated by slugs of lifting fluid.