Abstract: Gas streams containing SO.sub.x and/or NO.sub.x compounds are treated in an absorption-regeneration process for removal of the SO.sub.x and/or NO.sub.x compounds. The process in one embodiment removes SO.sub.x compounds from a stack gas or other feed gas stream by (1) absorbing the SO.sub.x into a novel aqueous liquid absorbent comprising formic acid and an alkanolamine containing a tertiary amine functional group and (2) regenerating the absorbent when spent by subjecting the spent absorbent to an elevated temperature above that utilized for absorption of said SO.sub.x, said elevated temperature being sufficient to convert a substantial proportion of the dissolved SO.sub.x to elemental sulfur and/or H.sub.2 S. If NO.sub.x compounds are present in the stack gas stream, they may also be removed, NO.sub.2 being removed without modification of the process for removing SO.sub.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process and apparatus for the production of finely-divided metal and metalloid oxides by flame hydrolysis of corresponding metal and metalloid halides whereby fouling of burner apparatus is substantially completely avoided.

Abstract: A titanium oxide resistive-type exhaust gas oxygen sensor having a unique microstructure of interlocked highly irregular, flake-like particles forming a highly durable porous body preferably having a surface area greater than about 3 square meters per gram. A method for producing such particles and forming them into such a high surface area body is also described.

Abstract: Fluid permeable wall members through which an auxiliary fluid is passed against pressure exerted by a fluid to be contained, which wall member is composed of inorganic fibres, may be used to contain hot fluids or fluids otherwise having a deleterious effect on the wall members. Vacuum formed shapes composed of refractory inorganic fibres may be used to contain fluids having temperatures of over 2500.degree. C. such as gases which have been heated by electrical discharge means for use in the vapor phase manufacture of oxides of titanium, iron, aluminium, silicon or zirconium and offer low capital costs combined with resistance to thermal shock.

Abstract: In an improved process for the production of a finely divided oxide of a metal, silicon or mixtures thereof by the hydrolytic conversion of a corresponding volatile chloride of said metal, silicon or mixtures thereof in a flame; wherein said volatile chloride or said mixture of volatile chlorides in admixture with a combustible hydrogen-containing gas and air or oxygen are fed to a flame emitting from a burner into a reaction chamber to thereby form an oxide aerosol in waste gases from said burner; cooling said oxide and said waste gases; and separating said oxide from said waste gases; wherein the improvement comprises maintaining said waste gases substantially free of chlorine by reducing chlorine that forms during said conversion in said flame with hydrogen while cooling said waste gas below the temperature at which hydrogen and oxygen react in said waste gas.

Abstract: An improved process is described for producing titanium dioxide from ilmenite-type ore. The ore is digested with aqueous hydrogen fluoride, the resulting liquid mixture treated with a water-soluble oxidizing agent, and the ferric iron impurities, in the resulting digestion solution, at a pH between about 1.0 and 6.0, are extracted out with a mono-or dialkyl, or mono- or di-(alkylphenyl) orthophosphoric acid, such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) orthophosphoric acid. The remaining solution is treated with ammonium hydroxide to precipitate hydrated titanium dioxide which is then calcined to form pigmentary titanium dioxide. Alkali metal and ammonium salts of the organophosphoric acid are also useful in the process.

Abstract: Titanium trichloride which is obtained during one step of a process for recovering titanium metal values from a titanium bearing source which still contains some impurities such as iron and vanadium compounds may be purified by drying the titanium compound in an air atmosphere, further drying under a carbon monoxide atmosphere and thereafter roasting the dried compound in the presence of chlorine at an elevated temperature to separate the impurities from the desired titanium compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for obtaining substantially pure manganese metal by the reduction of a manganese oxide or a manganese halide by reaction with a subhalide of a transport metal. The transport metal can be aluminum, silicon, or titanium. In preferred embodiments of this procedure, a continuous closed cycle process is carried out wherein the transport metal value is reconverted to its subhalide and recycled for reaction with additional manganese compound.