Abstract: High macro-pore content spheres (>1000A) are produced by use of a rotating wheel, wherein dry alumina is dropped onto the wheel under a peptizing spray misted onto the wheel through an atomizing device. Compressive stresses normally encountered in procedures such as pelletizing are avoided, thereby preserving macro-pores. Size of spheres can be adjusted by altering, for example, the angle at which the wheel rotates.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for monitoring early formation of cracks in permeable or porous materials which comprises affixing a frangible fluid impermeable enclosure to the permeable or porous surface to be monitored such that a crack forming in the permeable material will destroy the integrity of the frangible fluid impermeable enclosure and provide a passage for a fluid to flow between the environment and the enclosed space, then sealing a fluid passageway in fluid communication from the enclosed space to a source of pressure different than ambient at the permeable material and to a pressure sensor; then imparting a pressure different than ambient to the enclosed space through the fluid passageway and thereafter monitoring the internal pressure in the enclosed space and fluid passageway with a pressure sensor such that a crack in the permeable material will destroy the integrity of the enclosed space and allow passage of fluid between the environment and the enclosed space which is detected by the pre

Abstract: High pressure methylation of 2,6-xylenol to produce 2,3,6-trimethylphenol is accomplished by maintaining the methanol/2,6-xylenol feed at temperature and pressures sufficient to keep the feed liquid in a reactor head then forcing the feed through orifices, expanding the feed into a mixed vapor liquid phase, the feed after expansion being in the range of reaction conditions of pressure and temperature while in the presence of the catalyst where the reaction takes place. The process avoids the current problems of uneven feed mixtures and catalyst tube plugging.

Abstract: Flexible polyvinyl chloride insulation for wire is made conductive at elevated temperatures activating a sensing conductor and eliminating thermostatic controls. Conduction through the insulation is imparted by adding compounds such as nonylphenoxy poly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol, certain metallic salts of alcohol sulfates, mixed ortho, parasulfonamides, and liquid crystal compounds.

Abstract: Aluminas derived from aluminum alkoxide hydrolysis are calcined at 1150.degree.-1800.degree. F for a period of time ranging 0.5 to about 12 hours to develop specific pore volume and pore diameter characteristics prior to use as a catalyst in the vapor phase and liquid phase methylation of phenol, monosubstituted, and di-substituted phenols. The calcining at higher temperatures gives increased catalyst life, lower isomerization and disproportionation, and higher orthomethylation activity.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for the disproportionation of highly alkylated phenols with phenol using an improved magnesium oxide catalyst promoted with tungsten oxide, silica sol, and sodium silicate. The method provides a catalyst having a high reactivity, high surface area, and high crush strength compared to known magnesium oxide, tungsten oxide catalysts. The catalyst is useful in phenol methylation and disproportionation. The effect of silica sol and sodium silicate is synergistic since these materials alone will not catalyze these reactions. Surprisingly, the catalyst will not disproportionate olefins.

Abstract: Predominantly aliphatic lower hydrocarbon materials may be obtained from carbonaceous solids by a sequence of steps comprising gasifying the carbonaceous solids, combining the gasification product stream with first and second internal recycle streams, separating certain impurities from the combined stream followed by cooling to liquefy and separate the hydrocarbon materials, directly reacting the remaining carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce a first internal recycle stream, fractionating the separated hydrocarbon materials to separate and recover the predominantly aliphatic lower hydrocarbon materials from the higher hydrocarbon materials, subjecting the higher hydrocarbon materials to steam cracking to produce a second internal recycle stream, and recycling the internal recycle streams for combination with the gasification product stream as noted above.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the shale content of mined coal by monitoring the thorium content of the coal. Thorium content and ash content are shown to be related whereby a direct reading of the thorium will be indicative of the shale content of the coal and the ash content of the coal. The method utilizes the natural radiation of thorium to provide the continuous or selective control of mined coals.

Abstract: Alumina spheres are formed by peptizing alumina slurries, centrifugates, and filtercakes, aging and dropping the peptized material through a hydrocarbon filled column. The improved method avoids the drying and reslurrying of alumina powders currently used and provides a method whereby harmful ions such as chloride and sulfates can be excluded from the alumina.

Abstract: Aluminum alkoxides are hydrolyzed at low temperatures using high injection velocities and are then vacuum stripped at or below 80.degree. C to produce .beta.-alumina trihydrates in large proportion. The .beta.-alumina trihydrate can then be converted to eta alumina.

Abstract: A method for determining the distance from a given point in a coal seam to shale by sensing the thorium radiation from shale layers positioned about the coal seam. The invention is useful for maintaining a drill in a desired position in a coal seam and guiding the drill in response to the sensed radiation.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for the disproportionation of highly alkylated phenols with phenol using an improved magnesium oxide catalyst promoted with tungsten oxide, silica sol, and sodium silicate. The method provides a catalyst having a high reactivity, high surface area, and high crush strength compared to known magnesium oxide, tungsten oxide catalysts. The catalyst is useful in phenol methylation and disproportionation. The effect of silica sol and sodium silicate is synergistic since these materials alone will not catalyze these reactions. Surprisingly, the catalyst will not disproportionate olefins.

Abstract: A method for the production of n-alkylated cresylic acids such as n-hexyl resorcinol by direct alkylation of a cresylic acid such as resorcinol under liquid phase conditions.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition consisting of ammoniated zinc compounds optionally formulated into surfactant formulations and toilet bars is presented.

Abstract: A sidestream of injection liquid taken downstream of a filter is passed through a monitoring filter of appropriate pore size. Pressure drop over the monitoring filter is determined and a regeneration cycle for the main filter is triggered in response to differential pressure (.DELTA.P) over a preset value, which corresponds to deterioration in filtrate quality.

Abstract: A method for preventing polymer buildup in the polymerization reactor during the suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer to form polyvinyl chloride polymer and copolymers, the method comprising coating reactor surfaces in contact with the reaction medium with a material selected from the group consisting of alumina, dithiooxamide, and mixtures of these prior to carrying out this polymerization.

Abstract: A method for improving carbon bed loadings by diluting the vapor feed in order to produce optimum VCM concentrations for the adiabatic adsorption of VCM on dry activated carbon beds. The optimum concentrations are determined for each concentration and temperature of vapor gas.

Abstract: A method for rotating hose movably supported by a plurality of carts in a mine, comprising attaching a means to the roof of the mine for lifting the hose, lifting the hose using reversible hoist means, the hose resting on a support means passing under said hose, said support means having incorporated therein means for rotating the hose before replacing on the cart.

Abstract: Flexible polyvinyl chloride insulation for wire is made conductive at elevated temperatures activating a sensing conductor and eliminating thermostatic controls. Conduction through the insulation is imparted by adding compounds such as nonylphenoxy (ethyleneoxy) ethanol, certain metallic salts of alcohol sulfates, mixed ortho, parasulfonamides, and liquid crystal compounds.

Abstract: Air initiation of pendant or internal olefin sulfitation at commercially useful rates and selectivities is achieved by stirring a mixture containing detergent range internal or pendant olefins, an alkali-metal or ammonium bisulfite, an alkali-metal or ammonium sulfite, an alkali-metal or ammonium alkane or alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant, water, and an alcohol such as 1-propanol or 1-butanol, at ambient temperature and pressure while passing oxygen-containing gas through the mixture at a very slow rate. Bisulfite present must be in a mole ratio with respect to olefin of from 1 to 1-3 to 1 respectively, while sulfite must be present in a mole ratio to olefin of from 1 to 2-2 to 1. PH of the reaction mixture normally ranges from 5 to 6.