Abstract: A refractory composition having a high resistance to corrosion by molten metal chlorides and chlorine gas at elevated temperatures. The composition comprises about 100 parts by weight of a nitride refractory filler, a suitable quantity of a colloidal sol binder and less than about 4 parts by weight of the oxides or hydroxides of magnesium, calcium, chromium and manganese.

Abstract: A metalworking lubricant composition comprising a novel substituted diester of malonic acid having the general formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 C(COOR.sub.3)(COOR.sub.4)wherein R.sub.1 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 linear alkyl group or a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 branched alkyl group or a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 alkyl aryl group; R.sub.2 is H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 linear alkyl group or a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 branched alkyl group or a C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 alkyl aryl group; and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 linear or branched alkyl groups. The substituted malonic diester may be used either in neat form or as an additive to mineral oil. The metalworking lubricant composition of the invention imparts enhanced lubricity and wear resistance to the surfaces of metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for continuous analysis of a gas and particulate stream. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously analyzing a gas and particulate exhaust stream comprising metal fluorides to determine the fluoride concentration of such stream. A sampling nozzle communicating with a sampling line is placed in a gas and particulate stream. A gas-dissolving solvent is injected into a portion of the stream in the inlet portion of the sampling nozzle forming an aerosol. This portion of the stream and aerosol form a mixture comprising aerosol, gas and particulate which flows through the outlet portion of the sampling nozzle and through the sampling line. The aerosol in the mixture impinges against the inner surface of the sampling line wetting such inner surface with solvent; such mixture is scrubbed in the sampling line to enhance dissolution of gas in the solvent.

Abstract: A three-step thermal aging method for improving the strength and corrosion resistance of an article comprising a solution heat treated aluminum alloy containing zinc, magnesium, copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of chromium, manganese and zirconium. The article is precipitation hardened at about 175.degree. to 325.degree. F., heat treated for from several minutes to a few hours at a temperature of about 360.degree. to 390.degree. F. and again precipitation hardened at about 175.degree. to 325.degree. F. In a preferred embodiment the article treated comprises aluminum alloy 7075 in the T6 condition. The method of the invention is easier to control and is suitable for treating articles of greater thickness than other comparable methods.

Abstract: A process for the production of alumina from aluminum-containing mineral ores, such as bauxite, comprising comminuting the aluminum-containing mineral ore, then reacting the comminuted mineral ore at an elevated temperature with an aqueous solution having at least 150 grams per liter of sodium bicarbonate which forms a solid reaction product containing dawsonite and impurities, and finally converting the dawsonite to alumina.

Abstract: A method of metalworking including the step of applying to a metal object a synthetic aqueous lubricant composition. The composition comprises a water-soluble mixture of polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, a water-soluble carboxylic acid, a water-soluble alkanolamine and water. The metalworking method preferably includes a step of either hot rolling or cold rolling. The method is especially suitable for use on aluminum and aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: An aqueous metalworking lubricant composition comprising a water-soluble mixture of polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, a water-soluble carboxylic acid, a water-soluble alkanolamine and water. A preferred lubricant composition also comprises an antifoam agent. The lubricant composition is suitable for both cold rolling and hot rolling of metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A method for measuring fluoride concentrations in a gas wherein a sample of the gas is mixed with an internal reference solution in a gas scrubber to form a fluoride-containing solution. The fluoride-containing solution is collected, and the concentration of fluoride ion is determined in a potentiometric apparatus. The apparatus includes a first electrode having a fluoride-sensitive element and a second electrode having an element sensitive to a halide ion other than fluoride ion. The improved method of the invention compensates for errors caused by evaporation of water from the gas scrubber.

Abstract: A process for production of ZrB.sub.2 powder in a molten salt bath by reaction of ZrCl.sub.4 or ZrCl.sub.2 with a boron halide and Al or Mg. In a preferred embodiment the salt bath comprises ZrCl.sub.4, KCl and NaCl maintained at a temperature of about 540.degree. to 660.degree. C. and solid Al powder is reacted with ZrCl.sub.4 and BCl.sub.3. The ZrB.sub.2 powder produced in a particularly preferred embodiment has a median particle size of about 1.1 microns, is equiaxed, and has only a single phase.

Abstract: A Bayer process solution is filtered through a bed of particles of a granular substance containing Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 to remove copper and zinc species from the solution. The particles preferably have an Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content of about 40 to 100% by weight. For more effective removal of zinc, the particles are coated with a metal sulfide, preferably zinc sulfide.

Abstract: A method for removing residual hydraulic fluid from hydraulic systems employing a flushing fluid comprising a thickening agent dissolved in an organic solvent having a boiling point below about 125.degree. C. After draining fluid from a hydraulic system, flushing fluid is injected into the system and circulated to dissolve residual fluid. The flushing fluid, containing dissolved residual fluid, is then drained from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the flushing fluid comprises about one to three percent by weight ethyl cellulose dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane together with about 0.1 to six percent by weight of a friction-reducing antiwear additive.

Abstract: An improved flame-retardant thermoplastic compound based upon a surface modified alumina hydrate composition containing powdered alumina hydrate, a liquid mixture of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acids and a solid mixture of C.sub.14 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acids. A preferred solid mixture comprises stearic acid and palmitic acid. Thermoplastic compounds made with polypropylene and an alumina hydrate composition containing isostearic acid together with the solid fatty acid mixture of the invention exhibit an increased melt index and reduced molding pressure compared with polypropylene compounds made with isostearic acid coated alumina hydrate and no solid fatty acid mixture.

Abstract: A magnet wire suitable for use in hermetic motors comprising a conductor wire, an insulating intermediate layer, a polyamide outer layer, and an organic polymeric lubricant coating on the outer layer. The lubricant has a pour point below about 15.degree. F. (-9.degree. C.) and wets the outer layer. A preferred lubricant is soluble in monochlorodifluoromethane and in dichlorodifluoromethane, and comprises a saturated C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 ether of ethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene oxide copolymers. A particularly preferred lubricant has a viscosity of about 100 to 400 SUS (21 to 87 centistokes) and a pour point of about -60.degree. F. (-51.degree. C.).

Abstract: An improved Claus catalyst is provided in the form of activated alumina in which sodium oxide concentration, LOI and surface area of the catalyst are carefully controlled to achieve increased sulfur conversion. Sulfur recovery is enhanced by choosing an alumina catalyst having properties which minimize chemisorption of sulfur dioxide on the catalyst at reaction conditions. Sodium oxide may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 2.5 wt % of the catalyst (1100.degree. C. calcined basis). The catalyst desirably has a surface area greater than 100 m.sup.2 /g (BET) and an LOI (hydroxyl content as determined by heating from 400.degree. to 1100.degree. C.) between 2.0 and 6.0 wt %. A method of producing the catalyst and a method of using the catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing resistance to treeing in a polymeric layer comprising an insulating layer on a metal conductor. Pellets of an organic polymeric material also containing an organo silane treeing inhibitor are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and pellets having portions fluorescing above a predetermined threshold level are separated from the remainder. The remaining pellets are blended together and applied to a metal conductor to form a coating on the conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the organic polymeric material is high molecular weight polyethylene, and the ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength of about 3000 to 4000 A.

Abstract: A cathode for an electrolytic cell operated at elevated temperature, the cathode comprising a refractory hard metal (RHM) body embedded in a carbonaceous base. The cathode is provided with an intermediate layer of fibrous material between a side wall of a seat in the base and a wall segment of the RHM body. The layer preferably comprises low-density carbon felt, and the layer prevents breakage of the RHM body by providing a cushion against differential thermal expansion and contraction of the base and body, especially during cell start-up.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning container closures during downward travel in an elongated vertical pathway from a hopper to a capping machine. The apparatus includes liquid and gas spray means for directing generally horizontal fluid streams against vertically oriented inner surface portions of the closures, an enclosure, and a drain for removing liquid from the enclosure. A belt means engages closures traveling through the apparatus, thereby forcing the closures past the liquid and gas spray means and controlling their rate of travel. In a preferred embodiment, the belt means comprises several laterally spaced flexible endless belts each having a principal section frictionally engaging outer surface portions of the closures. An additional feature of the preferred embodiment is a perforated plate adjacent an interior surface portion of the principal section.

Abstract: A method for production of aluminum by carbothermic reduction of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in a stack-type reactor. A charge of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and C is inserted into an upper reaction zone of the reactor and reacted at an elevated temperature to form CO and a first liquid comprising Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Al.sub.4 C.sub.3. The first liquid is transferred to a lower reaction zone beneath the upper reaction zone and heated to form CO and a second liquid of Al and C. A portion of the second liquid is removed, and liquid Al is extracted therefrom. In a preferred method, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and C in the upper zone are heated by partial combustion of the C, and the lower zone is heated electrically. Gaseous Al and Al.sub.2 O formed in the lower zone are reclaimed in the upper zone. Gaseous CO produced in both zones heats the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and C in the upper zone. Excess CO is removed from the upper zone and used for generation of electricity or chemical process use. Liquid Al.sub.4 C.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring powdered ore from a storage tank to a bin associated with an electrolytic cell. The cell defines a chamber containing an electrolyte and includes means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber. The apparatus comprises a fluidizing conveyor for conveying powdered ore from a storage tank to the bin, a first vent interconnecting the conveyor and bin and a second vent interconnecting the bin and chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a source of pressurized gas causes ore to flow through the conveyor, and the apparatus further comprises a pressure switch for closing the source in response to a buildup of fluid pressure in the conveyor. Another preferred feature is a fluidizing pad inside a conduit connecting the storage tank to the conveyor.

Abstract: Process for production of finely divided zirconium powder by reaction of solid magnesium with ZrCl.sub.4 in a molten salt bath maintained at a temperature below the melting point of magnesium. A preferred salt bath contains about 8 mole % ZrCl.sub.4 in an equimolar mixture of KCl and NaCl and is maintained at about 625.degree. C. Gaseous ZrCl.sub.4 and solid magnesium are continuously fed to a lower portion of the bath, the bath is continuously agitated, and bath containing MgCl.sub.2 is continuously removed. Zirconium powder recovered from the bath is generally spherical with a median particle size of about 2.2 .mu.m and is suitable for use in rapid rise time thermal batteries.