Abstract: A process for producing a sodium compound comprises admixing trichloroisocyanuric acid, cyanuric acid, and sodium bicarbonate to form a homogeneous mixture. The homogeneous mixture is reacted with water and a sodium dichloroisocyanurate compound recovered. The novel process minimizes the cost of raw materials and maximizes the available chlorine present in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: High purity solutions of alkali metal hydrosulfites having low concentrations of alkali metal thiosulfates are produced in a process which comprises feeding an alcohol-free aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydrosulfite containing an alkali metal thiosulfate as an impurity to a crystallizing zone. Produced in the crystallizing zone is a slurry of alkali metal hydrosulfite crystals which is conveyed from the crystallizing zone to a separating zone. The separating zone, employing a non-gravitational separation means, recovers a slurry of alkali metal hydrosulfite crystals from a first mother liquor. A portion of the slurry of alkali metal hydrosulfite crystals is conveyed to a concentrating zone to recover a cake of alkali metal hydrosulfite crystals from a second mother liquor.

Abstract: An improved monolithic hydrogenation catalyst and processes for using same to hydrogenate animal and vegetable oils, said catalyst being comprised of a Raney metal alloy surface layer integral with and derived from a selected nickel alloy monolithic substrate mesh structure wherein said surface layer is predominantly derived from an adherent Beta structured crystalline precursor outer portion thereon. The catalyst is adaptable to both continuous and batch hydrogenation and shows enhanced activity, improved triene to diene selectivity and a low isomerization index. Hydrogenated oils show lower linolenic and stearic contents, lower trans-isomer percentages and lower melting points as compared to commercial products of equivalent iodine number.

Abstract: An improved process for treating aqueous effluents and purge streams to selectively remove polluting elements such as iron, copper, lead and mercury therefrom is described. The procedure comprises contacting the effluent with a poly(dithiocarbamate) chelating agent whereby the polluting elements are absorbed. The resin is extracted with an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of from about 4 to about 6; and removing the resin. When this is done, the residual content of these polluting elements in the effluent is reduced to a level below EPA required levels so that the effluent can safely be discharged into the surrounding ecosystem. The poly(dithiocarbamate) resin containing the polluting elements can be disposed of, for example, by being deposited in an unsecured landfill.

Abstract: A process for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide in an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment containing at least one anode, a cathode compartment containing at least one cathode, and a cation exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment comprises feeding the aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide to the anode compartment; feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode compartment; and electrolyzing the alkali metal halide solution to produce a halogen gas and alkali metal ions in the anode compartment. The alkali metal ions and water are passed through the cation exchange membrane into the cathode compartment to contact a hydrophilic porous cathode. The alkali metal ions, the water and the oxygen-containing gas produce a concentrated alkali metal hydroxide solution which flows through a hydrophilic porous cathode.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing heavy metal contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises mixing the impure nitrates with sufficient water to form a concentrated aqueous solution of the impure nitrates, adjusting the pH of the resulting solution to preferably within the range of between about 2 and about 4, adjusting the nitrite ion concentration to between about 0.07 molar and about 1.0 molar, to effect reduction of the heavy metal contaminants, adjusting the pH of the reduced solution to effect precipitation of heavy metal impurities, and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified aqueous solution of alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified solution of alkali metal nitrates may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrate suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of alkali metal nitrates.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises heating the impure alkali metal nitrates in solution form or molten form at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect precipitation of solid impurities and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified alkali metal nitrates in solution form may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrates suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of purified alkali metal nitrates.

Abstract: An improved method for shutting down an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions containing ionizable compounds is provided. The electrolytic cell has a first electrode, a second electrode of opposite polarity, a first conductor electrically connected to the first electrode and a second conductor electrically connected to the second conductor, and means for supplying an electric current to the first and second conductors. The method improvement comprises activating a cell protection circuit between the first conductor and the first electrode, and preventing the passage of reverse currents through the cell.The method can also be employed to prevent the passage of reverse currents through a plurality of cells in series in the case of a power outage or disruption.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged electrode surface comprises coating the damaged area with a polyhaloolefin. The coated area is cured, for example, by heat or radiation and the cured coating bonds the damaged area to the surrounding electrode surface.The method of the invention permits the "in situ" repair of electrode surfaces while preventing distortion of the electrode surface or its support members.

Abstract: An improved reticulate electrode is produced by coating only one surface with a hydrophobic coating agent. Suitable hydrophobic coating agents include thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polyarylene sulfides and sulfone polymers. A preferred embodiment of the reticulate electrode is produced in a method which comprises:(a) affixing filaments to a support fabric to form a network of filaments, the filaments being comprised of a metal or metal sensitized plastic,(b) depositing an electroconductive metal on the filaments to form metal coated filaments, the deposition providing interfilament bonding at contact sites between adjacent filaments,(c) removing the support fabric from the metal coated filament network to produce a reticulate electrode having a porosity of at least 80 percent, and(d) depositing on only one surface of the reticulate electrode a coating of a hydrophobic coating agent.

Abstract: An improved process for the electrolysis of an aqueous electrolyte in an electrolytic membrane cell is provided. The membrane cell is comprised of an anode compartment having at least one anode and containing the aqueous electrolyte and a cathode compartment containing at least one cathode and a concentrated catholyte liquor. A vertically positioned cation exchange membrane separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The process improvement comprises exposing a substantial portion of the cathode to a gaseous atmosphere, this substantial portion of the cathode is not immersed in the concentrated catholyte liquor produced. The concentrated aqueous catholyte liquor is removed from the cathode compartment to prevent a substantial accumulation of catholyte liquor in the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A porous diaphragm for an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal halides is comprised of a thermoplastic support fabric impregnated with particles of a siliceous composition. The thermoplastic support fabric has an anode side, a cathode side opposite the anode side, and a thickness of at least 0.3 millimeters. The cathode side has a greater hydrophobicity than the anode side. To provide greater hydrophobicity which results in controlled, reduced cell voltages, for example, the cathode side of the support fabric is treated with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An improved method for reacting a gas with a liquid medium and an improved reactor therefore is described. In this method, gas is fed to the liquid medium in an agitated reactor through a plurality of sparger means which are positioned in the horizontal cross sectional area of the reactor between the reactor perimeter and the central agitator vortex. In addition, the gas spargers are located in separate segments of the cross sectional area. The improved method and reactor are particularly suitable in glass lined reactors which are employed in the preparation of halogenated isocyanurates such as trichloroisocyanuric acid by the chlorination of an aqueous solution of monosodium cyanurate and hypochlorous acid.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of chlorine dioxide by the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite is provided. The process comprises electrolyzing the aqueous sodium chlorite solution to produce chlorine dioxide which dissolves to produce an aqueous solution of NaClO.sub.2 containing chlorine dioxide. The aqueous solution of sodium chlorite-containing ClO.sub.2 is passed through a photometric cell to measure the chlorite ion concentration as a function of the color produced by the ClO.sub.2 -NaClO.sub.2 -H.sub.2 O system. Chlorine dioxide gas is removed from the aqueous solution and recovered.The novel process of the present invention employs solutions containing low, accurately controlled concentrations of sodium chlorite ion which when electrolyzed avoid the formation of by-products such as a dark colored chlorine dioxide complex and sodium chlorate.

Abstract: A resin chelating agent and process for making it are disclosed. The process comprises reacting the crosslinked product formed from the reaction of an aqueous suspension of a polyethyleneimine with a polycarboxylic acid with a mixture of a caustic agent comprising an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and carbon bisulfide to produce the finished resin. The resin can be produced in both head and powder form and is capable of selectively removing a large number of metallic contaminants from process and waste water streams. It is also essentially insensitive to the presence of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions dissolved in said streams.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of an alkali metal chloride brine is comprised of an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a cation exchange membrane. The anode is comprised of an unflattened expanded structure of a valve metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, tantalum, niobium, and alloys thereof. At least one side of the anode has as the electrochemically active surface an electrodeposited layer of a valve metal oxide. A plurality of cracks traverse the electrodeposited layer and a coating of a platinum metal group oxide covers the electrodeposited layer and substantially fills the cracks. The cationic exchange membrane is comprised of a laminated structure having a first surface adapted to contact an anolyte in which the ion exchange groups are predominately sulfonic acid groups. The first surface is also in contact with the electrochemically active surface of the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed are selected N,1-disubstituted hydrazinecarboxamides having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, aromatic containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, and cycloalkyl containing from about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms, and wherein R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl containing from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms. These compounds have utility as antioxidants for a variety of organic compounds subject to oxidative degradation, including functional fluids such as petroleum fuels and lubricants. Selected hydrazinecarboxamides having the aforesaid formula are also novel compounds.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing a polybromopyridine compound comprises admixing a polychloropyridine compound with an anhydrous water soluble solvent in a first reaction zone to form a solution of the polychloropyridine compound. Hydrogen bromide gas is introduced into the solution while maintaining the temperature in the range of from about 70.degree. to about 140.degree. C. to produce a solution of the polybromopyridine compound. The solution is cooled to a temperature in the range of from about 5.degree. to about 35.degree. C. to precipitate the polybromopyridine compound from the anhydrous solvent. The polybromopyridine compound is separated from the anhydrous solvent and the anhydrous solvent is returned to the first reaction zone. Polybromopyridine compounds of increased purity are produced in a process having reduced material, energy and operating costs. The process does not require the use of water or other co-solvents nor the distillation of the reaction product mixture.

Abstract: An improved cathode with a conductive metal core and a Raney-type catalytic surface predominantly derived from an adherent Beta nickel (NiAl.sub.3) crystalline precursory outer portion of the metal core is disclosed. The precursory outer portion preferably has molybdenum added to give a precursor alloy having the formula Ni.sub.x Mo.sub.1-x Al.sub.3 where x is within the range of from about 80 to about 95 weight percent. Also disclosed is a method of producing a low overvoltage cathode. The method includes the steps of taking a Ni-Mo core or substrate having about 5-20 weight percentage of Mo and coating it with aluminum then heat treating to form a Ni-Mo-Al alloy with mostly a Beta nickel structure and then leaching out the Al to produce a Raney surface.

Abstract: A methanation process utilizing an improved catalyst for the conversion of CO, CO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to CH.sub.4 is disclosed. The catalyst comprises a monolithic mesh type structure of a nickel alloy having an integral Beta phase Raney coating on its outer surfaces. When used, substantially higher reactant flow rates and lower operating temperatures are possible as compared to conventional fluidized bed granular catalysts.