Abstract: Alkali metal hydroxide and chlorine are produced in a membrane-equipped electrolysis cell system in a staged manner wherein at least one cell of the system is used to generate a dilute caustic solution and wherein the subsequent cell(s) of the system are used to produce a more concentrated caustic solution by electrolysis of fresh brine and the dilute caustic produced in the first stage which is used in lieu of water in the subsequent stage(s). The stage-wise production of caustic of commercially acceptable concentration results in significant energy savings with corresponding increase in the average life of the membranes employed.

Abstract: Metallic and nonmetallic impurities are removed from contaminated alumina scavengers, such as employed for the purification of aluminum reduction cell effluents in dry scrubber systems, by preparing a slurry of the contaminated alumina and subjecting the slurry to an ultrasonic treatment. The treatment removes a significant quantity of the impurities, which will be dispersed in the liquid phase and can be readily separated from the purified alumina. The cleaned alumina is suitable for return to the dry scrubbing system or to be used as feed in the electrolytic aluminum reduction cells.

Abstract: A metal cased refractory is made by first forming a refractory shape, which may be fired if desired, with at least one, and preferably two, shallow depressions in one of its faces. A U-shaped metal casing is also formed having a discontinuous slot running the length of its central portion. The U-shaped casing is then placed over the refractory shape so that the discontinuities in the slot overlie the shallow depressions. These discontinuities form contraction tabs which are pushed into the shallow depressions, drawing the side legs of the U-shaped casing snugly against the sides of the refractory shape and placing the central section of the casing in tension.

Abstract: Sintered alumina of low porosity and Na content is made from calcined alumina of 2-6 micron average particle size and about 0.2-1% by weight Na.sub.2 O content by treating the calcined alumina with a synergistically acting combination of a magnesium salt and a boron compound. Suitable magnesium salts include magnesium halides, nitrate, sulfate, acetate and stearate, the water-soluble salts being preferred. As boron compound H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 or B.sub.2 O.sub.3 can be employed. The quantity of magnesium salt in the combination, calculated as Mg, is kept in the range of about 0.01-0.3% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, while the boron content, calculated as B.sub.2 O.sub.3, is maintained in the range of about 0.1-1% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. Used of the synergistically acting combination in the indicated range allows manufacture of sintered alumina products of less than about 3% total porosity and less than about 0.03% by weight Na content.

Abstract: An improved jacketing system for storage tank structures wherein insulated panels are attached to modular tracks mounted in horizontal courses on the outside walls of the tanks. The individual tracks are made up of modular segments secured together both by splice plates and take-up devices in an improved pretensioned fashion to provide for an efficient mounting of the panels on a tank wall.

Abstract: An improved accumulator and storage device for metal containers provided with open and closed ends, wherein one of the major wall areas of the accumulator and storage device is of acoustical construction and wherein the containers are deposited in the accumulator and storage device in such a way that their open ends face the acoustical wall structure.

Abstract: Iron containing aqueous, acidic solutions, such as acidic stripping solutions used to remove iron from organic extractants, are purified by subjecting the acidic solution to a hydrothermal treatment at elevated temperatures and pressures which cause the precipitation of the dissolved iron in easily separable form. The hydrothermal treatment is accomplished at temperatures in excess of about 100.degree. C. The process can be applied to acidic solutions containing the dissolved iron in the form of ferric sulfate, ferric nitrate or chloride and is particularly adaptable to acidic stripping solutions resulting from the purification of organic extractants employed to extract iron impurities from solutions obtained in the acid leaching of clays, ores and concentrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an efficient, salt-free method of recovering metallic aluminum from furnace skim wherein the skim is tumbled for a short period in a rotary furnace at a temperature between 1200.degree. and 1500.degree. F (649.degree.-816.degree. C) to separate the molten aluminum from the oxide portion of the skim. Preferably, after molten aluminum is drained from the rotary furnace, the spent skim is rapidly cooled by adding a relatively cool pebbly or granular material to facilitate the discharge and disposal thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved easy open ecological closure member for containers as well as processes and equipment for producing the same. The container closure member is provided with one or more readily depressible and hinged opening tabs or buttons, that do not readily separate from the closure member upon becoming depressed due to the novel structure and arrangement of the buttons, their base portions and their frangible tear line sections all of which contribute to a selective concentration of stresses in the frangible tear line sections during opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of manufacturing a sacrificial anode rod assembly for cathodically protecting the internal surfaces of ferrous metal water-containing vessels, such as water heater tanks, which method provides an elongated anode rod member of a galvanically active metal and an externally threaded cap member wherein the anode rod member and cap member are connected in a tightly locked, leakproof engagement which not only results in superior mechanical and electrical properties of the anode assembly but also aids substantially in prolonging the effective life of the anode rod assembly. In the method of forming the assembly, the cap member which has an internal recess is positioned onto the extremity of the anode rod and axially aligned therewith.

Abstract: Improved storage rack and hanger assembly for meat hooks and the like wherein means are provided for immobilizing the meat hooks while at the same time storing the meat hooks in an out-of-the-way position so as to avoid damage thereto.

Abstract: A process is provided which allows control of the impurity level of Bayer process streams with simultaneous generation of an environmentally acceptable effluent and recovery of valuable dissolved aluminum and sodium values. The process involves carbonation of a blow-down stream at 40.degree.-100.degree. C to produce sodium dawsonite [NaAl(OH).sub.2 CO.sub.2 ] and an effluent essentially free of dissolved alumina and significantly depleted in dissolved sodium. The sodium dawsonite can be used as such or returned to the Bayer process after thermal decomposition to sodium aluminate. The effluent can be directly discharged into natural receiving bodies without further treatment.

Abstract: Improved insulation system for cryogenic vessels wherein substantially uniform stress levels under loads are maintained in various parts of the foam insulating material layers applied to the wall structures of such vessels and methods for applying foam insulating materials to the said vessel wall structures.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of pretreating an aluminum surface for the application of paint, adhesives and the like comprising subjecting the surface to the high temperature action of an alkaline solution containing a nonionic or anionic surface active wetting agent which retards the etching of the aluminum surface by the caustic solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and system for controlling the temperature of an electrocoating bath wherein the bath is passed through a heat exchanger wherein the heat exchange surfaces in contact with the bath do not exceed 180.degree. F.

Abstract: Wall assembly comprised of laminated panels wherein each panel is provided with thermal break or barrier elements integrated and interconnected in an improved fashion with the interior and exterior members of a panel together with an improved joint arrangement between adjacent panels.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an Al-Mg alloy product containing about 0.75-5% aluminide forming transition elements, such as iron, cobalt and nickel. After cold working, the alloy product readily recrystallizes at elevated temperatures to an average grain size less than 15 microns, usually 11 microns or less to provide high mechanical properties and a degree of superplasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the feeding of finely divided particulate matter in a fluidized state from a source to a plurality of discharge points wherein discrete quantities of particulate matter are discharged by suitable feeding devices. In more detail, the invention comprises a primary air activated gravity conveyor and a plurality of secondary air activated gravity conveyors leading away from the primary conveyor to direct particulate matter to the feeding units associated with each secondary conveyor. The primary and secondary conveyors are maintained full of fluidized particulate matter at all times.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for beneficiating relatively small shredded scrap metal particles, such as aluminum metal particles preparatory to remelting the same, by passing the particles through a beneficiating chamber that is heated to a substantially uniform elevated metal temperature throughout and while passing the particles through such chamber effecting a vaporization of the non-aluminum volatiles, such as coatings, paints and lacquers that adhere to said particles and while avoiding ignition of the said volatiles.

Abstract: An improved transfer device comprised of powered endless surface elements for supporting and moving coated articles in an upright position, such as coated can bodies, from one treatment station, e.g. a coating station to a further treatment station, such as a coating/curing oven. Various parts of the endless surface elements are arranged at selected levels in a trough through which a suitable aqueous medium, e.g. deionized water, is substantially continuously circulated. The height within the trough of this aqueous medium is advantageously controlled relative to the top surface portions of the endless surface elements so that there will be a substantially continuous cleaning of the endless surface elements as excess coating material moves towards and drains from the lower portions of the article being transported while the article is moved through the trough by way of the endless surface elements.