Abstract: A method for enabling the use of heavy oil residuum by conversion to a useful product. The method, in one embodiment, involves the use of a heavy oil residuum which is substantially non flowable. The viscosity of the residuum is reduced and subsequently mixed with water such that the mixing is high shear mixing. This results in the formation of an emulsion of predispersed residuum in an aqueous matrix. The emulsion is formed such that the aqueous matrix is in a size distribution suitable for use as a combustible fuel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for formulating food grade sodium bicarbonate by purification of a sodium bicarbonate liquor where an initial saturated feedstock of sodium bicarbonate which contains sodium sulfate as an impurity is filtered to remove the impurities and a first filtrate liquor formed. The filtrate liquor is then subjected to ion exchange with a cationic resin to reduce the calcium and magnesium ion concentration present in the filtrate liquor with subsequent cooling of the liquor. The cooled liquor is also treated with a source of ammonia or ammonium ions to shift the solubility of the compounds to retain sodium sulfate in solution while precipitating sodium bicarbonate with reduced sulfate occlusions. The precipitated sodium bicarbonate is then filtered to result in a food grade sodium bicarbonate product.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling.

Abstract: The generation of volatiles from liquid or solid materials is enhanced and accelerated by exposure to microwave radiation. Normally the energy transfer is effected preferentially toward the liquid or solid materials over the generated gaseous volatiles. Sufficient energy is provided at a selected rate that enhances the generation of volatiles to effect removal as vapor or to produce a pressurized vapor phase. Flow-through separations from a matrix having a microwave-absorbing liquid component are conducted by exposing to microwave radiation to vaporize this component and processing the vapor either by flowing through a selective permeable membrane, or by enclosing the vapor and matrix in a confined space and flowing matrix through a selected separation medium, and recovering residual matrix. These separations are particularly useful in analysis contexts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a broomball broom head, comprising a molded solid body having opposed faces with edges, a top end and a bottom end spaced therefrom, at least one of the opposed faces having a concave area spaced inwardly from the edges and the lower end, the top end having a stick receiving opening being confined to the top end.