Abstract: Heat energy is more efficiently recovered from geothermal brines by preflashing the brine to remove dissolved, non-condensible gases before flashing the brine to produce motive steam. Power requirements for removal of non-condensibles from turbine exhausts (in order to maintain adequately low exhaust pressures) are obviated. The heat content of the pre-flashed vapors may be largely utilized for superheating and reheating the motive steam.

Abstract: The invention is a genus of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is --OH, --OM, --OR or --NH.sub.2 ; Y is H, M or R'C0--; R is a primary or secondary C.sub.1 --C.sub.12 alkyl group, a C.sub.5 --C.sub.7 cycloalkyl group, phenyl or a C.sub.7 --C.sub.12 phenalkyl or alylphenyl group; R' is a C.sub.1 --C.sub.11 alkyl or alkenyl group, a C.sub.5 --C.sub.7 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group, phenyl or a C.sub.7 --C.sub.12 phenyl alkyl, phenylalkenyl, alkylphenyl or alkenylphenyl group and M, independently, is a metal or ammonium cation. The compounds in which X is --NH.sub.2 are uniquely selective post-emergent herbicides for control of both broadleaf weeds and wild oats in grains such as wheat and barley. The compounds in which X is not NH.sub.2 have utility as intermediates and some of them are biologically active.

Abstract: Bituminous hydrocarbons are recovered from unconsolidated tar sands by in-place, selective leaching with a hot condensate formed upon contact with hot solvent vapors injected in the formation. The composition and temperature of the vapors are regulated so that a less soluble fraction of the tar is left behind as a residue. This residue does not dissolve in the vapors passing through the already leached portion of the formation and continues to act as a sand-supporting and immobilizing agent. Thus, subsidence of the leached formation and release of sand grains (which tend to interfere with removal of the leachate from the formation) are avoided. Solvent for the process is obtainable by distillation or cracking of the produced bitumens.