Abstract: An important increase in the yield of 3,6-dichloropicolinic acid prepared by electrolytic reduction of tetrachloro-2-picolinic acid (in basic, aqueous solution, at a silver cathode) results when a stainless steel anode is used, rather than those (graphite, e.g.) taught in the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,185).

Abstract: Polyester and polyesteramide alkyds containing no polycycloalkenyl end groups, in admixture with non-resinous vinyl monomers, are flexibilized by inclusion in the mixtures of about 1 to 20 parts by weight of a polyglycol moiety-comprising, vinyl reactive, urethane oligomer per hundred parts of the alkyd.

Abstract: Cracks, in ceramic wall members, on the order of 1 micron or less in width are plugged helium-tight by selectively leaching a component of the wall member with a solvent, letting the resultant leach form a liquid bridge within the crack, removing the solvent and sintering the resultant residue. This method is of particular value for remedying microcracks or channels in a cell member constituting a tubesheet in a hollow fiber type, high temperature battery cell, such as a sodium/sulfur cell, for example.

Abstract: Essentially all of the H.sub.2 S in steam which also contains up to 30 ppmw of CO.sub.2 per ppmw of H.sub.2 S can be scrubbed from the steam with aqueous NaOH or Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 without consuming more than about 4 mols of NaOH or 2 mols of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 per mol of H.sub.2 S and without consuming more than about 0.18 pounds of water per pound of steam scrubbed, if (1) the steam is scrubbed countercurrently in a tower containing a contacting means equivalent to at least 6 theoretical stages, (2) the sulfide species in the tower effluent are completely oxidized to sulfo species and (3) the oxidized effluent--less a bleed stream and plus water and base makeup--is recycled to the tower. If the steam is scrubbed in this manner before being introduced to the turbines in a power plant, the exhaust from the turbines can be vented to the atmosphere without further treatment. The method of the invention is particularly suited for use at the Geysers geothermal "steam" field in California.

Abstract: The rate of production of 3,6-dichloropicolinic acid by reduction of tetrachloropicolinic acid in basic aqueous solution in a given cell can be considerably increased if a trichloropicolinic acid is added to the tetrachloropicolinic acid feed in substantially greater proportions than can result from in-situ reduction of the tetrachloro acid. Preferably, the trichloro acid is obtained by acid hydrolysis of by-products of symmetrical tetrachloropyridine manufacture by chlorination/chlorinolysis of 6-chloro-2-(trichloromethyl)pyridine.

Abstract: Mono- or dimethylol compounds having water solubilities of 3 grams or less per 100 grams of water are electrochemically oxidized to the corresponding mono- or dicarboxylic acids at activated nickel oxide anodes. The methylol compounds are adducts of 1,2-alkylene oxides with phenols, pyridinols, bisphenols, phenoxy- or pyridinyloxypyridinols or are polycycloaliphatics ring-substituted with one or two CH.sub.2 OH groups.

Abstract: Less co-dissolution of silver results when base metal-containing deposits on the surfaces of silver objects are dissolved off with sulphuric or phosphoric acid, rather than hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Branched epoxy novolacs having from 5 to 10 (or more) glycidyl ether groups per molecule are prepared by the epoxidation of novolacs made by the reaction of mono- or dihydric phenols with mono- or dinuclear diphenols ring-substituted with 3- or 4-methylol and/or alkoxymethyl groups.

Abstract: Reducing trichloromethyl substituent on pyridine ring to dichloromethyl using a copper catalyst and a reducing agent.

Abstract: If one of a series string of battery cells fails on open circuit, the circuit through all of the cells is broken. An automatic means for by-passing the failed cell maintains the circuit and allows operation of the string to continue (at a lower no-lead voltage). The potential difference across the failed cell is utilized to heat a body of a conductive liquid so that it expands, ruptures the ampoule containing it and fills the gap between two conductors, thereby completing a shunt circuit.

Abstract: A highly active cathode, having utility for electrolytic reduction of 2,3,5,6-tetrachloropyridine to 2,3,5-trichloropyridine, comprises a wet, immobilized layer of aggregated silver microcrystals, formed by the electrolytic reduction of colloidal, silver oxide particles in the presence of water and hydroxyl ions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of selectively plugging broken fibers included in a bundle of hollow fibers having open ends protruding from a tubesheet and closed ends distal from the tubesheet. The protruding open ends are immersed in a curable, fluid sealant and capillary attraction is utilized to draw the sealant into the broken fibers. The resistance to compression of the gases in the unbroken fibers is such that the sealant does not move into the latter fibers so far that they will not be open after the protruding ends are removed. The imbibed sealant is cured in place and the protruding fiber ends are cut off flush with the final surface of the tubesheet. This method is of particular value in preparing tubesheet-fiber assemblies for use in high temperature alkali metal-sulfur battery cells, wherein the hollow fibers function as an electrolyte-separator.

Abstract: Normally hydrophobic, polyethylene hollow fibers having contiguous microporosity are prepared by extruding a heated solution of a polyethylene and an ester from a hollow fiber spinnerette, simultaneously cooling and drawing the forming fibers to a ratio of up to 40 to 1, drawing the gelled fibers to an overall ratio of from about 1.5/1 to 800/1 and then removing the ester. The maximum pore radius ranges up to about 50A, and the fibers have gas permeabilities approaching 10.sup.-2 cc (STP) per cm.sup.2 per second per cm. Hg. transmembrane pressure differential. A significant increase in permeability over polyethylene hollow fibers made according to the teachings of the prior art is achieved.

Abstract: Alkali metal/sulfur batteries in which the electrolyte-separator is a relatively fragile membrane are improved by providing means for separating the molten sulfur/sulfide catholyte from contact with the membrane prior to cooling the cell to temperatures at which the catholyte will solidify. If the catholyte is permitted to solidify while in contact with the membrane, the latter may be damaged. The improvement permits such batteries to be prefilled with catholyte and shipped, at ordinary temperatures.

Abstract: Acid salts of N,N'-dialkyl-N"-(substituted pyridyl)aminoalkylguanidines constitute a novel class of compounds having good microbicidal activity, particularly against microorganisms which attack paints. These guanidines are prepared by reacting corresponding N-(chloropyridyl)alkanediamines with N,N'-dialkyl-S-ethylthiouronium iodide in an inert, polar solvent.

Abstract: Hollow fiber permeator units which are individually capable of producing 250,000 gallons per day of processed water and which can be economically made are disclosed. An elongate, ordered bundle of selectively permeable hollow fiber lengths passing through a central tubesheet is formed around a perforated feed tube containing a coaxial permeate conduit which is connected to permeate collecting bores in the tubesheet. The resulting assembly is enclosed in a filament-wound casing interrupted only by the tube portions extending from its ends.

Abstract: Thiazolopyrazines having growth inhibitory activity against microorganisms are of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is --Br, --Cl or F and R is --H or --CH.sub.3-x Y.sub.x, Y is --Br, --Cl, or F and x is 0, 1, 2 or 3. These compounds also have utility as intermediates for the preparation of three-ring compounds which are highly active against microorganisms.

Abstract: It has been found that practical rates of formation of 2,6-difluoropyridine from 2,6-dichloropyridine and KF can be attained without resort to catalysts, high temperatures or large excesses of KF, if:A. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is employed as the reaction medium,B. the reaction mixture contains less than 0.015 grams of HF and 0.5 grams of K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 or KHCO.sub.3 per 100 grams of KF and less than 0.5 grams of water per 100 grams of DMSO,c. the difluoropyridine is distilled out as formed, andD. the reaction mixture is intensely stirred and kept at a temperature of 175.degree.-192.degree. C.

Abstract: A two-ended bundle of permeable hollow fibers has a first end potted in a resinous tubesheet which is opened for permeate egress by means of a plurality of bores which are generally parallel to the tubesheet face and connect with an axial conduit or with a peripheral, annular conduit. The face of the tubesheet which, optionally, may be opened, is supported by the end of the casing in which the assembly is enclosed when in use as a component of a permeability separatory apparatus. If the second end of the bundle is potted, it is not potted in the same tubesheet as the first end.

Abstract: An improvement in the process of melt spinning thin walled, hollow fibers from relatively low melting glasses results if cooling of the emerging fiber is accomplished by use of a thin layer of gas to transfer heat from the fiber to a ferrule which fits closely to the spinnerette face and the individual fiber. The ferrule incorporates or is in contact with a heat sink and is slotted or segmented so that it may be brought into position around the moving fiber. Thinner walled, more uniform fibers may be spun when this method of cooling is employed.