Abstract: Novel catalysts and processes in accordance with the invention can accomplish high selectivity and conversion of naphthalenic compounds such as the conversion of methylnaphthalene (2-MN) or naphthalene to 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene (2,6-DMN). The catalysts are prepared by treating, for example, a ZSM-5-type material with iron in the presence of a halogen such as a fluoride. The resulting catalyst includes iron, as well as a significant portion of aluminum present in the ZSM-5-type starting material. Processes for using the catalysts also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and improving the performance of a chemical manufacturing process by monitoring transients associated with the operation of process equipment located dowstream of upstream equipment is disclosed. Transients on signals such as the motor current to downstream powder feeding equipment provide early indications of changes in chemical process performance which can then be corrected by altering chemical manufacturing process conditions.

Abstract: The synthesis of dimethyl-1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylate and polymers and articles formed therefrom is disclosed, as well as applications for dimethyl-1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylate, its corresponding acid 1,5-NDA, and various synthesis intermediates.

Abstract: A reformulated diesel fuel meeting the requirements of ASTM D975-96a for a low-sulfur number 2 diesel fuel and providing reduced emission benefits relative to a certified diesel fuel, certified under Section 2282(g) Title 13, California Code of Regulations and containing less than 15 volume percent aromatics having a natural cetane number of at least 55, a sulfur content less than 15 ppmw, a nitrogen content less than 10 ppmw, a polycyclic aromatics content no greater than 1.5 weight percent and an initial boiling point of at least 350° F. and a method for producing and using the reformulated diesel fuel.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for mechanically stirring a quench-cooled subfluidized particulate bed of polymerized monomer lowers lumping of polymer particles by using substantially contiguous paddle stations disposed along the drive shaft within the reactor in combination with a plurality of sub-stations in at least one paddle station class, each sub-station having a width along the shaft of no more than 50 percent of the total width of the paddle station, and sub-station paddles attached to the shaft at each sub-station so as to sweep through the particulate bed.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic monomers useful for forming polyesters are disclosed. Cost effective steps employed in the processes permit small amounts of process-related materials typically removed from monomer to remain in an aromatic monomer product. In many cases, the presence of the process-related materials left in the monomer product by the cost effective process steps can enhance the performance of the monomer in certain applications. Aromatic monomer products and polymers produced therefrom having these advantages also are disclosed, as well as products such as pasteurizable bottles made from these polymers.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aromatic carboxylic acid having improved purity comprising contacting at an elevated temperature and pressure a mixture comprising an impure aromatic carboxylic acid and a solvent in the presence of hydrogen gas with a carbon catalyst which is essentially free of a hydrogenation metal component.

Abstract: A process for producing 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid by the liquid phase, exothermic oxidation of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene comprising adding to a reaction zone oxidation reaction components comprising 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, a source of molecular oxygen, a solvent comprising an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, and a catalyst comprising cobalt, manganese and bromine components wherein the atom ratio of cobalt to manganese is at least about 1:1 and the total of cobalt and manganese, calculated as elemental cobalt and elemental manganese added to the reaction zone, is less than about 0.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the fouling of process equipment used in the manufacture of aromatic compounds such as dimethyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate are disclosed. The methods require treating manufacturing process streams with a metal complexing agent. Novel compositions useful in the manufacture of aromatic materials such as dimethyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for recovering crystalline 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene comprising crystallizing in a scraped-wall crystallizer apparatus at crystallization temperature T, a mixture of low melting components, LM, having melting points of 70.degree. F. and below, and high melting components (HM), including 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, having melting points above 70.degree. F, such that: ##EQU1## where HM is the total weight percent of high melting components, including 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, in the mixture, and LM is the total weight percent of low melting components in the mixture, and where T is the temperature of the crystallization in degrees Fahrenheit, and where A is at least 1.0.

Abstract: An extruded polyester fiber comprising aromatic ester units of at least terephthalate and 2,6-naphthalate where the 2,6-naphthalate units comprise about 10 mole percent to about 90 mole percent of the total aromatic ester units in the polyester.

Abstract: Improved tuftable primary backings, carpets made from the backings and methods for making backings are disclosed. The backings employ fabrics made from serrated tape yarns which are coated with a film of a thermoplastic material, and optionally include a tufting lubricant applied to at least a portion of the serrated yarns.

Abstract: Preform useful for encapsulating semiconductors and other electric or electronic devices are prepared by a process which comprises warming thermoset resin to form a melt, injecting it into a mold, and cooling to form a solidified molding, all without substantially curing the thermoset resin.

Abstract: Economical processes are disclosed for preparing relatively pure polycarboxylic acid from typical crude products of liquid phase oxidation, which do not involve intermediate steps of ester formation or require any alkanol containing solvent, for purification of "crude" polycarboxylic acid containing impurities which include one or more monofunctional aromatic compounds, trifunctional aromatic compounds, and/or color causing organic compounds formed by oxidation of a corresponding substituted aromatic compound in a liquid phase, e.g. 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid by liquid phase oxidation of 2,6-dimethyl naphthalene. The invention provides integrate processes which comprise reacting crude oxidation product with a polyalkyl amine amine, e.g. trialkylamine, forming an aqueous solution of the salts thus obtained, separating deleterious compounds from the solution, and recovering the polyalkyl amine and a relatively pure polycarboxylic acid product.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for degassing a reaction mixture in a petrochemical processing reactor are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ a novel liquid-gas separator that includes non-linear risers and that discharges the mixture into a vapor space in a manner intended to maximize degassing of the mixture. Resid hydrotreating processes employing these methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for introducing feedstock to a chemical reactor are disclosed. The methods and apparatus employ a novel baffle system to mitigate the effects of unwanted momentum components transferred to the reactor liquid mass from the introduced feedstock. Resid hydrotreating processes employing these methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: Concentrates produced by melt processing a branching agent and a polyester carrier are disclosed. The concentrates are useful in melt processing polyesters. The concentrates contain sufficiently high concentrations of a branching agent to minimize the formation of crosslinked compounds in the concentrates. Process for using the concentrate also are disclosed.

Abstract: Concentrates produced by melt processing a branching agent and a polyester carrier are disclosed. The concentrates are useful in melt processing polyesters. The concentrates contain sufficiently high concentrations of a branching agent to minimize the formation of crosslinked compounds in the concentrates. Process for using the concentrate also are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved heating method and heating nozzle useful in the forming of a two-piece thermoplastic foam cup assembled from two thermoplastic foam pieces on a cup-forming turret machine. The method and apparatus of the invention prevent premature sticking of the foam bottom piece to the foam sidewall piece and result in better sealing of the foam bottom to the sidewall.

Abstract: A method for determining the reservoir properties of a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is disclosed. The method uses field data obtained from an injection/flow-back test, which utilizes a gaseous desorbing fluid, in conjunction with reservoir modeling techniques to determine the reservoir quality and the enhanced methane recovery characteristics of the formation.