Abstract: The present invention is directed to new compositions of matter comprising the reaction products of a carboxylic acid and a urea having the formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, allyl, vinyl and alkoxyl groups having from 1-6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups and the halides. Preferably, the reaction product of the present invention is N,N′-diformylurea or N,N′-diacetylurea. These reaction products, e.g., diformylurea, have been found to produce significantly improved growth in a variety of agricultural products when applied to the seed, to the surrounding soil or to the foliage of the emerging plant. Because of the similarity in the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen structure of these reaction products with many biological compounds, it is believed that the reaction products of the present invention may find use in a variety of biological applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preparing quaternary ammonium salts, particularly pyridinium and quinolinium salts. By preparing these salts in a solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycols, propylene glycol ethers and mixtures thereof, the production of undesirable by-products and contamination of the product with undesirable solvents are minimized, if not eliminated. Using the preparation methods of the present invention low hazard corrosion inhibitors and aqueous cleaning solutions using these inhibitors may be prepared. In fact, by preparing dodecyl pyridinium bromide in dipropylene glycol methyl ether as the solvent, a particularly desirable corrosion inhibitor characterized by a low toxicity and a high flash point has been prepared. The present invention thus provides the safer corrosion inhibitors and cleaning solutions long sought by industrial cleaning services.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for cleaning films and particulates from the compressor section and combustion contaminants from the combustion and turbine sections of a combustion turbine. Particulate films and contaminants adhering to the internal components of the compressor section of a turbine are readily removed by forcing a mist comprising a cleaning solution such as an aqueous surfactant solution through the compressor section. Contaminants resulting from fuel combustion and deposited in the combustion and turbine sections are removed by forcing a mist comprising a second cleaning solution through those sections. The second solution typically comprises an aqueous acid solution optionally including a corrosion inhibitor. The compressor section must be isolated from such acid solutions, e.g. by continuing to force the misted surfactant solution through the compressor section prior to and simultaneously with forcing the misted acid solution through the combustion section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a manifold for temporarily blocking the air intake of the compressor section of a combustion turbine to facilitate cleaning. A manifold suitable for providing a temporary seal about the air intake of the compressor section and through which a foamed cleaning solution can be pumped is disclosed. The manifold is conveniently provided as a flexible manifold body having an inflatable tubular member along the periphery thereof for sealing with the air intake and a plurality of hose connections through which a foamed cleaning solution can be delivered to the compressor section of the combustion turbine. Particulate films and contaminants adhering to the internal components of the compressor section of a turbine are readily removed by pumping a foamed cleaning solution such as a foamed, aqueous surfactant solution through the manifold and into the compressor section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for cleaning films and particulates from the compressor section and combustion contaminants from the combustion and turbine sections of a combustion turbine. Particulate films and contaminants adhering to the internal components of the compressor section of a turbine are readily removed by pumping a foamed cleaning solution such as a foamed, aqueous surfactant solution through the compressor section. Contaminants resulting from fuel combustion and deposited in the combustion and turbine sections are removed by pumping a second, foamed cleaning solution through those sections. The second solution typically comprises a foamed, aqueous acid solution optionally including a corrosion inhibitor. The compressor section must be isolated from such acid solutions, e.g. by pumping the foamed surfactant solution through the compressor section prior to and simultaneously with pumping the foamed acid solution through the combustion section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for improving the recovery of the relatively less volatile components from a methane-rich gas feed under pressure to produce an NGL product while, at the same time, separately recovering the relatively more volatile components which are liquified to produce an LNG product. The methods of the present invention improve separation and efficiency within the NGL recovery column while maintaining column pressure to achieve efficient and economical utilization of the available mechanical refrigeration. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful for removing cyclohexane, benzene and other hazardous, heavy hydrocarbons from a gas feed. The benefits of the present invention are achieved by the introduction to the NGL recovery column of an enhanced liquid reflux lean on the NGL components. Further advantages can be achieved by thermally linking a side reboiler for the NGL recovery column with the overhead condenser for the NGL purifying column.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new compositions of matter comprising the reaction products of a carboxylic acid and a urea having the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, allyl, vinyl and alkoxyl groups having from 1-6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups and the halides. Preferably, the reaction product of the present invention is N,N'-diformylurea or N,N'-diacetylurea. These reaction products, e.g., diformylurea, have been found to produce significantly improved growth in a variety of agricultural products when applied to the seed, to the surrounding soil or to the foliage of the emerging plant. Because of the similarity in the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen structure of these reaction products with many biological compounds, it is believed that the reaction products of the present invention may find use in a variety of biological applications.