Abstract: Catalysts and processes are described to make low molecular weight, essentially terminally-unsaturated, viscous poly(1-olefin) or copoly(1-olefin) having a high terminal vinylidine content from a feed stock containing one or more 1-olefin and other volatile hydrocarbon liquids using a Ziegler catalyst made from a Group IVb metallocene and an aluminoxane cocatalyst, particularly bis(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl) titanium(IV), zirconium(IV) or hafnium(IV) compounds and methylaluminoxane. A particularly useful feed stock is a refinery stream containing 1-olefins and isobutylene which is used to make polyisobutylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for separating one or more condensable compounds from a mixture of two or more gases of differing volatilities by capillary fractionation in a membrane-type apparatus, and a method of forming porous structures therefor. More particularly, the invention includes methods of forming and using an apparatus consisting, at least in part, of a porous structure having capillary-type passages extending between a plurality of small openings on the first side and larger openings on a second side of the structure, the passages being adapted to permit a condensed liquid to flow therethrough substantially by capillary forces, whereby vapors from the mixture are condensed, at least in part, and substantially in and adjacent to the openings on the first side, and are caused to flow in a condensed liquid state, substantially in the absence of vapor, from the openings on the first side to the openings on the second side.

Abstract: A particularly useful process of contacting a feedstream containing dioxygen, carbon monoxide, ether, and alkanol which can be vaporized under conditions of reaction, with a blend of catalysts which are heterogeneous to the feedstream, under conditions of reaction sufficient to form a mixture containing at least one higher molecular weight oxygenated organic compound. In another aspect this invention relates to a blend of catalysts consisting of at least one molecular sieve, natural or synthetic, which has been found useful for hydrocarbon conversion reactions and a catalyst comprising a metal halide or a mixed metal halide supported on active carbon which is effective in catalyzing direct formation of organic carbonates.

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 is provided for regenerating a fixed bed of olefin polymerization catalyst which can be performed without taking the catalyst bed out of service. The method involves the use of two different olefin-containing feedstocks, wherein the first feedstock is a conventional olefin-containing feedstock which contains little if any content of aromatic compounds. The second feedstock contains a significant concentration of aromatic compounds. In the practice of the invention, the second feedstock is substituted for the first feedstock whenever catalyst regeneration is deemed appropriate, and the flow of the second feedstock to the catalyst bed is continued for a period of time which is effective to at least partially regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from a feedstock which is comprised of a mixture of hydrocarbons and includes sulfur-containing aromatic compounds as unwanted impurities. The process involves separating the feedstock by fractional distillation into a lower boiling fraction which contains the more volatile sulfur-containing aromatic impurities and at least one higher boiling fraction which contains the less volatile sulfur-containing aromatic impurities. Each fraction is then separately subjected to reaction conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its content of sulfur-containing aromatic impurities to higher boiling sulfur-containing products by alkylation with an alkylating agent in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The higher boiling sulfur-containing products are removed by fractional distillation.

Abstract: A copolymer containing vinyl-3,4-cyclohexanediol and at least one monomer selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylonitrile, butadiene, isoprene, vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, ethylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene dichloride, methyl styrene, vinyl toluene, acrylic and methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, maleic anhydride, fumarate esters, maleate esters, vinylidene difluoride, vinyl fluoride, acrylic or methacrylic esters of the formula (I)H.sub.2 C.dbd.CHCOOR or H.sub.2 C.dbd.CCH.sub.3 COOR (I)where R is a aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 20 or fewer carbons and optionally containing oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorous, and mixtures thereof. A resin composition containing vinyl-3,4-cyclohexanediol, at least one carboxylic acid or ester thereof or anhydride, and optionally a polyol or diol other than vinyl-3,4-cyclohexanediol.

Abstract: Polyester compositions containing terephthalate, 2,6-naphthalate and/or isophthalate moieties, and showing improved properties are disclosed.

Abstract: A monoolefin oligomerization process which gives high yields of diner and trimer at high monoolefin conversions in a single stage reaction is described. The process involves contacting a C.sub.6-20 oligomerizable olefin with a catalyst comprising boron trifluoride and from 0.05 to 2.5 mol %, based on the total quantity of monoolefin being used, of an alcohol catalyst promoter which is added portionwise during the oligomerization. The oligomerization is performed at a temperature of 45-90.degree. C. and under a pressurized atmosphere of boron trifluoride until the monoolefin conversion is at least 90% and the combined total of dimer and trimer in the liquid reaction mixture is at least 70% by weight.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a below grade fill to prevent accidental release harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade.

Abstract: A process for preparation of crosslinked cellulosic products containing at least 30 wt. % cellulosic fibers and the polyanhydride crosslinked cellulosic products resulting therefrom wherein a cellulosic material is treated with an aqueous solution of a polycarboxylic acid formed by hydrolysis of a polyanhydride of the structure ##STR1## which comprises the reaction product of trimellitic anhydride and a diol in the mole ratio of from about 2.0:0.9 to about 2.0:1.1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene and cycloalkylene moieties of up to 12 carbon atoms and ethylene oxide and propylene oxide moieties of molecular weight up to about 6000, wherein said cellulosic material is impregnated with an aqueous solution of said polyanhydride, dried, and heated to a temperature of from about 120.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for conducting, simultaneously, exothermic and endothermic chemical conversions with transfer of heat therebetween. More particularly, this invention relates to autothermic modules using oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes to separate, selectively, oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas and supply it directly to partial combustion of gaseous organic compounds. Processes using autothermic modules in accordance with this invention are, advantageously, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen which synthesis gas is substantially free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen. In particular, for conversions, within the integral autothermic module, of natural gas or other forms of gaseous lower alkanes to synthesis gas by means of partial combustion followed by reforming.

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: Improved centrifugal decanters with a screw conveyor for the continuous separation of solids-liquid mixtures are disclosed wherein the conveyor is provided with a feed arrangement for reducing the magnitude of mechanical vibrations of the centrifuge comprising a coaxially mounted feed distributor, generally trunco-conical in form, adapted to distribute into the conveyor, a solids-liquid feed stream falling into the distributor from a short stationary feed tube. The invention includes processes which use such improved centrifuge apparatus for continuous separation of solids-liquid mixtures into separate components by centrifugal action.

Abstract: Ethylene is trimerized to form 1-hexene by using a catalyst comprising an aluminoxane and polydentate phosphine, arsine, and/or stibine coordination complex of a chromium salt. Catalysts, complexes, and ligands enabling production of 1-hexene in extremely high yields and purity are also described.

Abstract: Improved high temperature polyamides, and particularly partially-aromatic polyamides, containing less than about 40 .mu.eq/g carboxylic acid endgroups. When stabilized with a copper-containing thermal stabilizer, the polyamides exhibit improved thermal oxidative stability.

Abstract: A method for converting ?MoCp(CO).sub.3 !.sub.2, in which at least one of the Cp groups has a substitutent having a carbonyl or carboxyl group and the compound has a Mo--Mo single bond, into a resinous supported material having repeating units of the formula (MoCp).sub.2 S.sub.4. The repeating units have four bridging sulfido ligands between the two molybdenum atoms, and the repeating units are joined to each other by bridging-sulfide ligands. The method comprises reacting the molybdenum carbonyl dimer with elemental sulfur in a solvent for the starting material at a temperature between 110-120.degree. C. in the presence of a solid adsorbent support. The resinous material may be further hydrogenated, the hydrogenated material may be further reacted to form a material having a carboxyl-containing methanedithiolate ligand, and this latter material may be further hydrolyzed. The molybdenum sulfide dimers are useful for separation, purification, and recovery of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A particularly useful process which includes the steps of providing a source of formaldehyde formed by conversion of dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising silver as an essential catalyst component; and contacting the source of formaldehyde and a predominately dimethyl ether feedstream with a heterogeneous, condensation promoting catalyst capable of hydrating dimethyl ether under conditions of reaction sufficient to form an effluent comprising water, methanol, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, and polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers is disclosed. Unreacted dimethyl ether is recovered from the effluent and recycled to the formation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers. The resulting dimethyl ether-free liquid mixture is heated in the presence of an acidic catalyst to convert at least the methanol and formaldehyde present to polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers. Advantageously, methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers are formed and separated in a catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: A method and liner assembly for drilling into unstable or depleted formations is provided that maintains control of the wellbore against caving such as where unconsolidated formations are penetrated and/or minimizes fluid losses such as to underpressured formations where differential pressures exist. The method and liner assembly herein includes the provision of a liner having a portion thereof that is drillable so that after setting of the liner, drilling can continue deeper into the unstable formations with minimal damage to the bit used to drill out the liner drillable portion. In one form, the liner has a shoe that includes cutter mounting blades, each having a set of cutters thereon. Relief slots are formed in the blades between cutters so that as the shoe and its blades are being drilled, the drill bit will cut through the slots, releasing the shoe cutters for transport up to the surface by the drilling fluid thereby minimizing damaging contact of the bit with the shoe cutters.

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.