Abstract: An improved continuous process for the manufacture of tubular food casings, which allows for the regeneration of casing without an interruption of the process to drive out liquids and gases produced during coagulation and regeneration of the casing, characterized by the steps of: extruding an alkaline viscose solution through an extrusion die within a coagulation bath; coagulating and regenerating the viscose solution thereby producing gases and extruding a tubular casing whereby the gases are entrapped within the casing; inducing a countercurrent flow of gases entrapped within the casing opposite the extrusion direction; and continuously venting the gases through an orifice within the extrusion die. This process permits the non-interrupted extrusion and regeneration of tubular food casings associated with the prior art wherein the process is frequently interrupted to allow exhaustion of liquids and gases.

Abstract: A process for the neutral hydrolytic depolymerization of condensation polymers is described. The process is conducted in a continuous manner and comprises introducing condensation polymer waste material into an aqueous hydrolysis zone at a temperature of between 200.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. and superatmospheric pressure of at least 15 atmospheres. High pressure steam is introduced into the lower portion of the hydrolysis zone underneath the level of the condensation polymer waste material. The steam serves as the principal source of heat for the hydrolysis zone. By being introduced underneath the level of the condensation polymer waste material, the steam agitates the waste material to provide heat transfer to accelerate the hydrolysis reaction. Further, a portion of the steam condenses to provide water which is a reactant in the hydrolysis reaction. An aqueous solution of the product(s) of the hydrolysis reaction is withdrawn from an upper portion of the hydrolysis zone.