Abstract: Processes using mid-column reboilers in at least one benzene separation columns to reduce the heat duty in alkylation processes are provided. The feed to the aromatics removal zone may exchange heat in a mid-column reboiler in the benzene separation column in the alkylbenzene separation zone followed by exchanging heat in a mid-column reboiler in the benzene separation column in the aromatics removal zone. This arrangement minimizes the hot oil duty on the reboilers in both benzene separation columns.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process for the obtainment of a catalyst useful in the isomerization of light paraffins, fundamentally based on acid treatment of a synthetic mordenite at temperatures between 40.degree. and 100.degree. C. followed by treatment with steam-air at temperatures between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C. which make it possible to optimize the SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 framework ratio and the amount of extraframework aluminum of the zeolite. The mordenite thus obtained is mixed with an inorganic refractory oxide such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and a metal of group VIII, basically Pt, is added in an amount between 0.1 and 0.5% by weight referred to the final catalyst.The catalyst has been tested in the isomerization of light refinery fractions (C.sub.5 and C.sub.6) and has a high activity and selectivity of branched isomers with a low production of gases and a high octane number for the light gasoline obtained.

Abstract: It comprises reacting, both continuously and discontinuously, acrylic acid and 1-butene in the presence of an ionic exchange resin that contains sulfonic acid groups, carrying out the reaction at a temperature between 50.degree. and 120.degree. C., at a pressure between 10 and 30 kg/cm.sup.2, for a reaction or contact time between 0.5 and 4 hours and using a olefin/acrylic acid molar ratio between 0.3 and 10.The sec-butyl acrylate obtained is useful in polymerization processes yielding very hard polymers with a high thermal resistance and high resistance to hydrolysis.FIG. 1 represents a graph of the effect of the olefin/acrylic acid ratio over the conversion of acrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process for the obtainment of a catalyst useful in the isomerization of light paraffins, fundamentally based on acid treatment of a synthetic mordenite at temperatures between 40.degree. and 100.degree. C. followed by treatment with steam-air at temperatures between 300.degree. and 600.degree. C. which makes is possible to optimize the SiO.sub.2 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 framework ratio and the amount of extraframework aluminum of the zeolite. The mordenite thus obtained is mixed with an inorganic refractory oxide such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and a metal of group VIII, basically Pt, is added in an amount between 0.1 and 0.5% by weight referred to the final catalyst.The catalyst has been tested in the isomerization of light refinery fractions (C.sub.5 and C.sub.6) and has a high activity and selectively of branched isomers with a low production of gases and a high octane number for the light gasoline obtained.

Abstract: A process to obtain a new thermostable and neutral .alpha.-amylase by cultivating a strain selected from micro-organisms Bacillus sp. NCIB 11887 or NCIB 11886, or any of the mutants thereof, at temperatures from 50.degree. to 70.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing glucose-isomerase in high yield by culturing under aerobic conditions, the strain Streptomyces griseoflavus (NCIB 11542).