Abstract: A hydroformylation process is disclosed utilizing a rhodium complex catalyst and an excess of a triorganophosphine wherein active rhodium catalyst and triorganophosphine can be separated from inactive rhodium, "heavies" and triorganophosphine oxide in partially deactivated reaction medium by extraction into concentrated phosphoric acid or aqueous solutions containing at least 40% by weight phosphoric acid. By neutralization of the phosphoric acid extract in the presence of organic solvent, e.g. aldehyde trimers, a solution of active rhodium catalyst and triorganophosphine can be produced that is suitable for re-use in the hydroformylation reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for effecting liquid-liquid contact. An aqueous medium and an organic hydrophobic liquid medium are fed to a mixing chamber in which a "primary" dispersion, capable of disengaging sustantially completely into two separate layers on standing under gravity, is formed by suitable mixing means. Dispersion is allowed to flow upwardly and downwardly from the mixing chamber into upper and lower baffled zones positioned immediately above and below the mixing chamber respectively. Disengaged lighter medium is allowed to collect in an upper chamber above and communicating with the upper baffled zone, while disengaged heavier medium is allowed to collect in a lower chamber below and communicating with the lower baffled zone. Heavier medium is allowed to return to the mixing chamber from the upper baffled zone and lighter medium from the lower baffled zone.

Abstract: Phase separation in a solvent (liquid-liquid) extraction process is effected in a settling tank by passage through one or more coalescer units. The mixed liquid phases to be separated are introduced at a main supply position from which flow is radially outwardly into the settling tank. A polygonal settling tank is described having removable segments arranged around a mixer tank.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for stripping uranium values from a uranium-loaded organic extractant phase containing, usually, a tertiary amine capable of forming organic-soluble uranium complexes. The sulphate-containing aqueous strip liquor is fed in co-current with the extractant phase to be stripped through a number of mixing stages in series connected one to another without intermediate settling stages and finally to a final settling stage. A "primary" dispersion is maintained in each mixing stage and controlled stepwise pH adjustment of the mixing stages is effected by metered addition of a base, such as ammonia.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for blending flowable solid materials. These are conveyed in turn, conveniently over a belt weigher, to a tripper mounted above a hopper so as to build up a first charge consisting of a plurality of inclined contiguous bands each of a different material. A paddle feeder removes material in a series of passes along the bottom of the first charge, the material removed being conveyed again to the tripper for discharge into a second hopper adjacent the first, thereby to build up a second charge also consisting of a plurality of inclined contiguous bands each of a different material. A second paddle feeder then removes material in a series of passes along the second charge to form the final blend.