Abstract: A spinning manifold for melt-spinning synthetic high polymers is disclosed. The manifold has an elongated hollow body with cavities for the conduction of a heating medium, such as diphenyl, and a vertical nozzle shaft having heatable members placed between serially arranged and dismountable nozzle blocks such that the side walls of the heatable members are in heat exchange with adjacent nozzle blocks. These heatable members are displaceably mounted within the nozzle shaft. The pump shaft of the spinning manifold may also have additional heatable members placed between the pumping units. The same heating medium that flows through the cavities of the spinning manifold is placed within the heatable members.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the melt-spinning of synthetic polymers are disclosed. The process and apparatus are preferably adapted to polymers such as polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyester and their copolymers. The polymers are melt-spun in a spinneret and the resulting filaments are withdrawn at a speed between 600 and 6000 meters/min. The distance between the uppermost blow point of the cooling zone and the spinneret surface is selected so that the distance is within a range, the upper limit of which is defined by the relation B and the lower limit is defined by one of the relations A.sub.1 or A.sub.2 or A.sub.3 as follows:B=48.2 (log v)-109 (mm)A.sub.1 =34.4 (log v)-71 (mm)A.sub.2 =-32 (log v-3.356).sup.2 +34 (mm)A.sub.3 =-44 (log v-3.221).sup.2 +32 (mm),where v is the spinning withdrawal speed in meters/min.

Abstract: Production of spinnable polyhexamethylene adipamide of high molecular weight from adiponitrile, hexamethylene diamine, water and additives, preferably continuously in a reaction cascade and in a finisher as the final stage, catalytically accelerated by catalysts as disclosed.It has now been discovered that polyamides can be produced from dinitriles, diamines and excess water in the presence of catalysts selected from the group consisting of: (1) oxygen-containing phosphorous compounds; (2) oxygen-containing boron compounds; (3) acidic oxygen-containing sulfur compounds; and (4) hydrogen halide and ammonium or ammonium alkyl salt thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for the continuous separation of slightly volatile components from a crude phthalic acid anhydride wherein a portion of the crude phthalic acid anhydride is compressed and heated before being reintroduced into a flash evaporator.

Abstract: Aldehyde ethers of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, and wherein Y represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 --CH (CH.sub.3)--, are prepared by hydroformylation of a corresponding compound of formula. ##STR2## by reaction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst, e.g. a rhodium complex catalyst. Preferred compounds include 4-t-butoxybutyraldehyde and 3-t-butoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde.

Abstract: A phosphate rock slurry, which may be used in the production of wet process phosphoric acid, is provided by wet grinding the rock with partially neutralized, acid water.In one aspect, wet process phosphoric acid is made by advantageously recycling mineral acid waste water effluent of the process. All or a portion of the effluent can be at least partially neutralized with neutralizing agent, e.g., by contact with the base-forming constituents of phosphate rock or extraneous neutralizing agent, e.g., preferably ammonia, to provide a mixture which is wet ground to produce a processable slurry. In one particularly preferred aspect, all of the acid water is at least partially neutralized with phosphate rock and a portion of this acid water is advantageously further neutralized with an extraneous neutralizing agent. The slurry is provided by such neutralization at a pH compatible with the milling, e.g., grinding, media utilized.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a substantially sulphur-free, butene-1 rich stream from a butene-containing C.sub.4 hydrocarbon feed stream by passage through a desulphurization zone, e.g. successive beds of active alumina and zinc oxide, and then distilling it. The desulphurization zone adsorbs, absorbs or converts to higher boiling sulphurous compounds low boiling sulphurous impurities such as H.sub.2 S, COS and CH.sub.3 SH. A sulphur-free butene-1 rich stream is recovered overhead from the distillation zone, while a butene-2 rich stream containing higher boiling sulphurous impurities originally present or produced in the desulphurization zone is recovered as a bottom product. A dechlorination zone (containing, for example, a charge of copper impregnated active carbon) can be provided upstream or downstream from the desulphurization zone but upstream from the distillation zone or can be provided in the path of the butene-1 rich stream from the distillation zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting liquid-liquid contact between an aqueous liquid medium and an organic liquid medium comprises a chamber for holding a body of each of the media having an agitator therein. One or both of the media are supplied to a mixing zone around the agitator. By means of the agitator a dispersion band is formed with a free space above and/or below it which is devoid of baffles. A layer of disengaged lighter medium forms above the dispersion band and a layer of disengaged heavier medium below it, at least one of these layers extending into the or a corresponding free space. Disengaged lighter and/or heavier medium is recovered from the corresponding layer thereof at the same rate that it is supplied to the mixing zone.

Abstract: Aldehyde ethers of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, and wherein Y represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --C.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 --CH (CH.sub.3)--, are prepared by hydroformylation of a corresponding compound of formula: ##STR2## by reaction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst, e.g. a rhodium complex catalyst. Preferred compounds include 4-t-butoxybutyraldehyde and 3-t-butoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde.

Abstract: An improved process for the spin-drawing of high-tenacity, technical-grade yarns is disclosed. The process produces yarns of high industrial quality having a low break elongation and low reference elongation, or a low heat shrinkage and low reference elongation. The process is especially suitable for yarns of polyamide and polyester.

Abstract: In a reactor housing for conducting the catalytic oxidation of gaseous sulfur compounds, a plurality of empty tubes are arranged in an outer zone of the housing for having incoming gas to be reacted flow therethrough. Larger catalyst-filled tubes are arranged in an intermediate zone for having the gas flow therethrough after flowing through the empty tubes for performing the catalytic oxidation in the larger catalyst-filled tubes. An inner chamber includes an axial-flow pump arranged therein and is in communication with the outer and intermediate zones in such a way that a heat-transfer agent is caused to flow cross-currently into and out of the outer zone, intermediate zone and inner chamber for contacting the empty tubes and catalyst-filled tubes.

Abstract: The process and apparatus described seeks to prevent NO.sub.x emissions after an emergency shutdown in a process for manufacturing nitric acid by catalytic combustion of ammonia, compression of the nitrous combustion gases and subsequent absorption. Immediately on shutdown the intake nitrous gas supply to the compressor is interrupted, the residual intake side nitrous gases are conveyed to the delivery side, the delivery side gas volume is shut off, the gas on the delivery side is expanded to the intake side and then exhausted into a vacuum system. Subsequently the acid charged with NO.sub.x in the absorption stages is drawn off, degassed acid is circulated through the absorption stages until equilibrium is established, the pressure of the shutoff section is released and cooled acid is admitted to the absorption stages.

Abstract: A distillation tray is described which is suitable for use in a distillation column of a barge-mounted plant. This distillation tray is provided with a plurality of cup-like cavities, each cavity having an apertured bottom for upward passage of vapor and being provided with respective weir means and downpipe means for feeding excess liquid to the tray below. In use of such a distillation tray a body of liquid can be maintained in each cavity for contact with the upflowing vapor and for providing a liquid seal between stages despite tilting of the tray. Each cavity can be provided by an insert comprising an apertured bottom plate, upstanding walls defining together with the bottom plate a cup-like cavity, at least one of the walls being provided with weir means for overflow of excess liquid from the cavity and downpipe means mounted below the bottom plate for transferring excess liquid that has overflowed the weir means to the tray below.

Abstract: Butyrolactone is produced by oxidizing an aldehyde-ether of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, to form an acid ether of the general formula: ##STR2## followed by deetherification, dehydration and cyclization. Oxidation can be carried out with e.g. gaseous oxygen. Deetherification can be accomplished by contact with an acid catalyst, while cyclization may occur spontaneously. A cyclic process is described in which allyl alcohol is converted by reaction with a suitable olefin, e.g.

Abstract: Mobile apparatus for containing molten metal, known as a torpedo car, comprises an elongate vessel rotatably supported at its ends on a pair of bogie assemblies, flange members on the vessel extending around at least part of the opening and one or more lid assemblies arranged to fit over the opening and be removably secured to the flange members, the lid assembly or assemblies, when fitted, closing off less than the entire opening.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering liquid and gaseous fuel from solid hydrocarbon-containing mineral material such as bitumen-containing mineral materials exemplified by tar sands or oil-bearing diatomites, without expensive pretreatment to separate the hydrocarbon containing material from material containing no hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon-containing material is agglomerated into discrete pieces that are treated on a traveling grate such as a circular traveling grate and subjected to sequential treatments in which hot gases are passed upwardly or downwardly through a relatively deep permeable bed of the pieces on the grate, in several treating zones separated by transverse gas seals and sealed at the side edges by suitable gas seals. All, or essentially all, of the heat required is obtained in a coke burn-off zone from combustion of coke that remains in the material on the grate after the volatile hydrocarbons have been removed by distillation in an earlier distillation zone.

Abstract: A compact, multi-stage, co- or counter-current liquid-liquid extraction apparatus includes first and second mixer-settlers which share a common wall. Each of the first and second mixer-settlers comprises a mixing chamber having an agitator mounted therein, upper and lower settling chambers, and upper and lower baffles between the mixing chamber and the upper and lower settling chambers respectively. The liquid media to be contacted in each mixer-settler are supplied to the mixing chamber from which dispersion flows upwardly and downwardly into the upper and lower baffles. Disengaged lighter medium flows out from the upper settling chamber to the mixer-settler, over a weir whose length exceeds half the length of the common wall, while disengaged heavier medium flows out of the lower settling chamber of one mixer-settler to the corresponding mixing chamber of the next mixer-settler. In one form the disengaged heavier medium also overflows a corresponding outlet weir to pass on to the next mixer-settler.

Abstract: A rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation process in disclosed in which an overhead vapor stream is recovered from the hydroformylation zone containing reactant alkene, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, alkene hydrogenation product(s), aldehyde product and aldehyde condensation products. This vapor stream is subjected to condensation conditions in one or two stages to condense therefrom condensible components comprising unreacted alkene, aldehyde product, and aldehyde condensation products. Non-condensed components of the vapor stream (e.g. H.sub.2 and CO) are recycled to the hydroformylation zone. Unreacted alkene is also recycled in liquid form to the hydroformylation zone.

Abstract: n-Valeraldehyde is produced by hydroformylation of butene-1 in the presence of one or more of cis- and trans-butene-2 and iso-butylene using a rhodium complex catalyst such as HRh(CO)PPh.sub.3).sub.3. Reaction conditions include use of at least about 100 moles of free triorganophosphine per gram atom of rhodium, a temperature of about 80.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C., a total pressure of not more than about 50 kg/cm.sup.2 absolute, a partial pressure of carbon monoxide of not more than about 1.5 kg/cm.sup.2 absolute, and a partial pressure of hydrogen of from about 1.0 to about 7.5 kg/cm.sup.2 absolute. An n-/iso-ratio of 20:1 and a conversion efficiency of butene-1 to n-valeraldehyde of over 85% are possible under these conditions with essentially no resin formation despite the presence of iso-butylene. The n-/iso-valeraldehyde mixture can be aldolized and reduced without intermediate purification to give a commercially acceptable C.sub.10 -plasticizer alcohol.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran is produced by converting allyl alcohol to an allyl t-alkyl or -cycloalkyl ether of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.