Abstract: A system interface for acquiring data from a microwave conductivity sensor which produces data related to an electrical property of a fluid within a resonant cavity included in the microwave conductivity sensor, the system interface including a memory storing a program; and a computer for executing the program stored in the memory for causing the computer to prompt the microwave conductivity sensor to transmit the data to the computer and to parse the data for particle size information.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions are described which comprise(A) at least one cyclic hydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of cyclic polyhydroxy compounds and substituted phenols;(B) phosphate ions;(C) at least one oxidizer-accelerator; and(D) water.The coating compositions also may contain fluoride ions and/or iron. A method of improving the corrosion resistance of iron, steel, and zinc-coated surfaces also is described, and the method comprises contacting the surfaces with an aqueous acidic coating composition as described above. The coated metal surfaces may be subsequently provided with an organic or inorganic top-coat or seal-coat resulting in improved corrosion resistance, adhesion and detergent resistance properties.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the metal exposure rating of metal surfaces which subsequently are coated with a siccative coating which comprises contacting said metal surface with an aqueous composition comprising a polyethylene selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers, oxidized ethylene homopolymers, ethylene/acrylate copolymers, and terpolymers containing ethylene, acrylates, and esters. A process is also described for improving the mobility of formed metal surfaces and reducing the metal exposure rating of the surfaces which subsequently are coated with a siccative coating.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of producing an adherent and corrosion-inhibiting multi-layer coating on metal parts comprising the steps of(A) phosphating the metal parts with an aqueous metal phosphating solution;(B) electrophoretically depositing a film of a siccative organic coating composition on the phosphated metal parts;(C) applying a second film of a composition comprising at least one film-forming organic resin component as a seal coat;(D) curing the coating on the metal parts; and optionally(E) applying a corrosion-inhibiting film as a top seal coat.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically identifying and analyzing different types of used lubricants is provided. The apparatus includes a spectrometer for obtaining electromagnetic absorption spectrum data for a lubricant, a computer for processing the spectrum data to determine at least one characteristic chemical property of the lubricant, for identifying a lubricant type based on the at least one characteristic chemical property, and for analyzing the electromagnetic absorption spectrum data as a function of the lubricant type to evaluate a use characteristic of the lubricant, and a display for outputting information relating to the use characteristic of the lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles collected from a fluid and deposited on a substrate along a given direction, the apparatus including holding structure for supporting the substrate; a radiation source for directing radiation toward the particles on the substrate; and a radiation detector for receiving radiation incident upon the particles on the substrate and for providing an output based on the concentration of the particles, the radiation detector being cooperative with the radiation source to output substantially continuous profile data indicative of the concentration of said particles along the given direction.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and process for cleaning aluminum and tin surfaces. The aqueous alkaline cleaning solution includes(A) at least one inorganic base;(B) at least one cationic surfactant which is a quaternary ammonium compound; and(C) water.Aluminum and tin surfaces cleaned with the cleaning compositions are characterized by improved surface cleanliness and brightness.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of producing an adherent and corrosion-inhibiting multi-layer coating on metal parts comprising the steps of(A) phosphating the metal parts with an aqueous metal phosphating solution;(B) electrophoretically depositing a film of a siccative organic coating composition on the phosphated metal parts;(C) applying a second film of a composition comprising at least one film-forming organic resin component as a seal coat;(D) curing the coating on the metal parts; and optionally(E) applying a corrosion-inhibiting film as a top seal coat.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and process are described for cleaning aluminum and tin surfaces. The aqueous alkaline cleaning solution comprises(A) at least one inorganic base;(B) at least one cationic surfactant which is a quaternary ammonium compound; and(C) water. Aluminum and tin surfaces cleaned with the cleaning compositions of the present invention are characterized by improved surface cleanliness and brightness.

Abstract: A composition useful as a rinse aid for metal surfaces and for improving the mobility of formed metal surfaces is described. The composition comprises(A) from about 10 to about 90% by weight of at least one nonionic polyoxyalkylene glycol comprising poly(oxypropylene) hydrophobic groups and poly(oxyethylene) hydrophilic groups, and(B) from about 10 to about 90% by weight of at least one alkoxy derivative of at least one ethoxylated and propoxylated glycol, and particularly at least one nonionic polyoxyalkylene glycol comprising poly(oxypropylene) hydrophobic groups and poly(oxyethylene) hydrophilic groups. A process is also described for improving the drainage of water from metal surfaces and for improving the mobility of formed metal surfaces. The process comprises contacting said metal surface with an aqueous composition comprising water and the above-described composition.

Abstract: A process is described for regenerating and recycling a contaminated solution recovered from an aluminum or tin washer process wherein the contaminated solution contains contaminants comprising inorganic soils, organic soils, or both as a result of the use of the solution in the washer process, which comprises(A) regenerating said solution by(A-1) extracting said contaminants from the solution in a manner which does not substantially reduce the amount of any chemicals present in the solutions prior to use; and(A-2) selectively replenishing chemicals as required; and(B) recycling the regenerated solution to the washer process. The process of the present invention significantly reduces the amount of waste water containing chemicals which must be discarded or treated in waste treatment facilities. The process also reduces the amount of process chemicals and water necessary for maintaining the washer processes used for aluminum and tin coil and container washer processes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aqueous coating composition comprising in addition to water,(A) at least one water-dispersible or emulsifiable film-forming resin;(B) from about 0.1 to about 15% by weight, based on the weight of resin (A) of a hydrophobic fluoroalkene polymer; and(C) an effective amount of at least one nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant.In one preferred embodiment, the aqueous coating compositions of the present invention may contain an organic phosphate ester. The compositions may also contain one or more pigments. The invention also relates to the use of such coating compositions for depositing coatings on metal substrates, and in particular, for coatings on phosphated metal substrates.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and a process are described for reducing the discoloration of aluminum surfaces treated with are aqueous alkaline cleaner compositions. The process comprises including in the aqueous cleaner composition, an effective amount of at least one heterocyclic compound. Enhanced mobility of the aluminum surfaces also can be obtained when the heterocyclic compound is a solid particulate compound which is mixed with an oil prior to addition to the aqueous alkaline cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the heterocyclic compounds are soluble pyrroles, imidazoles, pyrazoles, thiazoles or triazoles.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and a process are described for reducing the discoloration of aluminum surfaces treated with are aqueous alkaline cleaner compositions. The process comprises including in the aqueous cleaner composition, an effective amount of at least one heterocyclic compound. Enhanced mobility of the aluminum surfaces also can be obtained when the heterocyclic compound is a solid particulate compound which is mixed with an oil prior to addition to the aqueous alkaline cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the heterocyclic compounds are soluble pyrroles, imidazoles, pyrazoles, thiazoles or triazoles.

Abstract: The process is described for treating the sludge formed in a phosphate conversion bath, and in particular, in zinc phosphate conversion baths to convert the sludge into useful chemical materials thereby eliminating the need for disposal to landfill. The process comprises the steps of(A) recovering the solid by-products from the used phosphating solution;(B) treating the solid by-products with an aqueous base at a pH of greater than 10 to form a first aqueous phase and a metal-containing precipitate;(C) recovering the metal-containing precipitate from the first aqueous phase as a first product of the process;(D) acidifying the first aqueous phase obtained in (C) to a from about 7 to about 10 to form a second aqueous phase and an insoluble metal-containing precipitate;(E) recovering the solid metal-containing precipitate from the second aqueous phase as a second product of the process; and(F) recovering the second aqueous phase as a third product of the invention.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aqueous and low VOC composition which is particularly useful as a coating composition for non-porous substrates. The aqueous compositions comprise(A) at least one water-dispersible or emulsifiable olefin polymer;(B) at least one non-ionic surfactant;(C) at least one anionic surfactant;(D) at least one volatile organic liquid; and(E) water.Preferably, the aqueous compositions are in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The invention also relates to a process of preparing the low VOC oil-in-water emulsions, and to the use of such coating compositions as adherent primer coatings for substrates, and in particular, non-porous substrates.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aqueous electroconductive composition which is particularly useful as a coating composition for non-porous substrates. The aqueous compositions comprise(A) at least one water-dispersible or emulsifiable film-forming resin;(B) at least one electrically conductive polymer of a quaternary ammonium compound containing at least one polymerizable unsaturated group;(C) at least one hydrocarbon-soluble substituted imidazoline of a fatty acid;(D) at least one volatile organic liquid; and(E) water.In one embodiment, the aqueous electroconductive compositions are in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The invention also relates to the use of such electroconductive coating compositions as adherent primer coatings for substrates, and in particular, non-porous substrates. Electroconductive coating compositions for depositing coatings on non-porous substrates which do not contain the substituted imidazoline (C) also are described.

Abstract: Titration apparatus includes two cells that receive and contain liquids and are transparent to light. A liquid having an unknown characteristic and mixed with an indicator that is optically responsive to a titrant is disposed in the cells. Light is transmitted through each cell to separate photosensors. The photosensor signals are compared and a titrant is added to one of the cells in known-volume increments until the difference between the signals reaches or exceeds a prescribed threshold. The characteristic of the liquid is calculated from the quality of known concentration titrant added in order to reach or exceed the prescribed threshold.

Abstract: A chemical process control system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing various parameters of several baths employed in a chemical process. A microprocessor is employed to interrogate each sensor, to determine bath characteristics from one or more of the parameters, and for comparing the parameters to established limits. The microprocessor initiates corrective responses whenever a characteristic falls outside its specific limits in an attempt to restore the characteristic to a specified operating target value.A hierarchy of authorization keys limits access to the apparatus depending upon the level of authority of the person seeking access. Different degrees of authority may be delegated for an apparatus operator, a supervisor and servicing personnel. The apparatus includes a local and remote communication capacity for sending messages concerning malfunctions in the apparatus and for receiving instructions from a remote location for correcting malfunctions.

Abstract: A method of treating phosphated metal surfaces to improve the corrosion-inhibiting properties of the metal surfaces and to improve the adhesion of siccative organic coatings thereto is described. The method comprises treating a phosphated metal surface with an aqueous mixture of an aluminum zirconium complex comprising the reaction product of a chelated aluminum moiety, an organofunctional ligand, and a zirconium oxyhalide. Optionally, though not required, the complex treated phosphated metal surfaces can be rinsed with water prior to the application of a siccative organic coating. In lieu of, or in addition to, a siccative organic coating, the complex treated, phosphated metal surfaces can be given a seal coating of a rust-inhibiting oil. Metal surfaces and metal articles treated in accordance with the method of the present invention also are described.