Abstract: Aqueous co-product, produced by distillation of reaction filtrate from a batch reaction for manufacturing sodium dithionite by reacting sodium formate, sodium hydroxide, and sulfur dioxide in aqueous methanol solution, is rapidly evaporated to remove about 80% of its water content, so that only the determined quantity of water remains with its determined contents of alkali metal compounds, and is utilized as an admixed component of a succeeding batch.

Abstract: What is described is a process for the production of silicon via the carbothermic reduction of silicon dioxide in which silicon carbide is fed as the total reductant source or as a portion of the reductant input. The process also includes recovery and recycle to the furnace silicon monoxide and other silicon-containing materials from the by-produced gases from the furnace to maximize raw material efficiency. Finally, the process includes the recovery of value from the by-produced gases via the use of the gases as a chemical intermediate or the use of the gases as a fuel for a combustion process.

Abstract: A retarder for gypsum plaster is provided which consists essentially of .beta.-hydroxy-.beta.-carboxy-isocaproic acid or a water soluble salt thereof. It has powerful retarding effect toward gypsum plaster and gives a solid product having much better mechanical strength than that encountered when an alkali metal salt of citric acid or powdered glue which are the ordinary set retarders are used. A process for retarding the setting of gypsum plaster by the use thereof, is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrous magnesium silicates having a crystal structure similar to that of natural hectorite may be produced by a precipitation process in which silica is precipitated into a preformed aqueous suspension of a water insoluble magnesium compound. The process may be operated at high concentration and the products may have good dispersibility in aqueous media and high optical clarity when dispersed as well as the good rheological properties which may be obtained by prior precipitation processes.