Abstract: A three dimensional interstitial catalyst support and a catalyst system comprising the support for use in (especially pressure-sensitive) surface reactions involving disturbed fluid flow, especially trickle feed three phase reactions such as the hydrogenation of crotonaldehydes or butyraldehyde. The support comprises a three dimensional self-supporting form-stable interstitial structure composed of five or more superimposed intermeshing layers of knitted cloth and the volume of the interstices in the structure is from 60 to 98 (preferably at least 85) % of the volume of the structure. The combination of the use of intermeshing knitted wire, form-stability and an open structure allows disturbances comprising components of motion transverse to the general flow of the fluid through the support to be imparted by the catalyst system with less risk of blockages, flooding or damage by attrition and hence less need to increase pressure during a reaction which is undesirable in pressure sensitive reactions.

Abstract: A method for producing fuel oil from cellulosic materials (especially domestic or agricultural waste) in which the material is contacted with water and treated with a reducing gas (eg hydrogen or methane) and carbon monoxide in the presence of a platinum group metal (preferably ruthenium) or copper catalyst at 100.degree. to 950.degree. C. (preferably 100.degree. to 250.degree. C.) and at 10 to 680 (preferably 10 to 100) atmospheres. It is believed that the cellulose is hydrolyzed, then carbonylated to a keto acid which decarboxylates to produce a polymerizable acid and carbon dioxide. The aldehyde polymerizes and is hydrogenated to produce the fuel oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to the hydrogenation of halogen-substituted aromatic nitro compounds and in particular provides a novel catalyst for use in such processes.In more detail a catalyst suitable for use in the hydrogenation of halogen-substituted aromatic nitro compounds substantially without simultaneous dehalogenation comprises one or more metals from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and osmium supported on or impregnated into a carrier material comprising carbon activated with phosphoric acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalysis for example, the catalytic hydrogenation of impurities in terephthalic acid to yield terephthalic acid of sufficient purity for use in the production of polyester fibres. In more detail, the invention comprises the step of treating a solution of terephthalic acid with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising two or more of the metals platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium and irridium.

Abstract: This invention relates to the catalytic hydrogenation of edible oils of animal and vegetable origin. Catalytic hydrogenation according to the invention improves the keeping qualities of such edible oils without impairing their nutritional value or edibility. This is achieved by selectively hydrogenating the triply unsaturated forms of the fatty acids contained in the oil to doubly unsaturated forms using a supported catalyst. The catalyst used contains one or more of the metals Fe, Co, Ni and the platinum group metals and the support may be of extended surface or particulate form, for example, C, stainless steel, ceramics and Fe--Cr--Al--Y alloys.

Abstract: This invention relates to the recovery of precious metals. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the recovery of a catalytic metal from a carbonaceous residue or support comprising subjecting an aqueous slurry of material containing catalytic metal to be recovered to a temperature of not less than 200.degree. C and a pressure not less than 75 atmospheres in an atmosphere comprising a quantity of oxygen at least sufficient to oxidize substantially all the carbon present, the oxidation being carried out in the presence of a liquid aqueous phase. The process also relates to the recovery of silver from photographic film.