Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the synthesis of nitrogen trifluoride from elemental fluorine gas and a source of ammonia in a gas-liquid phase reaction comprising;3 F.sub.2 +NH.sub.4 H.sub.(x-1) F.sub.x .fwdarw.NF.sub.3 +(3+x)HFwherein the melt ratio HF/NH.sub.3 represented by x in the above formula is at least 2.55 and the reaction liquid is agitated or mixed with a mixing apparatus with power input to the mixing apparatus at a high level equivalent to or greater than 1000 watts per cubic meter. This improved synthesis method allows for enhanced nitrogen trifluoride yields of 70% or greater.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to contain dangerous gases venting or leaking from a primary containment vessel. An outer containment vessel holds the primary containment vessel in fluid tight relationship to the outer vessel. The outer vessel has an internal volume large enough to contain the entire contents of the inner vessel and includes means to absorb or scrub gas leaking from the inner vessel. Removal of gas from the inner vessel to a point of use is controlled by valves and conduits contained in the outer vessel, the valves being controlled from outside the vessels.

Abstract: High purity metal fluorides (ZrF.sub.4, HfF.sub.4, AlF.sub.3) are produced by incomplete reaction of metal or their compounds with elemental fluorine and subsequent elevated temperature sublimation of the metal fluoride from the reaction products wherein unreacted metal or metal compounds act as "getters" to convert volatile impurity metal fluorides to non-volatile metals or metal compounds.

Abstract: A method for cutting pipe casings and concrete liners or perforating the same and localized portions of surrounding strata in an earth bore is set forth wherein a gas phase cutting or perforating jet mixture of fluorine and nitrogen trifluoride is delivered to the cutting or perforation site from the decomposition of a solid, normally stable, perfluoroammonium salt. An appropriate apparatus for delivering the gas mixture of fluorine and nitrogen trifluoride from the salt is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for purifying nitrogen trifluoride atmospheres generally contaminated with nitrous oxide, water, and dinitrogen difluoride. The improvement for extending adsorber life resides in reducing the dinitrogen difluoride content in the atmosphere to less than 0.03% by volume prior to passing the atmosphere through the adsorber.