Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing esters of a hydroxy acid and a C1-C8 alcohol. The invention is characterized by the fact that the esterification is carried out by reactive distillation on a heterogeneous catalyst. The invention makes it possible in particular to produce high purity lactic acid esters in high yields.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a liquifier for mineral binding agents comprising condensing a member of a group consisting of naphthalene sulfonic acid and alkyl naphthalene sulfonic acids with formaldehyde or a formaldehyde precursor in a highly acidic solution until a viscosity of 4,000 to 8,000 mPas is reached, adding water periodically to reduce the viscosity of the mixture until the condensation is complete and neutralizing the mixture to obtain a water-soluble condensation product and the liquifier produced thereby and mineral binding agents containing the same.

Abstract: A method of removing salts from coal tar and coal pitches comprising washing coal tar or coal pitch in a pressure container with water and a carbon dioxide containing gas at a temperature and pressure near the critical point of the gas in the optional presence of at least one member of the group consisting of a solvent and an entraining agent, removing the liquid or dissolved tar or pitch to obtain tar or pitch with a low salt content and removing the aqueous phase whereby all the resins remain in the tar or pitch.

Abstract: A double hull ship for the transportation of liquid, high melting aromatic hydrocarbons, such as pitch heated to 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. The tanks are provided with good insulation and with means to introduce inert gas into the tank (1). Heat expansion is allowed for by means of companion expansion joints and sliding bearings (3). Because of the high solidification point of the products, all line systems must be provided with a companion heating system and adequate insulation. A thermal oil system, which simultaneously supplies the emergency heating system (4) of the tank (1), is suitable for this purpose. Separate ballast tanks (17) are installed between the hulls.

Abstract: A wood preserving impregnating oil with improved leaching, evaporation, and exudation characteristics comprised of:10-100 weight % of coal conversion oil,0-90 weight % of coal tar impregnating oil,0-75 weight % of mineral oil fraction in the boiling range of 200.degree.-400.degree. C.,0-60 weight % of alkyl- or cycloalkyl-substituted aromatics with 2 to 4 rings.

Abstract: A process is described for the modification of wood and wood products by heat treatment in a closed, heatable vessel, wherein the water content of the starting material is controlled to be no higher than 10% by weight.

Abstract: A process for the transalkylation of nuclear methylated phenols into o-cresol in the liquid or gaseous phase is conducted in the absence of catalysts and in the presence of phenol.