Abstract: This invention permits biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters—FAMES) fuel and/or fuel blends to be used in cold weather climates without crystallization/precipitation of solids which plug fuel lines. The high melting point components are removed by physical separation from the biodiesel. Crystallization or distillation are used to separate the high melting temperature components. The low melting temperature components are used for blending with petroleum diesel with reduced or no winterization; low melting temperature components are used as a biodiesel with reduced or no winterization; low melting temperature components are blended into aviation jet fuel; or low melting temperature components are used as aviation jet fuel. The high melting temperature components are blended with petroleum diesel for temperate and/or hot weather climates.

Abstract: Sintered bauxite particles having defined physical and chemical properties are disclosed as being surprisingly eminently suitable as filtration media for molten polymer, such as polyester polymer. Broadly, the particles have a roundness of at least 0.8, and an API standard mesh size of at least 12; in addition, such particles inherently contain significant amounts of ferric oxide. It is preferred that the sintered bauxite particles (i) be microcrystalline, and therefore sintered under critical conditions; (ii) exhibit high crush strength; (iii) be compaction and fracture resistant up to pressures of 6000 psi by defined permeability tests; and (iv) have an API standard mesh size not greater than 70. Also, the sintered particles may have a microporous internal structure and surface.Also disclosed is an improved annular melt-spinning pack, including a bed of sintered bauxite particles, and means for preventing the bed of free-flowing particles from being deformed during use of the pack.

Abstract: Sintered bauxite particles having defined physical and chemical properties are disclosed as being surprisingly eminently suitable as filtration media for molten polymer, such as polyester polymer. Broadly, the particles have a roundness of at least 0.8, and an API standard mesh size of at least 12; in addition, such particles inherently contain significant amounts of ferric oxide. It is preferred that the sintered bauxite particles (i) be microcrystalline, and therefore sintered under critical conditions; (ii) exhibit high crush strength; (iii) be compaction and fracture resistant up to pressures of 6000 psi by defined permeability tests; and (iv) have an API standard mesh size not greater than 70. Also, the sintered particles may have a microporous internal structure and surface.Also disclosed is an improved annular melt-spinning pack, including a bed of sintered bauxite particles, and means for preventing the bed of free-flowing particles from being deformed during use of the pack.