Abstract: A layer of a neat resin in powder form is deposited either on a mold surface or on a bulk thermoplastic composite fiber reinforced sheet. The resin layer is adjacent to an insulated wall of a compression mold. The bulk sheet is preheated and compression deformed with the powdered resin. The heat from the sheet flows to and melts the powder layer producing a resin rich layer. The insulated wall permits the heat of the sheet to be retained sufficiently to melt the powdered resin. In the alternative, the neat resin powder may be replaced with a preformed film of thermoplastic resin compatible with the sheet resin. A structural homogeneous integral molecular bond is formed between the neat resin layer and the sheet.

Abstract: Deformable insulating films are used as mold liners in a compression molding process. The film delays the initial cooling of the preheated thermoplastic charge. The film also serves as a plastic charge carrier and convection barrier during transport of the plastic charge from a heating unit into the compression molding press.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a reinforced multilayer thermoplastic resin composite blank having radio frequency sensitive material contained in at least one layer and a method of using radio frequency heating to manufacture a composite part with at least one surface having a smooth defect-free surface finish.

Abstract: Composite sheets with layers possessing different properties are provided which can be compression molded to produce molded panels with smooth glossy surfaces. A fiber free outer layer is laminated to a bulk layer comprising fiber mat compounded with thermoplastic resin filled with chopped fibers. The fiber free layer has a higher melt viscosity than the bulk layer.

Abstract: A method of continuous separation of dissolved materials employs two membranes, each disposed in its own fluid-tight chamber. An aqueous feed solution containing organic material is passed in contact with a recirculating flow of organic extractant which receives selected dissolved organic material. The extractant is then passed over a second membrane, the other side of which is supplied with a stripping solution for further selective recovery of the desired material. During recirculation the organic extractant is passed through an aqueous separator. However, extractant treatment for organics removal therefrom may also include methods other than the use of a second membrane and a stripping solution.

Abstract: A thermally regenerable ion exchange material is employed in a disposable cartridge preferably contained within an appliance such as a clothes washer or dishwasher. A hot water source is employed to regenerate the ion exchange material or to be mixed with cold water passed through the treatment cartridge. Additionally, in those situations requiring a high degree of deionization, hot water is used in conjunction with a heat exchanger to heat processed water rather than being mixed with it so as to produce fully de-ionized hot water.

Abstract: A membrane-based solvent extraction system is used to separate zinc from plating wastes and to recycle the concentrated zinc solution to the plating bath. Di-2 ethylhexylphosphoric acid (DEHPA) is used as an organic carrier, and an acid or salt solution is used as a stripping agent in this process.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide-containing effluent gases are desulfurized by contact with a slurry consisting essentially of water, a calcium compound selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, and an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. In order to convert the sulfur dioxide to calcium sulfate of maximum particle size, the slurry is analyzed for content of said oxidizing agent, which is preferably maintained at a level to provide the oxidizing equivalent of an oxygen partial pressure of about 1-50 torr therein.

Abstract: In the manufacture of nuclear fuel tubes spent etching solutions containing nitric acid, zirconium, and hydrofluoric acid are produced as waste. A serial treatment process is employed to recover the zirconium and to restore the solution to the desired acid concentration. These processes include solvent extraction for zirconium removal and aqueous removal using evaporation or distillation.

Abstract: A method of continuous ion exchange for waste water treatment and metal recovery employs two membranes, each disposed in its own fluid-tight chamber. A feed solution containing metal ions is passed in contact with one membrane, the opposite side of which is in contact with a recirculating flow of liquid ion exchange material which receives selected dissolved mineral ions. The liquid ion exchange material is then passed over a second membrane, the other side of which is supplied with an eluant solution for further selective recovery of the desired mineral ion or ions. During recirculation the liquid ion exchange material is preferably passed through an aqueous separator. An apparatus for the practice of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Wastewater from metal plating operations is treated to remove heavy metal and other contaminants, including toxic organic materials, chelating agents, and cyanide. The wastewater is passed through the cathode and anode of an electrochemical reactor in which the cathode preferably comprises a felt mass of conductive fibers and the anode comprises porous carbon, carbon fibers or metal oxides. A method and apparatus are disclosed which are particularly useful in removing impurities from plating plant wastewater.

Abstract: The redox potential is used as a measure of the ratio of sulfite and sulfate ions in a solution containing these ions. In one embodiment of the present invention a slip stream sample of a process solution is divided into two components one of which is oxidized to serve as a reference solution. The ratio of sulfite and sulfate ions or the oxidation state of the solution is indicated by the oxidation potential of a process solution or the potential difference between electrodes disposed within a process solution and a reference solution.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the thermal dependency of the direction of certain reactions involving liquid ion exchange materials to provide a continuous process for removal of mineral ion species from aqueous streams. The process is particularly applicable to water softening applications and also for applications involving mineral recovery. In the present invention liquid ion exchange material having mineral species attached thereto are thermally treated to redissolve these mineral species in a separate aqueous stream. The process of the present invention is operable using either direct liquid/liquid contact or with the inclusion of a membrane separating the feed solution to be treated from the liquid ion exchange material.

Abstract: Heavy metal pollutant ions and emulsified fat are removed from a wastewater stream in a two-stage process. The first stage involves the demulsification and removal of fat through the use of chemical emulsion breakers leaving residual fat in suspension and in solution. The second stage involves the preparation and introduction of a calcium sulfide mixture to the wastewater resulting in the precipitation of the heavy metal ions as sulfides and the precipitation of residual fat.

Abstract: Waste water containing dissolved hydrogen sulfide is passed through a vessel containing redox resin which oxidizes the dissolved hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur which is removed from the waste water, preferably through filtration. The method of the present invention is also particularly desirable in that the redox-active resin may be restored to a high oxidation state by contacting the resin with an oxidizing fluid such as humidified air or oxygen. The restoration of the redox-active resin is particularly easy when the resin is disposed within a vessel as a membrane dividing the interior volume of the vessel into separate chambers: one chamber for the passage of the waste water and the other chamber for the passage of oxidizing fluid.

Abstract: Wastewater from metal plating operations is treated to remove heavy metal and other contaminants, including toxic organic materials, chelating agents, and cyanide. The wastewater is passed through the cathode and anode of an electrochemical reactor in which the cathode preferably comprises a felt mass of conductive fibers and the anode comprises porous carbon, carbon fibers or metal oxides. A method and apparatus are disclosed which are particularly useful in removing impurities from plating plant wastewater.

Abstract: A method for the removal of molybdenum from solutions containing molybdenum and other mineral values such as tungsten is accomplished by mixing the leachate solution with hydrogen peroxide to form a feed solution; the feed solution is contacted with a porous membrane, the opposite side of which is continuously contacted with an organic solution containing tributylphosphate. Additionally, for recovery of molybdenum, the tributylphosphate solution is additionally contacted with a second membrane the opposite side of which is contacted with a stripping solution such as a solution of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. In a continuous ion exchange embodiment, the organic solution containing tributylphosphate is recirculated to contact the second side of the first membrane, preferably after passage through an aqueous separator.

Abstract: Nobel metals such as silver and gold are removed from solutions containing them in an electrolytic process in which the cathode of an electrolytic cell comprises a carbon fiber mass. Metal ions are plated out on to the carbon fibers which exhibit a large surface area in the highly porous cathode. Recovery of the metal values is obtained through heating the plated fiber mass to a temperature sufficient to burn off the carbon fibers.

Abstract: Heavy metal pollutant ions are precipitated from a wastewater stream as metal sulfides through the addition of a calcium sulfide mixture to the stream. Methods are disclosed for forming the calcium sulfide mixture and for controlling the amount thereof added to the wastewater stream.

Abstract: H.sub.2 S is removed from a stream of gas such as coal gas at a relatively elevated temperature (300.degree.-400.degree. F.) in a process which employs sulfates or hydroxides of nickel, iron, or zinc as sulfur absorbents. The absorbents are converted to metal sulfides during the absorption process and are regenerated by aeration. Acids produced during sulfur absorption and absorbent regeneration steps are neutralized through the addition of a base. In a preferred embodiment ammonia is also removed and elemental sulfur is produced during the process.