Abstract: A process and device produce fibrous starch materials through extrusion of a dispersion or aqueous solution of starch material in a flow of saline coagulant. The dispersion or aqueous solution is extruded through a microporous tubular wall in an annular chamber surrounding the microporous wall to obtain an extrusion flux of starch material which surrounds the tubular wall. Coagulation of the starch material is carried out by feeding a flow of coagulation agent in the annular chamber parallel to the extrusion surface. The fibers obtained from the process or device are able to be used in the paper sector as a substitution for or in combination with cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A ruthenium-based hydrogenation catalyst, particularly but not exclusively for hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols, comprises ruthenium supported on granular activated carbon, and has:a specific surface area of from 600 to 1000 m.sup.2 /g;a total pore volume of from 0.5 to 1.2 cm.sup.3 /g;an apparent specific weight (bulk density) of from 0.45 to 0.55 g/cm.sup.3 ;an actual specific weight of from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm.sup.3 ;a total volume of micropores having a radius smaller than 75 A of from 0.4 to 0.55 cm.sup.3 /g; andan ash content of from 2 to 5% by weight.The catalyst is used in a method for the continuous production of lower polyhydric alcohols in a fixed bed reactor, by means of hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A metallic catalyst composition on an inert support, suitable in particular for hydrogenolysis reactions of higher polyhydric alcohols, characterized in that it comprises the following relative to 100 parts of the catalyst:a) 0.5 to 5 weight % ruthenium;b) 1 to 10 weight % of a metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum and rhodium; andc) 0.5 to 2.5 weight % copper,in which the copper content is lower than the content of the metal b).The catalyst is used in particular for producing lower polyhydric alcohols such as ethanediol, propylene glycol, butanediol and glycerol, by means of hydrogenolysis reaction of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A metallic catalyst composition on an inert support, suitable in particular for hydrogenolysis reactions of higher polyhydric alcohols, which comprises the following relative to 100 parts of the catalyst:a) 0.5 to 5 weight % ruthenium;b) 1 to 10 weight % tin.The catalyst is used in particular for producing lower polyhydric alcohols such as ethanediol, propylene glycol, butanediol and glycerol, by means of hydrogenolysis reaction of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A ruthenium-based hydrogenation catalyst, particularly but not exclusively for hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols, comprises ruthenium supported on granular activated carbon, and has:a specific surface area of from 600 to 1000 m.sup.2 /g;a total pore volume of from 0.5 to 1.2 cm.sup.3 /g;an apparent specific weight (bulk density) of from 0.45 to 0.55 g/cm.sup.3 ;an actual specific weight of from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm.sup.3 ;a total volume of micropores having a radius smaller than 75 A of from 0.4 to 0.55 cm.sup.3 /g; andan ash content of from 2 to 5% by weight.The catalyst is used in a method for the continuous production of lower polyhydric alcohols in a fixed bed reactor, by means of hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A metallic catalyst composition on an inert support, suitable in particular for hydrogenolysis reactions of higher polyhydric alcohols, which comprises the following relative to 100 parts of the catalyst:a) 0.5 to 5 weight % ruthenium;b) 1 to 10 weight % tin.The catalyst is used in particular for producing lower polyhydric alcohols such as ethanediol, propylene glycol, butanediol and glycerol, by means of hydrogenolysis reaction of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A metallic catalyst composition on an inert support, suitable in particular for hydrogenolysis reactions of higher polyhydric alcohols, characterised in that it comprises the following relative to 100 parts of the catalyst:a) 0.5 to 5 weight % ruthenium;b) 1 to 10 weight % of a metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum and rhodium; andc) 0.5 to 2.5 weight % copper,in which the copper content is lower than the content of the metal b).The catalyst is used in particular for producing lower polyhydric alcohols such as ethanediol, propylene glycol, butanediol and glycerol, by means of hydrogenolysis reaction of higher polyhydric alcohols.

Abstract: A catalytic method of hydrogenating glycerol is directed essentially towards the production of oxygenated compounds having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, particularly 1,2-propandiol and lactic acid. It provides for glycerol to be placed in contact with hydrogen and made to react therewith in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst modified with sulphides and of a base, at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A catalytic method of hydrogenating glycerol is directed essentially towards the production of oxygenated compounds having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, mainly 1, 2 propandiol and 1, 2 ethandiol. It provides for glycerol to be reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst including copper and zinc at a temperature of at least 220.degree. C.

Abstract: A ruthenium-based hydrogenation catalyst, particularly but not exclusively for hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols, comprises ruthenium supported on granular activated carbon, and has: a specific surface area of from 600 to 1000 m2/g; a total pore volume of from 0.5 to 1.2 cm3/g; an apparent specific weight (bulk density) of from 0.45 to 0.55 g/cm3; an actual specific weight of from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm3; a total volume of micropores having a radius smaller than 75 A of from 0.4 to 0.55 cm3/g; and an ash content of from 2 to 5% by weight. The catalyst is used in a method for the continuous production of lower polyhydric alcohols in a fixed bed reactor, by means of hydrogenolysis under pressure of higher polyhydric alcohols.