Abstract: This invention relates to a novel solvent, N-2-methoxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, that can be used in two ways. First, in the pure or undiluted form, it absorbs hydrogen sulfide and other sulfurous gases selectively and simultaneously dries the gas. Second, when mixed with an alkanolamine and water, it is a superior absorbent of mercaptans, sulfides, and disulfides, and removes acid gases. The chemical structure of N-2-methoxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone is shown below.

Abstract: The electrodes between which AC and DC electrostatic fields are sustained in a liquid mixture are connected to ground potential through rectifiers arranged to maintain the strength of the DC electrostatic field as the dielectric strength of the liquid mixture decreases.

Abstract: The alkanolpyridines, as physical solvents, compare favorably, as a family, with sulfolane in their absorption of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. The data show absorption differences of the alkanolpyridines diluted with water, as compared with the alkanolpyridines mixed with amine. Both sets of data indicate an absorption performance substantially equal to, or better than, the performance of sulfolane. The chemical structure of pyridine is shown below. This structure is shown with the understanding that the alkanolpyridines would have the propanol or carbinol radicals, which are also shown, or other alkanol radicals substituted at the 2, 3 or 4 position.

Abstract: Method and means for separating emulsified and entrained oils from water, machine coolants, and substantially any other liquid comprising initially directing a flow stream into an inlet trap for removing relatively large particles from the flow stream, passing the flow stream through a centrifuge for removing substantially all of the entrained solids in the flow stream, moving the flow stream through a de-emulsifier for coalescing of the emulsified oil into droplets sufficiently large for processing in a separator and for filtering any remaining solids from the flow stream, providing a backwash action from the de-emulsifier for recycling of said finally removed solids through the centrifuge, passing the flow stream through a separator for separation of the oil from the other liquid components of the flow stream whereby the separated oil and clean effluent may be removed from the system.