Abstract: A process for preparation of a transition metal component of a catalytic system for the polymerization of olefins, wherein an organo-magnesium-aluminum reaction product is formed by bringing into contact, a halogenated, alkylated or alkoxylated magnesium compound with an organo-aluminum compound, then subjecting the reaction product to a chlorination and to a treatment by a compound of a transition metal such as Ti, V, Zr and Cr.As an organo-aluminum compound there is used one or several aluminoxane compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R' is an alkyl or from C.sub.1 to C.sub.16, the R"s form together a radical --O-- or designate each a radical R' and n is an integer of from 0 to 20.The transition metal component obtained can be used in combination with a co-catalyst and eventually an electron donor to form a catalytic system apt to polymerize the alpha-olefins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for polymerizing in an aqueous phase using heterogeneous catalysis and to a spherical reactor for carrying out said process. At least one monomer which is gaseous under the reaction conditions is just in contact with a solid catalyst in an agitated polymerization zone. The polymerization zone is defined by a spherical wall and the agitation is effected by means of a turbine unit having blades driven in rotation. The blades extend alongside the wall on 10 to 60% of its surface. The particles of the catalyst and the growing polymer powder are driven by centrifugal force onto at least a part of the spherical wall and fall back into the central part of the spherical zone, thereby ensuring a thorough and uniform mixing without any dead zone. The invention is useful for prepolymerizing or polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: A readily oxidizable metal such as lithium formed along a cathode is collected in an electrolytic tank within a collecting chamber, the level of electrolyte is caused to rise to a predetermined top level at which the lithium leaves the collecting chamber and overflows into a transfer compartment, the level of electrolyte is lowered to a predetermined bottom level at which the poured-off lithium leaves the transfer compartment and passes to the discharge compartment, the level of electrolyte is raised to the top level in order to ensure overflow into a discharge tube. A stream of inert gas is passed into the discharge compartment and the lithium is transferred to a chamber for treatment in an inert atmosphere and conversion to ingots in the pure state.