Abstract: In a load wrapping apparatus of the kind which a load is wrapped by a wrapping strip of plastics material, which is delivered to a wrapping position from a reel to the load to be wrapped by producing relative rotational movement between the load and the strip material wherein extended area rotatable discs are arranged as to cooperate during the wrapping of a bale, with predetermined regions of a bale in the vicinity of its contact with the support table as to prevent displacement of the bale during the wrapping thereof. Conveniently the support for the load is mounted for rotation the bale about two axes at right angles to each other. Conveniently the rotatable discs comprise for each end of the load i.e., bale, a disc presenting a convex form towards the end regions of a bale being wrapped.

Abstract: Apparatus for wrapping a load with wrapping material includes a frame, a platform pivotally connected to the frame about a horizontal axis to permit the platform to be tilted between a generally horizontal position and an inclined position. A load support including a pair of rollers is turnably mounted to the platform to permit the load support to be turned about a turning axis perpendicular to the platform, the rollers permitting the load to be rotated about a rotating axis transverse to the turning axis. A wrapping material dispenser is selectively positionable with respect to the frame for dispensing a strip of wrapping material to wrap said load as the load is rotated by the load rotating means and as the load support is turend with respect to the platform. A load support arresting mechanism for arresting the turning of the load support at a preselected position with respect to the platform includes a lever having a first end pivoted to the platform and a second end adapted to contact the load support.

Abstract: An integrated process for the production of formic acid from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The process comprises for example, a reactor in which the formate salt of a nitrogenous base is produced together with subsequent purification and formic acid recovery stages. In the process described formic acid is recovered from the formate salt by using a base interchange reaction in which there is generated a thermally decomposable formate salt of a high boiling base. The high boiling base can be for example an imidazole and the nitrogenous base can be triethylamine.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid of formula RCO.sub.2 H where R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group is prepared by heating under substantially anhydrous conditions an ester of formic acid of formula HCO.sub.2 R where R is as defined above in the presence of carbon monoxide and an effective amount of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal, a halide and a compound containing a quaternary Group V atom. The quaternary Group V atom can be formed in situ by adding a compound containing a trivalent nitrogen, phosphorus or arsenic atom quaternizable under the reaction conditions and a quaternizing agent. Acetic acid is prepared by heating methyl formate in the presence of a catalyst system containing a rhodium compound, an iodide and a quaternary nitrogen-containing heterocyclic base.

Abstract: Methyl formate is produced continuously by reacting methanol in the liquid phase with molecular oxygen in the presence as catalyst of a soluble chromium compound which can be deliberately added or can result from corrosion of a reaction vessel fabricated in stainless steel or other chromium-containing metal alloy. Initiation of the oxidation can be accomplished by feeding a material more susceptible to oxidation than methanol, either with or without methanol, and optionally in the presence of a soluble chromium compound.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid or an ester thereof having at least two carbon atoms more than formic acid is prepared by reacting at elevated temperature e.g. 100.degree. to 250.degree. C. formic acid or a formate ester with an olefin e.g. ethylene in the presence of, as catalyst, a Group VIII noble metal e.g. iridium, preferably promoted by iodide, to cause addition of the formic acid or ester to the olefin and form the a higher acid e.g. propionic acid or ester thereof.A strong acid such as a sulphonic acid may be used as a copromoter. The catalyst is employed in solution.

Abstract: Formate salts of nitrogenous bases containing tertiary nitrogen are prepared by reacting the nitrogenous base with carbon dioxide and hydrogen using a soluble transition metal catalyst. For example triethylamine is reacted with carbon dioxide and hydrogen using ruthenium trichloride as catalyst and an isopropanol/water mixture as solvent to yield triethylammonium formate which was separated from the reaction mixture by distillation.