Abstract: There is provided a ring opening process using a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component, such as a noble metal, and an acidic solid component comprising a Group IVB metal oxide modified with an oxyanion of a Group VIB metal. An example of this catalyst is zirconia, modified with tungstate and platinum. This catalyst is used to convert cyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane and benzene, to paraffins, especially branched paraffins.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing sulfur from tail-gas emitted from a Claus sulfur recovery process. First, the tail-gas is oxidized so as to convert sulfur therein to sulfur oxides. Oxidized tail-gas is directed into an absorber where a solid absorbent absorbs substantially all the sulfur oxides thereon. After allowing sufficient time for a desired amount of sulfur oxides to be absorbed, absorption is ceased. Next, the solid absorbent containing the absorbed sulfur oxides is contacted with a reducing gas so as to release an off gas containing hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Upon releasing sulfur from the solid absorbent, the solid absorbent is regenerated and redirected into the absorber. Sulfur in the off gas emitted by regeneration is concentrated to an extent sufficient for use within a Claus sulfur recovery process for conversion to elemental sulfur. By combining this process with a Claus sulfur recovery process, sulfur dioxide emissions can be reduced to less than about two parts per million.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms (i.e. higher hydrocarbons). The process involves oxidizing methane with a metal sulfide oxidizing agent. After this conversion of methane, the reduced metal sulfide may be regenerated by oxidation of the reduced metal sulfide.

Abstract: An improved Colorimeter which can be used to analyze samples in either a stationary mode (e.g. in a test tube) or in a flow-through mode wherein the sample flows through the apparatus. The Colorimeter is equipped with means to direct the illuminating radiation selectively to either mode of sample.

Abstract: A rapid method for assaying collagen in meat and meat products. A sample of the material being tested is subjected to a controlled, incomplete hydrolysis of the amino acids with an acidified solution of stannous chloride in such a way that all of the tryptophan is completely destroyed but only a portion of the hydroxyproline is hydrolyzed. The percent collagen is correlated with the percent hydroxyproline, colorimetrically determined.