Abstract: In the process flow scheme for chromatographically separating para-xylene from C.sub.8 isomers containing substantial amounts of C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities with BaX or KY zeolite adsorbent and heavy desorbents, e.g., tetralin and diethyltoluene, a bottoms stream from the extract fractionation column containing desorbent is recycled to the separation unit and a sidecut stream, containing C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities and a minor amount of the desorbent from the raffinate stream, is directed to the raffinate fractionation column, thereby removing C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons from the desorbent before recycling the desorbent to the separation unit, and preventing C.sub.9 aromatics from building up in the desorbent input. A fractionator for the extract column bottoms stream is eliminated, lowering capital costs, and energy requirements for the raffinate column are reduced.

Abstract: In the process flow scheme for chromatographically separating paraxylene from C.sub.8 isomers containing substantial amounts of C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities with an X or Y zeolite adsorbent and heavy desorbents, e.g., tetralin and derivatives thereof and diethyltoluene, a drag stream is split from the extract fractionation column bottoms stream, containing desorbent and C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities for recycling to the separation unit, and is directed to the raffinate fractionation column, where C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons are removed to prevent C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons from building up in the desorbent input to the separation unit. A fractionator for the extract column stream is eliminated, lowering capital costs.

Abstract: A liquid-permeable, nonwoven web is disclosed which is useful as a bodyside liner for an absorption article, particularly baby diapers, incontinent garments and feminine care products. The nonwoven web contains at least 3 layers of thermoplastic filaments which are bonded together. The filaments have a denier of between about 3 to 15. The web has a basis weight of between about 0.5 to 1.0 ounces per square yard and a length of fiber per unit volume of between about 100 to 400 meters per cubic centimeter. A web constructed according to the above description provides good masking properties for body exudate, especially menstrual fluid, which comes in contact with it. The web also permits a rapid passage of human exudate therethrough into an adjacent absorbent where it can be retained.

Abstract: A spunbonded liner material having a heavy loading of pigment, formed of a heavier denier than normal spunbonded fiber in a lightweight fabric. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibers are formed of polypropylene and the pigment is formed of titanium dioxide present in an amount between about 1 and about 6 percent by weight of the fabric. The fabric material further has an open area of between about 25 and about 50 percent with an average pore size of between about 15,000 and 35,000 square microns and a fiber denier of greater than 3. Masking is greater than two times conventional nonwovens.

Abstract: A nonwoven hospital sponge material has been provided comprising a layered fabric having an inner core of a substantially hydrophilic material disposed adjacent at least one outer or surface layer or between a pair of outer layers of a substantially hydrophobic material, said sponge material being bonded by passing the material through rolls engraved in a pattern of lands and grooves in such a way that a repeating pattern of three degrees of compression are imposed therein: high compression, intermediate compression and, little or no compression. A nonwoven fabric bonded in this manner becomes more absorbent, loftier, has good surface integrity and does not adhere to the wound surface, when the nonwoven sponge material is then compacted subsequent to the bonding step. This thusly constructed, rather lighweight nonwoven material, produces a relatively inexpensive and disposable hospital sponge and dressing material having all of the desirable features of the more expensive woven materials commonly used today.

Abstract: Nonwoven fabrics of enhanced resistance to shrinkage, degradation, and planar instability at elevated temperatures are prepared from a major portion of aramid fibers bonded by a minor portion of polyamide fibers.