Abstract: A catalyst bed combination comprising a bed of a particulate copper-containing catalyst and, upstream of the catalyst bed, a guard bed in the form of shaped units formed from lead oxide particles and a particulate support material. The guard bed extends the life of the copper catalyst by absorbing halide contaminants in the process stream.

Abstract: A catalyst or precursor thereto comprising cobalt and/or a cobalt compound on a transition alumina support having a total cobalt content of at least 41% by weight and a cobalt surface area, after reduction, greater than 25 m2 per gram of total cobalt. The catalyst or precursor may be made by slurrying a transition alumina powder having a pore volume of at least 0.7 ml/g with an aqueous cobalt ammine carbonate complex and heating the slurry to decompose the complex.

Abstract: A catalyst or precursor thereto comprising cobalt and/or a cobalt compound on a transition alumina support having a total cobalt content of at least 41% by weight and a cobalt surface area, after reduction, greater than 25 m2 per gram of total cobalt. The catalyst or precursor may be made by slurrying a transition alumina powder having a pore volume of at least 0.7 ml/g with an aqueous cobalt ammine carbonate complex and heating the slurry to decompose the complex.

Abstract: A device for joining a toilet seat and cover to a commode without using tools and from only one side. A base assembly is attached to the commode using a bolt rotated by a hand graspable head portion. A cover conceals the bolt assembly from view. In one embodiment the head portion of the bolt folds out of sight and into engagement with the base; a cover, attached to the base then folds over the handle. In another embodiment the head portion of the expanding bolt folds into the base; the base and the folded head forming complementary interlocking structures disguising the bolt assembly. The bolt employs a nut indexed to a slit on the stem portion of the base. Manipulating the head portion of the bolt draws the nut into engagement with the stem. The outward flaring of the stem anchors the bolt in the mounting holes of the commode. The head portion of the bolt holds the base on the commode. In one embodiment the stem is separable from the base.