Abstract: Aqueous sulfur and caustic component-containing waste streams are disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner employing a process featuring integrated coking and gasification operations.

Abstract: Formation of undesirable popcorn polymer on the walls of a reaction vessel during thermal dimerization of butadiene is prevented by coating the walls with a falling film of aqueous sodium nitrite solution.

Abstract: Phenol-aldehyde resins are prepared by condensing phenol with formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde in the presence of an alkali. The resulting resins are particularly suited for manufacturing products such as fiberboard and chipboard.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for deriving motor fuel from coal which involves the steps of solubilizing coal in a liquefaction solvent; separating undissolved solids from the liquefaction solution; fractionating the liquid phase by distillation; subjecting intermediate distillate fractions to denitrification treatment; and catalytic cracking of the resultant denitrified synthetic crude oil to produce premium grade gasoline.

Abstract: Molding compositions or masses comprising sand and a two-component binder system are prepared. These two-component binders consist essentially of 1) polyisocyanate and 2) a low molecular weight polymethylol produced by the controlled condensation of narrow mole ratios of acetone and formaldehyde under alkaline reaction conditions followed by acidification and removal of sufficient water to produce a minimum solid content of at least 95%. These molding compositions cure so fast that they may be taken off the mold five minutes after having been cured with an amine curing agent, and reach a substantial bending strength within minutes of curing compared to prior art compositions which achieve comparable bending strength only after a period of as long as one hour.

Abstract: A pre-engine catalytic converter for use with fuels which are mixtures of hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds, such as alcohols, ethers and ketones, convertible to carbon monoxide and H.sub.2. The converter comprises two catalyst beds arranged in series, the first containing a catalyst suitable for the decomposition of organic oxygenates to CO and H.sub.2 and the second containing a cracking catalyst of the ZSM-5 zeolite type to convert the liquid hydrocarbon fuel to gaseous hydrocarbon fuel. Energy is extracted from the engine exhaust by heat exchange and utilized to support the catalytic reactions whereby the heating value and the octane rating of the fuel are increased. The performance and fuel economy of the engine are substantially improved.

Abstract: Wood materials are prepared, characterised by improved resistance to hot water and by high weather resistance, by combining wood products with a phenol-aldehyde resin and alkylene carbonate hardener, the latter being incorporated in said resin as an aqueous formaldehyde solution.