Abstract: Process for producing ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butyrate, mixtures containing the same in liquid form and their use. In order to produce ammonium-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio-n-butyrate and mixtures containing the same with a remarkable fluidity and a very low oligomer proportion by a process based on exclusively “liquid” steps, the reaction mixture is treated with a water-immiscible or partially water-miscible inert solvent, until a first organic extract and a first aqueous raffinate are obtained, and the first organic extract is decomposed into a second organic extract and a second aqueous raffinate by treating it with ammonia and phase separation. Re-extraction of MHA as MHAAS is carried out in the second aqueous raffinate, causing salt formation, and MHAAS is isolated from the second aqueous raffinate. This compound is useful as feedstuff supplement and as methionine substitute.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing nonmagnetic drilling string components, especially heavy duty drill-stems for exploratory bores, e.g. for deposits of crude oil and/or natural gas deposits, such as directional bores or the like, includes the step of melting and allowing to solidify an alloy consisting essentially of, each in percent by weight:carbon in a maximum of 0.15, preferably 0.08;silicon in a maximum of 1.0;manganese 11.0 to 25.0, preferably 12.0 to 20.0;chromium 10.0 to 20.0, preferably 11.0 to 16.0;molybdenum 0.1 to 1.0, preferably 0.2 to 0.8;nickel 0.1 to 6.0, preferably 1.0 to 3.0;nitrogen 0.05 to 0.5, preferably 0.1 to 0.35; andthe remainder being iron and impurities resulting from manufacturing conditions. The alloy is subjected to an at least two-stage, especially a four- to six-stage hot-working process and, if desired, cooled down and then solution heat-treated at about 1,020.degree. C. to about 1,070.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved valve arrangement for distributing liquid and/or gaseous subsces from a plurality of substance storing vessels to a processing vessel utilizing fluidic pressure control valves. A common conduit line runs through a block and has an output end connectable to a receiving vessel, the line has a series of openings along one surface of the block. Flexible membranes disposed above the openings of the common conduit line and similar openings in the block surface connected to the supply conduit lines control the fluid communication between the supply conduits and the common conduit.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for distributing liquid and/or gaseous substances from a plurality of substance-storing vessels to a processing vessel. The valve arrangement is characterized by an elongated conduit having an output end connectable to a receiving vessel and a plurality of openings along the length thereof the supply conduits associated with said further openings in the elongated conduit are respectively connectable to substance-storing vessels. Valves are disposed between the supply conduits and the further openings for selectively placing the respective supply conduits in fluid communication with the output end of the elongated conduit.

Abstract: An evacuation device for removing volatile components from a reaction ves of a protein sequenator and requiring connection to a single vacuum pump is provided. The evacuation device includes a vacuum path having a downstream end thereof connectable through a cooling trap to the vacuum pump and an upstream end defining an input. The vacuum path additionally includes a shutoff valve intermediate the length thereof. A further vacuum path bridges the first mentioned vacuum path upstream and downstream of the shutoff valve and has a smaller vacuum cross-section and houses a throttle therein, the second vacuum path being used for generating a prevacuum in response to the closing of the shutoff valve in the first mentioned vacuum path.